Motorsport student one of the world’s fastest karters

A motorsport student from Canterbury College who showed his racing pedigree to officially become one of the world’s fastest karters is seeking the sponsorship that will allow him to compete next year.

Jamie Summerhayes, 18, beat competition from across the globe to finish 8th in the Easykart International Grand Finals in Italy.

Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair student Jamie, from Rochester, was competing in the senior lightweight category and managed to push his way up the grid from a 13th place start.

He said: “At first I was disappointed because I got up to 4th but there was a crash and we had to re-start. I didn’t have such a good start the second time around. But overall, I’m really pleased with the outcome.”

Jamie is following in the footsteps Formula 1 stars Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso who all started out on the Easykart circuit. He has been learning about kart engines on the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair course, which he began in September.

Jamie has been racing for 5 years, and chose to study at Canterbury College because of its strong motorsport department which has produced several motor vehicle champions in the past. He hopes to become a British Touring Car driver or mechanic.

Jamie is also looking for sponsorship that will allow him to take part in the 2012 season, which begins in February.

Course tutor Kevin Pilcher said: “It’s a fantastic achievement. It was a worldwide effort and he’s done a great job. Let’s hope he can find the sponsorship to expose his talent. The motorsport course aims to promote interest in all forms of motorsport, and help students work in the trade and even become drivers.”

To sponsor Jamie for the 2012 season email jamiesummerhayes@hotmail.co.uk.

To find out more about Motor Vehicle courses at Canterbury College go to canterburycollege.ac.uk/motor-vehicle.