Holyport's go-kart king Harry hoping for big year

A teenage motor-racing ace has a big year ahead of him, as he looks to secure a sponsored ride with a prestigious team.

Harry King, from Moneyrow Green, is in his final season of under 13s racing in the F6 class.

Next year the Desborough College student will have to find a new class to race in.

The Holyport Hamilton has started his season well, clinching the chequered flag in his opening championship of the season held at Camberley.

Harry, who gained his karting licence when he was nine, first got into racing after his dad bought a go-kart for his older brother.

"He didn't particularly like it. I said 'can I have a go?' I got my brother's helmet and overalls, just went out there and enjoyed it and took it from there," said the year-eight schoolboy.

Last year the 13-year-old competed in the Super-one series after winning two championships the year before. Formula One stars Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton both cut their teeth in the same events.

His aim is to impress in the upcoming Welsh, South-west and Midlands championships. By the end of the year he hopes to secure a scholarship with the Ginetta racing team.

The scholarship prize is a fully funded season in the Ginetta Junior championships, including use of a car and back-up team.

To win he must be selected for a trial weekend, and beat 60 others to claim the prize.

His dad, Thomas, said: "It's his last year, an opportunity for him to be recognised for the standard of driving that he can deliver when he's at his best."

He added: "If he's successful it will be a quite compelling CV for whatever we want to do next year."