Hundred-miles an hour hero Andrew Thomas is a Welsh driver tipped as a rising star in the wheeltracks of F1 ace Lewis Hamilton.

The Llandow club driver has only been competing in karting for three years but he has been picked up by the British Racing Drivers’ Club as a Star of Tomorrow, the series which put Hamilton onto the F1 grid, fame and fortune.

This weekend, the national Stars of Tomorrow series of which Hamilton is patron arrives back at Andrew’s club track and he hopes local knowledge will help. The 125cc six-speed KZ1 kart hits 60mph in 3.5sec and runs to 110mph with the fastest gearing.

“I only moved into the top KZ1 series, the equivalent of F1, this season and it has been a steep learning curve with a new engine and chassis,” said Andrew.

“In a different class at Llandow last year I I won two heats and was third in the final. Llandow is a great track where I started in the sport and have raced for three seasons so I hope this will help at the weekend.”

Like the other 20 drivers in the KZ1 championship, which includes rounds in the UK and Belgium, Andrew relies on family support and preparation help. Father Phillip backs him through his Quality Chair and Bed Company.

A pupil of Pencoed Comprehensive School, Andrew starts A-levels in September and wants to ideally work in a motor sport career, but that’s still a little way off and this weekend his eyes are fixed on climbing onto the winner’s podium spot.

There are about 200 young drivers competing in an action packed programme with practice on Saturday and racing Sunday at Llandow, between Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.

The BRDC Stars of Tomorrow is primarily a junior karting championship that incorporates the MSA British Cadet Championship.

There are four junior classes for ages 9 – 17 and one senior class for over 16’s. The Championship is endorsed and supported by the Motor Sport Association, British Racing Drivers’ Club and the Motorsport Industry Association. For more details about the racing, the series and getting started in karting, click on the link www.brdcstars.com