A KART racer from Elton has gone from being a complete novice to almost winning a county title in the space of a few months.

Tony Davies, 15, finished second in his first campaign in the Cheshire Kart Racing Club Championship, which stages races every month at the Hooton Park circuit.

Tony, who attends Frodsham College of Science, only started kart racing in May. By September he had been upgraded to a full race licence after completing the required five race meetings as a novice.

During his novice period, Tony still managed good enough results in the monthly finals to give him the chance of a top-three finish in the championship.

At this month’s deciding meeting, the teenager was forced off the circuit in his first heat and did not finish.

After frantic repairs to his CRG Road Rebel Rotax, he managed to make the grid for heat two but he was once again involved in a contact incident and had to settle for a lowly eighth-placed finish.

Starting at the back of the grid for the final, Tony knew his chances of winning the championship were over. But he stayed out of trouble to finish sixth and secure second place in the overall series.

Tony could take part in the 2008 Motors TV National Series, depending on funds and sponsorship, as well as racing at the North Wales Glan-y-Gors racetrack.

He is backed by Ellesmere Port-based Ford and Vauxhall Spares, parents Paul and Shirley and friends.

Meanwhile, a British champion has spent time giving tips to the next generation of karting sensations.

Paul Kennings, 34, visited Tarporley Community High School – which has a prominent karting team – along with his BKMS Racing teammate Neil Bagley.

Paul, of Audlem, cruised to his second consecutive Division One Superkart Championship with a round to spare earlier this year.

During his visit to Tarporley, Paul displayed his Superkart, held an open question forum with about 30 club members, schoolchildren, parents and helpers, and did an interview for the school’s website.

The Tarporley karting club is the largest of its kind in the UK and is almost 20 years old. Many of the club members have already had significant success.

For further information, visit his website at www.bkms racing.com or www.tarporley karting.co.uk