HANLEY Castle High qualified for July’s British Schools Karting Championship’s national final after securing second place regionally at Thruxton.

Harry Farnhill, James Norman and Jonah Barker, who are all novice racers and do not hold Motor Sports Association kart licences, had won the local finals at Gloucester.

All three made up significant places in the random grid positions at the south-west competition.

Norman moved from 11th to third in race one, Farnhill took fastest lap with 49.477 seconds, which was just shy of the track’s best, and Barker was close to the lap record, showing the team’s pace and consistency.

Michelle Wheldon, who set up the team, said: “I am extremely proud of them. They have worked incredibly hard to improve their driving skills and have listened carefully to all the advice they have been given.

“We are all really excited about the national final and they will continue to get training from endurance racing driver and ex-European karting finalist Rob Wheldon, which will be fantastic.”

The boys also had help from Chris Powell, of Herefordshire Raceway, and karter Lee Hackett.

They head to the national final at Whilton Mill on July 18 and need sponsorship to help pay for training. Anyone interested can e-mail Michelle Wheldon at nixonm@hanleycastlehs.org.uk.