Essex racing driver Lochlan Bearman began the 2015 Hunts Kart Racing Club Championship at Kimbolton on Sunday by winning the first round of the competition.

The 12-year-old, from Theydon Bois, was the 2014 winner of the Stars at Whilton Mill Championship and finished fourth in the Mini Max Championship at Kimbolton following a controversial exclusion.

And Bearman, pictured, began the new season in ideal fashion on Sunday, opening his account with victory in the Mini Max category.

Practice day went well for Bearman and the CooperMototsport team, with race day proving to be even better. Reflecting on his first win of the new campaign, Bearman said: “It is a fantastic way to start the season.

“Gary at CooperMotorsport got the set-up just right and I am pleased with the way I drove, not making any mistakes and being very consistent.

“I think the new gloves and boots I got for Christmas made the difference,” he joked.

Starting the first qualifying heat in fifth place on the grid, Bearman enjoyed a sensational start, making two decisive moves to lead by the second corner. The Essex youngster led until the end of lap five when he was slip-streamed and passed but he coolly followed his competitor and made his move to re-take the lead four laps later, before leading to the finish.

Bearman started the second qualifying heat in 11th place on the grid and again made a courageous move around the outside of the first corner to emerge in fourth place as the karts streamed out of the ‘Willows Complex’ and along the straight towards the ‘Bus Stop’.

By his second lap, Bearman had managed to pass two more competitors and progress into second position at the start of lap three. Leading the field by the time they started lap four, Bearman was error free as he calmly drove through the remainder of the race to win by a margin of almost three seconds.

The qualifying heat results put him in pole position for the final.

Leading from the first corner, Bearman managed to break the tow of the two karts behind him and consistently pulled away, never looking to be in any danger to win by just over three seconds this time.

The young driver will return to action for round one of the Whilton Mill Championship in Daventry on January 25, looking to re-claim his crown from last season’s triumph.

Bearman is looking to race in Europe this season or compete in the UK National televised series and is looking for sponsorship from anyone who can help him achieve his ambition.