Ashley Smith is gearing up for a serious challenge on the Kent Championship karting title this weekend.

The Thundersley schoolboy is leading the standings at Buckmore Park circuit by 146 points and is hoping to distance himself even further from his rivals in the penultimate race of the season.

And 12-year-old Ashley has been getting in plenty of practice since he competed last month, a disappointing meeting that saw him finish ninth.

"We have been doing quite a lot of testing and a few races to try things out like throwing him out in the wet on slick tyres," said Ashley's dad Peter.

"We got a third at Bayford a fortnight ago but did not do well at Lydd this weekend.

"The hard work has come about following his last race at Buckmore, when we made some wrong tyre choices. We hope to do well this weekend because it's serious stuff."

Deanes School pupil Ashley is aiming to be crowned champion at the final round at Buckmore next month.

Then Ashley and Peter will be on the hunt for sponsorship to allow Ashley to race in the Juniormax series of the British Championship next year.

The Smiths reckon it will cost up to £30,000 to compete in the six-race series.

Much of the money will be spent travelling to the tracks and accommodation at them, as Ashley must also race in each circuit's club race before driving back for the championship event.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Ashley can contact Paul Alton on the Echosport desk on 01268 469399.

Published Thursday November 14, 2002

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