When Liam Lawson rockets around the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas tomorrow morning during opening practice, a nation will be watching on.
And one man in particular, 12,000km away, in suburban West Auckland will be riveted to his TV.
Karting guru Mat Kinsman was given the surprise of his life when this week Lawson, opted to use the number 30 on his new Racing Bulls Formula 1 car.
The young Kiwi posted a video confirming he picked 30, with a nod to an old karting mentor back in New Zealand.
Lawson's first full-time outing in the Red Bull car will carry special significance. (Source: 1News)
"I woke up in the morning, it (the video) has been forwarded to me quite a few times, that's actually the first I knew about it," Kinsman told 1News. "I got a little bit emotional to be honest."
Lawson used the racing number 30 around the world, whenever possible, ever since he and Kinsman struck up a bond nearly 15 years ago, racing for the same kart team. Lawson was aged eight, Kinsman 19.
In the video Lawson posted on social media he said: "There was a guy who looked after me, he became my hero, my idol when I was a kid in go karts. He ran number 30 and I picked 30 because of him."
The man Lawson was alluding to being Kinsman.
Kinsman continues to race karts and use the number 30. Years ago he had to pick 30 because his dad raced in the number 31. Kinsman's grandfather was also involved in motor racing.
Kinsman said he was impressed with little Lawson from the word go.
"He never gave up, to be fair he was very serious about what we did ... he was quite stubborn, but we got through that."
A young Liam Lawson (right) with his karting mentor Mat Kinsman (centre). (Source: Supplied)
"The first year he came back and we raced each other he had to race in 10 — he wasn't allowed the number. He wasn't overly impressed but I didn't care haha."
"I knew he was one of the more talented kids."
Kinsman, 33, is a multiple national title holder in karts, and a gun on the world karting stage. He won a global event late last year in Bahrain.
Kinsman now runs karting teams, builds karts, and fixes their engines — often from scratch.
"We've got so many talented kiwis in so many different racing divisions that all do a really good job."
Kinsman said most of the Kiwi racing driver's in New Zealand start their careers in karting.
A young Liam Lawson (right) with karting mentor Mat Kinsman. (Source: Supplied)
Kinsman was asked if he will have the chance to speak to Lawson before the first practice session on Saturday morning.
"Yeah highly likely, I'll just say the same old thing — good luck mate, have fun."
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Kinsman was also asked what it's going to be like seeing the number 30 tear around the Texas racetrack.
"I'm not going to lie — it's going be pretty damn cool."
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