A competition is being run by the Autosport International Show and Formula Kart Stars to give aspiring young racing drivers the chance to enter the same karting series that Lewis Hamilton once competed in.
One young driver could get their big break and win entry plus tyres, fuel and the use of a kart for the renowned junior karting series, which is backed by Formula One Management.
The winner will compete in the Formula Kart Stars Cadet class in 2016 – the same class that the likes of Hamilton, Paul Di Resta, Will Stevens and Max Chilton all graduated from.
The competition is open to boys and girls aged between eight and 10 on the first race weekend of the season, which takes place on April 8, 2016.
To enter the competition entrants need to send a 200-word story on why they want to be a Formula One driver to [email protected] by January 4, 2016.
Autosport International show director, Ian France said: “This competition is a brilliant way for a young racer to follow in the footsteps of some of the biggest names in motorsport.
“Formula Kart Stars has a great track record of producing young drivers in the UK, and the amount of those who have gone on to successful careers in motor racing, is a testament to its success.”
A shortlist of 20 will be chosen and invited to the Autosport International show, held at the Birmingham NEC Arena, on January 16 where they will take part in a practical test on the purpose-built indoor track.
Teesside Karts will then choose five finalists who will then face an interview with a panel of recognisable experts from the motorsport industry. Last year’s panel included the likes of Anthony Hamilton and Mark Blundell.
Olivier Algerie won this year’s prize and went on to have successful season in the championship, finishing in fifth place overall and a podium finish at Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland.
Formula Kart Stars managing director, Carolynn Hoy added: “Olivier had a fantastic season, especially considering he had hardly done any racing at all before he started.
“By the end of the season he was mixing with the front-runners, and really made a huge improvement throughout the year. He is very talented and has got potential.”
