by Alan Quick

A CREDITON lad is on the road to becoming the next Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton or even Nigel Mansell!

Billy Edgecombe has a passion for Kart Racing and has already achieved success, despite being just nine years of age.

His idols started their racing careers at the same age Billy is now, and his family hope he will go on to achieve great things.

Billy, a pupil at Hayward’s Primary School in Crediton, races at Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club near Honiton and describes the racing as “good fun”.

He competes in the Libre Cadet Championship, a series run for eight to 13 year-old children, under MSA (Motor Sports Association) regulations.

The Karts can have either Honda Gx160 4stroke or Iame Gazelle 60cc 2stroke engines. Both engine types produce up to 7hp.

There is a minimum weight limit of 103kg to help equalise the weight difference between the ages of the children.

At Dunkeswell these Karts can reach a top speed of 55mph!

Billy was fortunate enough this year to be loaned a Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club MSA academy Kart, however his loan has come to an end and now Billy is seeking sponsors to help with his dream to become a professional Racing Driver.

Firstly, he needs to buy a new Kart which would be run and maintained by his two families, primarily his father Adam and stepfather Paul, both of whom have motorsport backgrounds.

In addition, Billy is seeking funds for entry and practice fees, tyres, fuel and protective clothing.

His family explained that a company logo could be placed on his kart, and Billy would like to keep in touch with prospective sponsors, including inviting them to watch him race at Dunkeswell.

During the coming year, Billy hopes to race at some other tracks in the UK.

Despite two big crashes, from which he bounced back well, Billy won two trophies at Dunkeswell this year, Best Novice in September and October.

If you can help with sponsorship in any way, please contact Paul on 07974 387080 or Adam on 07951 448615 or via the “Courier” office or email: [email protected] .