A YOUNG karting star from Purfleet has been crowned junior race league champion, just more than a year after trying the sport for the first time.

Nine-year-old Jack Williamson, who attends Aveley Primary School, went along to Lakeside & Brentwood karting last March after they started a development club for 8-18 year olds.

And he has never looked back, winning more than 50 trophies before being crowned the junior race league champion earlier this month, the youngest ever champion.

And, having also been awarded the ‘Rising Star’ award last October, race director Dan Lee is excited at what the future holds for Jack.

“Jack has performed brilliantly over the past 12 months and this season has seen him take another leap forward,” he said.

“His competitive attitude and professional mind set has really set him apart from his competition which is a surprise from a driver at such a young age.

“I’m really looking forward to see what the future brings for Jack,” he added. “His ability definitely won’t be something that holds him back as he has bundles of it.”

Jack first starting to raise eyebrows last September, after winning a two-hour endurance charity event for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Jack saw off the challenge of a host of semi-professional racers, including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s younger brother Nick.

And his mum Lucy said she was proud of what her son was doing.

“We are extremely proud of all Jack’s achievements, and in such a small period as well,” she said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Jack can contact his mum Lucy on 07789 372 516 or otherwise email lucydean1@live.co.uk.