RISING young star of the karting world Jordan Williams from Tavistock was mixing with some of the top names in motorsport recently when he was selected to drive in a demonstration race in Kent.
Jordan, 12, was driving in a Rotax race at the official opening of the £1 million clubhouse facilities at the Buckmore Park Race Circuit alongside Henry Surtees, son of former Formula One champion John Surtees.
The event was opened by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and attended by top drivers, past and present, celebrities and VIPs from the motor racing world including Sterling Moss plus Government minister for sport Richard Caborn.
Jordan had great success recently in the Kartmaster Grand Prix in Lincolnshire, finishing fourth in the Grand Final which attracted over 40 top national drivers in his class of Junior Restricted Rotax. Last weekend Jordan won the prestigious ?Midland Championship? for his class, formerly won by Jenson Button.
Jordan?s father Andrew Williams said all these events had been high profile and televised either on the BBC or Sky Sports: ?Jordan is getting used to the interviews now,? he said. ?Meeting all the stars from motor racing was a dream come true ? he got all their autographs.?
The Tavistock College pupil, who started karting at the age of nine, is one of a handful of young drivers competing for the title of Junior Mini Max champion this year.
Jordan competes all over the country and drives a kart with the number 96, the same as David Coulthard in his karting days before he rose to the dizzy heights of Formula One through the ranks of Formula Ford, Renault and Formula Three.
Sponsorship is being sought to enable Jordan to continue at this national level next year and he would be keen to hear from any local businesses who might be able to help. His family can be contacted on 01822 870283.
Anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of Jordan driving can see the final of the Kartmaster Grand Prix on Sky Sports 2 at 7pm tonight (Thursday.)