American sprintcar driver Michael 'Buddy' Kofoid to race in Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at 16

American rising star Michael ‘Buddy’ Kofoid arrived in Australia in December just a few weeks after he turned 16.

He hopes to pass his driving exam when he returns to California.

But first Kofoid wants to mix it with the elite at Premier Speedway.

“All the best drivers aren’t just in one place, they’re spread out everywhere so we try and race all the best drivers from all over the world,” he said.

Kofoid is invested in becoming the best –  NASCAR or Formula 1 is his ultimate goal – with his scheduling geared towards reaching his potential.

His month-long Australian adventure is part of his long-term plans. Famed World of Outlaws gigs are also on his 2018 agenda.

A decision to leave the public school system in favour of independent study 12 months ago was also weighted towards helping him progress in sprintcars.

“I’m in 10th grade. I do independent study, so I do all my work at home and once a week I meet with teachers,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to get my parents to let me do it and it finally worked out.”

Kofoid is used to competing against drivers more than double his age and holds no fears when he’s out on the track.

“I started racing sprintcars in general when I was 11 but my first 410 race was January of 2016,” he said.