6 Friday, August 26, 2016brooklintowncrier.com continued from page 5 Ryan gets instructions from his coach Wesley Schindel at a recent event. Photo by Cody Schindel He trains twice weekly at Twist Sport Conditioning Centre in Whitby and spends an additional two or three times each week at the track sharpening his skills and practice racing, often with his coach Wesley Schindel and father Jason MacDermid by his side. "There's not a lot of time for anything other than school and racing," laughs MacDermid, "but I wouldn't have it any other way." Heading to the World Grand Finals of Karting is a true dream. "It has been exceptionally hard work because I am still relatively new to the sport," says MacDermid. "Racing is my passion. I am focused on improving myself, my skills and my racing, and I am so thrilled to represent Canada in Italy this year!" he says. But the big dream? To one day race on the professional circuit. "It's a huge goal, I know," says MacDermid, "but I have the drive and focus to get there. I can't imagine doing anything other than racing at this point so no matter where I end up, I am positive that racing will be a huge part of my life." In the meantime, he is basking in the glow of the honour to represent Canada in multiple European races, with hometown Brooklin behind him. "It means a lot when people cheer me on or send me a text to wish me good luck. It makes all the hard work even more worth it!"