AN EIGHT-year-old boy from Griffithstown will take part in an eight day European rally event next year in one of his favourite super cars.

Jack Pittas, of Canal Court, entered a competition on Facebook to win a baseball hat and t-shirt but was unable to collect his prize due to not having a driving licence.

The event organisers at eightballrally.com have since allowed Jack and his father Rob Pittas to take part in the 3,000 mile trip after sponsors agreed to cover their expenses, which starts in London on June 18.

Jack, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, and his father will ride along in a Lamborghini Aventador and will visit Lyon and Barcelona before ending in Casino Square, Monaco.

“Words can’t describe what it means to Jack and I,” said Mr Pittas, 43, of The Birches, Pontnewydd.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Jack and we can’t thank all the event sponsors enough for their kind gesture.”

Since he was young, Jack has developed an interest in cars and picked the Italian sports car as his car of choice for the rally.

“If I hadn’t taken an interest in cars, my dad and I wouldn’t be going on this trip,” said Jack.

“I chose the Lamborghini Aventador which is one of my favourite cars. It goes so fast and it can go up to 250mph.

“I can’t wait for the rally and I am especially looking forward to going to Monaco. I am hoping to see my all-time favourite car the Bugatti Veyron,” he added.

Jack has his own Facebook page – Jack the Supercar Kid – and since his involvement with the rally event, he has received an influx of likes from as far away at Mexico and Japan.

Aston Woods is the company director of the Kent-based Eight Ball Rally Ltd and after hearing Jack’s interest, was compelled to do something for the Gwent-based pair.

“We got in touch Jack and Rob and their story touched us. So we thought of what we could do for them after hearing about the competition issue,” said Mr Woods.

The company is in the process of setting up a foundation to help children experience events which they would normally be unable to have.

“It’s great to have them on board for the event. They won’t be racing but it will be good see how this goes for future events of this type,” added Mr Woods.