Matt aims to follow Lewis's tracks

Boy racer Matt Davies is on the fast track to Formula One stardom after a sensational start to his career behind the wheel.

The South Staffordshire 12-year-old has already lifted 16 trophies since starting in motorsport just six months ago. Now he plans to line up in the Stars Of Tomorrow kart series in the UK and Belgium next year aiming to follow in the tyre tracks of his hero Lewis Hamilton.

Matt has the same model of machine driven by the current World Championship leader at a similar age and is backed by the same engineer.

He said today: "I have loved racing since the age of three. It is all I want to do in life, I love speed and just want to go faster and faster and am determined to be a racing driver when I get older. Hopefully one day I might be as good as Lewis."

His parents Colin and Lynne from Leasowe Drive, Perton are determined to dig deep to back the driving ambition their only child and have already cancelled this year's summer holiday to foot some of the bills.

His 45-year-old financial accounts manager father has spent up to £1,600 on a 55 mph Zip Kart and bought two £600 60 cc engines while facing an estimated £5,000 more in running costs for the season.

He is prepared to spend up to £20,000 more next year as Matt races after his dream of major success on the track by competing abroad and is looking for sponsorship to help fund the project.

Colin said: "We are neither rich nor poor but are determined to support him in every way we can and will remortgage the house if necessary. He has a real talent for the sport and I am certain that he will have a career in racing. Whether it is Grand Prix racing or some other formula only time will tell."

Mum Lynne, 43, who works as a part time shop assistant backs her Bridgnorth Endowed School pupil son but confessed: "I am nervous and cannot face watching him race but I support him all the way. I spend an awful lot of time on the phone to him and his father when they are away. We are both very proud of him."

Anybody interested in sponsoring Matt can contact the family by e-mailing ct.davies@tiscoli.co.uk.