FORMULA One legend Nigel Mansell took time out to give Wistaston teenager James Griffiths a few tips during track sessions in Spain.
James, 16, was in Valencia with other elite karters from across Europe competing for a £35,000 BMW works
Former world champion Mansell, working as an assessor for the manufacturing giant, spotted the potential in the speed demon and took time out scholarship. to talk technique.
His dad, Paul, said: 'Nigel was really excellent with James and spent more than 20 minutes with him on a one-toone basis. It really helped and James was made up.'
After beating off competition from almost 50 other drivers, James, who had travelled straight to Spain after spearheading England's successful bid to reclaim the Internations Karting Challenge title in South Wales, just missed out on a scholarship.
He has been placed on the reserve list and could step in should any of the selected youngsters opt out.
