FORMULA MUM

[davewilson]

THE mother of British Formula 1 wonderboy Lewis Hamilton is so broke she has entered a TV competition to win tickets to see his Australian debut.

Carmen Lockhart desperately wants to cheer on Lewis - the first black F1 racer - in Melbourne in March.

But she's too proud to ask him for money. Instead, she says: "I've entered an ITV competition to win a trip. It would be great to see my son race."

Lewis, 21, from Stevenage, Herts, was signed by McClaren at the age of 13 and is tipped to be the Tiger Woods of motor-racing.

Healthcare worker Carmen, 51, insists he's not going to be distracted by girls - because he's too devoted to his girlfriend of three years, Hong Kong-born Jodia, also 21. "Jodia's a gentle, lovely girl - the sort who will help keep his feet on the ground," she says. "And Lewis isn't interested in the fake life and people who are just money-grabbers."

Carmen, who split from Lewis's father when he was two, told of her son's fight to achieve his lifelong driving dream. "He's done all sorts to fund his racing, from working in a clothes shop to bar work. But he couldn't hold down a job because he was always off racing." Lewis's dad Anthony, who is now his manager, also worked hard to make the dream come true, taking on three jobs at a time - including putting up "for sale" signs on houses for £15 ago.


Carmen, who let Anthony bring up their son, said: "He worked hard to raise money for Lewis. Without him Lewis could not have gone on."


She added: "A lot of kids have millionaire parents and they can't understand why their sons are not winning when Lewis is. But it's not all about money - it's really about talent."


Lewis now lives in a mansion with his father, stepmother Linda, 42, and brother Nicholas, who has cerebral palsy.


Carmen, who lives in Sandy, Beds, with husband Ray, 55, said: "Lewis has a racing life with his dad and his normal life when he comes over to my house. We go out for a meal or go bowling. I am his biggest fan. I am so proud of him."

The Stig

[romephius]

If that story hits the Mclaren press centre, I don't think lewis' mum will have to worry about winning any competitions.  If Mclaren didn't take her as a VIP, I think they will be quite un-popular with the little people for a week or so.

But who knows maybe they don't care.

I have a feeling she will be there somehow.

[davewilson]

romephius:
You are correct,things can only get better for her.
The Stig