A PROMISING young driver from Eckington will this year make the step up in his motorsport career when he trades his kart for a saloon car in the British Junior Saloon Car Championship.

Ben Smiles, who attends Prince Henry's High School in Evesham, has been kart racing from the age of eight and after a very successful career, is now moving up to saloon car racing in a "hot hatch" Citroen Saxo VTR.

He will compete in the British Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) at famous circuits around the country, starting at Brands Hatch at the end of March.

The races are live-streamed and televised and Ben is hoping to move towards the front of the grid as the season progresses.

"I am really looking forward to the start of the season at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend and hoping to get some good results for my team, Chandler Motorsport," said Smiles.

"It would be great if local companies would support me on my motorsport adventure, we have space on the car to advertise local services.

"I would like to thank my parents and grandparents, friends and my local village of Eckington for the fantastic support in my racing career."

The Evesham Journal will follow Ben's career and will provide regular updates as the new season progresses.