Highly-rated youngster Nathan Harrison has joined Ginetta Juniors - Photo Credit: Chris Walker/www.kartpix.net
Successful British karter Nathan Harrison has announced his graduation into car racing, after signing a deal with reigning champions Hillspeed to compete in the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship.
15 year old Harrison has enjoyed a successful eight year career in karting, with highlights including becoming the 2009 Super 1 ABkC Mini Max Karting Champion, as well as finishing runner up in both the Super 1 National Rotax Max Junior Championship and the Rotax Max Euro Challenge in 2011. This meant he ended the year an impressive sixth in the world in Rotax Max karting.
Oxford-based Harrison said: “I'm really looking forward to making my debut in Ginetta Junior – I really can't wait. We always knew we'd come into cars when I was old enough, karting is the foundation and there wasn't much else we could do there really. This is most definitely the right time to make the step-up and take on a new challenge.
“We're confident it's going to be a great year driving with Hillspeed. We know it'll be tough, there are going to be some very experienced second and third year drivers in the championship, but we're aiming for a strong debut and focused on fighting at the front.”
Hillspeed team principal Richard Ollerenshaw commented: “We're incredibly pleased to have signed a deal with Nathan for his first season in cars and we're confident he'll make strong progress and become a real force in Ginetta Junior. We can't wait to begin our pre-season testing programme with him, it's fantastic to have the chance to work with a driver boasting such a superb karting pedigree.
“This deal with Nathan only came about because, thanks to Ginetta, he'd had the chance to test a G40 at Bedford Autodrome just before Christmas. It's that level of support and commitment from such a proactive manufacturer which helps the championship thrive and stand-out from the competition, Lawrence Tomlinson and his team deserve a lot of credit.”
Ginetta Cars Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson added: “It's great to see Nathan taking his first step into sportscars. The Ginetta Juniors provide a great platform for young racing drivers at the early stages of their career, the benefits and experience they gain prepares them for any series. I wish Nathan all the best for his first season as a Ginetta Junior driver and I look forward to watching him progress.”
