Go-kart driver Sam Haycock slammed in Toowoomba Magistrates Court for drink driving

It will be a while before an up-and-coming go-kart racer will be able to hit the road after he was busted drink driving in the heart of Toowoomba.

A young up-and-coming go-kart racer has been ordered off the track after he was busted by police drink driving.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told Sam Haycock had two drinks on December 2, 2022, before he decided to get behind the wheel of a car.

The P-plater was stopped by police along Ruthven St, Toowoomba and recorded a breath alcohol reading above the general limit.

Haycock’s lawyer told the court he had a number of character references, no recent traffic history and no criminal history.

Toowoomba man Sam Haycock pleaded guilty to drink driving. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

The court was told the 20-year-old St Mary’s College graduate was an avid go-kart racer, who competed across Queensland and NSW.

“When he’s not racing he assists in track marshalling and the juniors at the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Car Club,” Haycock’s lawyer said.

“Any licence disqualification … would likely have an adverse effect on his current employment.”

Magistrate Kay Philipson said the apprentice plumber was on a provisional licence and was not allowed to have any alcohol in his system while driving.

“What on earth possessed you to think you could have two drinks and drive is beyond my comprehension,” she said.

However, Ms Philipson said the incident seemed to be out of character and commended Haycock for attending a Queensland Traffic Offenders Program.

On Monday, January 23, Haycock pleaded guilty to driving over the general alcohol limit and he was disqualified from driving for three months and fined $300.

No conviction was recorded.