A TEENAGE hotshot who is a whizz on the racetrack is hoping to raise £15,000 in sponsorship to support disadvantaged children in Africa.

Kelvedon resident Gustav Burton, 15, or Gus for short, will participate in the Renault UK Clio Cup Junior Championship this season to raise money for The Sparkle Foundation.

The Felsted School pupil is a member of Team Pyro and will donate 100 per cent of the proceeds from car sponsorship to the foundation.

Sarah Brook, founder of The Sparkle Foundation, said: "We’re delighted that such a young individual is using his passion to such positive effect.

"I’m touched that he’ll join us on this journey. Our vision for the charity is to reach more vulnerable children in Malawi and educate more community members so that our work can spread to those who need us most.

"To do this we need to improve our facilities and expand our current structures."

Gus wants to raise £15,000 over the season for the charity, and is looking forward to racing in front of thousands of motorsport lovers through 2018.

"I feel confident I can make a serious bid for the Clio Cup Junior crown in 2018 – the category has really raised the bar in junior motor sport as the cars are the most technically advanced in the marketplace, plus there’s all the professionalism that Renault Sport is renowned for that comes with it," he said.

"I see it as the best arena in which to develop as a young driver."

Visit www.gusburtonracing.com.