Nigel's love of fast driving and possibly some of his skill was inherited from his mother. At an early age he was hooked on her passion for speed. This passion was to take him to the top of the World. However, it was Nigel's father who was the inspiration behind his karting. He was regularly taken to watch the races at the local track. Not one to stand on the sidelines for too long he soon bought his own kart - a crude contraption powered by a lawn mower engine. The cost was £25. Soon Nigel was racing round the allotments beating all comers! At aged 10 (although the minimum age was 11) he got his first licence. He was ready to race and race he did! After a couple of defeats Nigel won his first race at age 14. The psychology was in place - approach every competition believing that winning is everything and losing doesn't exist.