​Zachary Houghton completed his first Formula Ford test at the end of August [Scott Houghton]A teenager with type 1 diabetes is hoping to inspire others with the condition as he moves from simulator racing to real cars, his father has said.Zachary Houghton, from Redhill in Surrey, completed his first Formula Ford race at the end of August, driving a racing car on a circuit for the first time.The 17-year-old told BBC Radio Surrey: “I reckon I’ll be able to get back in the car again – it will just be [about] finding the funding because motorsport isn’t cheap.”His father, Scott Houghton, said his son wanted “to be an advocate and an inspiration” to those with the condition.”Zachary would love his journey to show other young people living with type 1 diabetes that the condition doesn’t have to stop them chasing the things they want to achieve,” he said.Zachary explained how he had to monitor the carbohydrates he ate as part of his condition, but that technology made managing it a lot easier.During the race in August, his car carried the logo of the official charity for East Surrey Hospital on it, which is where he was diagnosed at the age of 12.Houghton’s next aim is to compete in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch [Scott Houghton]His father said: “We’ve previously raised money for the charity as a family, so seeing their name on the car as Zachary drove onto the circuit was a pretty special moment for us.”Houghton’s next target is to compete in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, which is an event for grassroots motorsport.Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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