INDOOR karting facility, Mr Karting in Leamington Spa, has been made one of the National qualifying centres for the 2005 World F1 Drivers' Challenge.

The event provides the opportunity for the man in the street to become a racing driver and to compete in an Formula 1 car in an Inter-national Motor Race.

It has now become the largest participant motor sports event in the World and already entrants have flown to the UK to take part from as far afield as South Africa, Australia and the USA.

Event promoter Tim Matt-hews an experienced international racing driver and instructor explains: "Driving an F1 car is one of the most awesome experiences you could ever imagine.

"I've been lucky enough to have spent a season racing one, but it is also one of the most physically demanding and stressful things you can do."

If a driver is good enough to get through rounds one and two, they progress through stages involving outdoor karting, saloon car circuit driving, Formula Fords, For-mula Renaults and Formula 3 race cars before the final three are given a test in a proper F1 car.

All rounds take place with the help and guidance of senior racing instructors, and under the watchful eye of a distinguished panel of judges.

As a qualifying centre, the Leamington Spa venue is responsible for ensuring all entrants get a fair chance to demonstrate their skills and ability. They offer as much coaching and practice as anyone wants as they too want to see their drivers' progress to later rounds of the event.

So, if you'd like the chance to become an F1 driver and think you have what it takes, you can find out more about the competition on the internet at www.soworld.tv or by phoning Alan at Mr Karting on 01926 833444.