Austin is a remarkable teenager who is a three time karting champion and one of the best racers in the world. His parents Jason and Jennifer played a key role in introducing racing to Austin when he was just 8 while looking for an activity that he could enjoy. Austin immediately fell in love with racing because it makes him feel free. His autism never discouraged him in achieving his dream of becoming a race car driver. Austin’s has won many championships like 2012 Rotax Mini Max, TRAK Club, MIKA Club, and many others. Austin and his dad present an inspiring story of Austin at schools all over the world to raise awareness for autism. We are proud of Austin’s extraordinary achievements and his tremendous efforts to raise autism awareness Jason has answered on Austin's behalf.

Can you tell us more about your journey of becoming a racer? What do you like about the racing?A:  Austin started racing when he was 8 years old. It was a fluke to be honest. We were just trying to find him a hobby/something he enjoyed doing. Fast forward to today...he is a 3 time karting champion and he has raced all over the world.
Austin has said the reason he likes racing so much is that it makes him feel free. When he puts his helmet on all the world's noise stops. The speed of the kart also helps Austin. He now races karts capable of over 100mph and looks so comfortable doing so....why?? The kart is moving as fast as his mind is. Being in a kart going that fast is truly relaxing for Austin. It's how he escapes the world.

What challenges do you face as a racer? What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from racing?A:  Austin really hasn't had many challenges in the racing world. Everyone seems to accept him based on his abilities on the track not his disabilities off it.
Racing has taught Austin that if he works hard enough he can be successful at anything he does.

How many racing challenges have you participated so far? Which one was the most challenging and why?A: Austin races about 40 times a year for the last 8 years.
The international races are the hardest because they attract the best drivers from all over the world. It makes me very proud to see Austin can be in the top 10 wherever he races in the world and against anyone. He truly is one of the best racers in the world.

Can you tell us how you are raising Autism awareness through your racing?A: Apart from promoting Austin's story with our Facebook page and website which both have huge followings. We present Austin's story at schools all over the world to raise awareness for Autism sharing Austin's message "just because you have Autism…It doesn't mean you can't do great things.

Who is your inspiration?A: Austin inspires to be as successful as his favourite F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

What are your other hobbies?A: Austin doesn't have any other hobbies other than racing. It is his whole life. It has made him who he is.

What is your favorite place to visit?What do you like about that place?A: Austin's favourite place to visit is pretty much any race track in the world but Mosport kartways is probably his favourite. He has had so many memorable races there. It is where he finished 3rd overall at last years Canadian National Karting Championships.

What do you like to do when you are with your friends?A: Race, look at cars and watch funny movies

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?A: I see Austin still being an inspiration to a whole generation of children with and without disabilities giving them courage to follow their dreams just as Austin has.

Any special message for our community?A: This world would be a much better place if we learnt to accept people based on what they can do and didn't discriminate against them for what they can't.