Harry gears up to surprise his seniors

Karting hopeful Harry Wainwright showed his potential with victory against competitors more than six years his senior.

The 11-year-old was in action at the sixth round of the club championships at Shenington Kart Racing Club.

Harry, of Newark, is at the younger end of the junior TKM category, which is open to 11 to 17 year-olds.

In his first year at junior level, the youngster has adapted to racing a 125cc kart against more streetwise racers.

Harry took part in three heats at Shenington, with second, fourth and 12th-placed finishes qualifying him for the final in third place.

The top three made an excellent start to the final, breaking away from the rest of the field.

Harry passed two drivers in front of him and held off their challenges to claim the overall victory just six months after qualifying to race in the category.

He completed the 15-lap race in 11mins 23.54secs, just over half-a-second clear of the two closest challengers.

His father, Simon Wainwright, said: “Harry has done exceptionally well since moving up to a more advanced age group.

“He is fine with the speed. Now it is just a case of getting to grips with the older drivers, who take no prisoners.

“A lot of excellent progress has been made and the victory should give him confidence.”

Following the victory, Wainwright moved up to a top-five position in the overall standings.