Speedster, 8, tops championship against racers up to five years his senior

Young Lochlan, from Theydon Bois, has been tearing up the track in the Red Lodge Honda Cadet Championship and leaving his rivals in his wake, as he tops the standings heading in to the final race of the season on December 4.

Lochlan, who started racing when he was just six, has hit speeds of up to 55mph on his way to five race victories and two runners-up places.

Barring any freak incidents, the speedster will be crowned champion after the final race, although his progression to the next level of competition is hampered by the expensive nature of the sport.

Lochlan's race suit and shoes have been bought from eBay, while he has been forced to compete on just two sets of tyres all year, spanning a total of 44 races.

However, it is testament to the young racer's talent that he has still managed to lead the field against drivers up to the age of 13.

That he had a knack for four wheels was evident when he attended weekly karting lessons at just six, before being coached by his father John.

After an assessment at seven-years-old Lochlan was given permission to race a year before the limit and he proved to be a natural, earning his first trophy in the championship at the same age.

Since then, a series of victories, including one in which he was the only competitor not to spin in treacherous conditions, has seen him top the rankings. One sixth-place finish even arrived after battling a flat front tyre, while another was achieved from the back of the grid.

A total of 13 trophies in 16 races suggests Lochlan is ready to make the step up to Super 1 and Formula Kart Stars Championship next year, although more advanced equipment will be required if he is to continue on the path to fulfilling his dream of becoming a racing driver, with former Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton his idol.

Anybody interested in sponsoring Lochlan's rise to the top can call his father John on 07916 128960 or by email at john.bearman@gmail.com.