MALMESBURY’S Louis Harvey proved he can race among the best at the Shenington Superprix English Champion Race on Saturday, July 16.

The 12-year-old pulled off some excellent overtaking manoeuvres in a field dominated by the top drivers from around the country, including the Super One drivers who were competing to be crowned the English Champion.

Louis ran a new engine in his kart which held him back during the practice sessions and heats but worked hard to earn an eighth place starting position on the grid of the final race, ahead of some Super One drivers.

The final was a tough race with some wheel to wheel driving and position swapping. Louis was pushed wide into Wilkins on lap 8 and moved down to P12. A late move on the last lap into Café corner got him back up to tenth and with the chequered flag just around the corner Louis gambled to try and take ninth place but as he moved out for the overtake two karts squeezed up the inside and put him back to 12th before he crossed the finishing line.

The young driver was upset not to have held on to a top ten finish but was pleased to have finished just outside in one of the biggest TKM competitions in the country against the top drivers.

He will take the weekend as a whole as a real confidence boost knowing in the future he’ll be a championship contender or a Super One driver himself.