By Mark Sleightholm

AT five years old, Bury’s Jenson Whyte is already on the road to his dream of being a motor racing star.

One of the youngest racers in the Bambino Kart Club (BKC) 2019 series, the Brandlesholme boy will make his racing debut next month in the Comer C50 Championship, taking on other young drivers aged between five and seven.

Despite his status as a newcomer and one of the youngest in the category, the family say Jenson is feeling confident.

“He’s quite a determined little boy, he wants to be the best at everything,” explained his mum, Lisa Beagle.

“We’re quite new to it but he’s shown some real promise.”

The Holcombe Brook Primary School pupil only started racing in September with a session at Daytona Manchester, but is now hooked on the sport.

“He’s racing mad, he’s named after a racing driver and his dad’s a big racing fan,” said Beagle.

“We get out of the car at the supermarket and he’s trying to race me to the door.

"He carries two Hot Wheels cars everywhere in his pocket.”

The BKC Series consists of eight races across the country, held between March and October.

The Comer C50 class is based around time trials but as he gets older and more experienced Jenson will be able to move into higher classes with a race format.

Beagle added: “It’s the first ever championship he’s been entered into, but he’s really quick at learning.

"He’s quite a quiet little boy who listens to instructions really well.”

Jenson now practices in Rochdale and has his own customised kart on the way, featuring his name and number.

He wanted Jenson Button’s – the Formula One star he is named after – number 22 but that was already taken, so he settled for 58 in reference to his birthday.

The cost of the car, his racing gear and competition entry fees all adds up, and Jenson’s parents are arranging sponsorship for the coming seasons.

They already have Lancashire Group and Aspect Recruitment backing their son but are still looking for more willing to help out.

They can be contacted via email to jwracing@gmail.com.

The first race of the BKC Series takes place at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire from March 30-31 and more information is on the website at bambinokartclub.com.