A CREDITON lad who is on the road to becoming the next Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton or even Nigel Mansell won two trophies in a recent competition.

Billy Edgecombe has a passion for Kart Racing and has already achieved success, despite being just 11 years of age.

His idols started their racing careers when they were aged about nine, which was when Billy took up the sport.

Competing during the weekend of December 8 and 9, during his last round of the Independent Kart Racing (IKR) Winter Series at the Clay Pigeon race track near Dorchester, Billy came a very decent fourth.

Overall points scored in the Championship made Billy the winner, so he came away with two trophies that weekend, one for coming fourth on the day and another for winning the Championship. 

Billy’s mother Heather Sims, told the “Courier”: “Jenson Button actually started his racing career here, in the same Kart as Billy, so who knows, maybe he’s a future F1 driver!

“We are all very proud of his achievements.”

Billy is a former pupil at Hayward’s Primary School and now attends Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton.

He 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, when aged nine, to be loaned a Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club MSA academy Kart.

Billy is now seeking sponsors to help with his dream to become a professional Racing Driver.

In addition, he is seeking funds for a new kart, entry and practice fees, tyres, fuel and protective clothing.

His karts are maintained by his two families, primarily his father Adam and stepfather Paul, both of whom have motorsport backgrounds.

Sponsor company logos can be displayed on his kart.

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

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] .