At 14, Xander Antonieff is already making waves in the world of motor racing.
The Capalaba State College student cannot legally drive a car on the open road, but that has not stopped him from travelling at breakneck, record-breaking speeds in his specially designed race car.
At 12, Xander became the youngest person in Australia to qualify for a national racing license.
Since then he has secured several sponsors, including Hog's Breath Australia, Hi-Tec Oils and Revolution Racegear, and is on track to turn his weekend hobby into a career.
Xander's father Michael Antonieff said his son took to racing like a duck to water after humble beginnings driving dirt go karts.
"We've been in motor sport for many years now," he said.
"Xander started his racing career at nine years old driving dirt go karts."
Mr Antonieff said Xander turned into a skilled driver practically overnight after a chance meeting with an event manager when he was 12.
"We were at a race track one day and Xander had a go at driving," he said.
"They had a look at him and said he drives better than most of the older drivers out there.
"After three days of practice he got his national license."
Last year, racing against men more than five times his age, Xander finished 4th of 18 rookies and 20th overall.
His go karting resume is just as impressive, with a 3rd place in the junior 1 division to his name.
Mr Antonieff said his son had his sights set on turning professional.
"He wants to become a professional driver here in Australia or overseas," he said.
"He wanted to be an F1 driver but he is quite tall, almost six foot, so he might go the way of V8 Supercars or gran turismo racing."
Xander said his school had been big supporters of his racing career, with staff turning out on race days to support him.
"The school helps me out a lot," he said.
"One of the teachers came to watch me race and hopped in the car with me. He is big into racing."
Xander will return to the race track this weekend in Warwick where he will drive for the first time in three months.
