A SUCCESSFUL end to the year for a young kart driver has put him on the road to a future in motor racing.

Owain Rosser, aged 12, won the 60cc Comer Cadet Championship at Rye House last weekend and is now looking forward to a season in 100cc Junior TKM racing at Kimbolton and Whittin Mill next year.

Rosser, who started driving at the age of eight, is the current holder of the Mark Hines Memorial Trophy which has been won in the past by formula one stars Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Because of his age and ability the Dunmow racer is no graduating to Karts that can do between 75 and 80mph – he has already featured in one race.

After his championship win on December 5 he said: “I am ecstatic and I am looking forward to next year. It is a big jump and the learning curve starts all over again, but I am really looking forward to the challenge.”

Rosser has been racing in a series of heats and qualifiers every month throughout the year and with the support of his parents, his dad Mark builds his karts despite not being a mechanic, has come out on top at the Hoddesdon-based circuit – beating nearly 30 other drivers his age.

Both are Formula One enthusiasts and his mum Sally is no different. She is very proud of the Year Eight Helena Romanes School pupil.

She said: “It was a bitter sweet pill as this was his last race in the Cadet Championship, he now moves up a class and begins a new season next year.

“We are so proud of him. He really has a natural talent. The races are fun to watch but you cannot help but feel nervous and scared because of the speed – sometimes I cant even look.”