A BUSINESSMAN from Neston is hoping to fulfil a 20-year ambition by becoming a European champion.

Carl Hulme is eyeing title glory in superkart racing, a form of motorsport involving karts which look more like open-wheel racing cars.

He won the British Superkart Grand Prix at Cadwell Park last year, beating reigning European champion Gavin Bennett after coming from 14th place on the grid.

However, the highest Carl has come overall in the European Superkart Championship is fifth – something he believes he is ready to put right when the new season gets under way in April.

Carl, who co-owns the Oaktree Court Business Centre in Ness, said: “People sometimes think of karts at Blackpool when I tell them that I race. But the reality is totally different – our karts have a top speed of 150mph and go from 0-60mph in less than three seconds.”

Carl is currently putting the finishing touches to his preparations for the new season, which include looking for a sponsor to work with his team to help him achieve his lifelong racing dream.

The European championship sees Carl racing at circuits including Le Mans, Assen and Snetterton.

Carl added: “I am hoping to attract a sponsor who has a passion for motorsport and would be interested in working with my team during the season to help us achieve our ambition of becoming number one in Europe.

“Things can and do go wrong with the kart so it is vital that we have spares of all the parts we might need during a race weekend such as brake pads, pistons and tyres.”

Crowds of up to 60,000 people often attend the superkart races and, on occasions, the karts are support events to Formula 1.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Carl can contact him on 0151 214 1050 or email carlhulme@gmail.com.