APPLETON karting sensation Luca Narraway has recently been invited to join the Young Racing Driver Academy - a feeder for Formula One giants Red Bull Racing

The nine-year-old Broomfields Junior School student will look to follow in the footsteps of F1 drivers Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly who both graduated from the academy at a young age.

Luca has had a hugely successful debut season in the LGM IAME Cadet Championship, as he tested his wits against drivers who have won British and World Championships and spend up to £150,000 throughout a season.

Among notable highlights, Luca claimed a second-place finish in one heat, while breaking a lap record in another round.

He topped this off at the Cheshire Kart Club Championship where he finished 3rd overall, which has set him up for entry to the WERA Tools British IAME Championship in 2022 which will be streamed live on YouTube.

His father Lee, an ex-racer, explained the ups and downs of his son’s season.

He said: “This has been a challenging season for Luca as the level is so high and the racing is very competitive.

“There are around 40 entries per race with only 34 making the final and Luca qualified for every final.

“It’s been tough on track as Luca has had a couple of very big crashes due to the closeness of the racing, but he has dusted himself down and got straight back into it.”

The Evolve Racing driver was recently invited to try out the SIM at Arden Motorsport in Oxfordshire.

Jamie Horner, head of the academy, said of Luca’s driving: “We were very impressed with his maturity, confidence, knowledge and the ability that he displayed in the sim.”

With a hugely exciting 2022 season fast approaching, the pair are reaching out for any assistance, as his son looks to rise the ranks in the motorsport world.

He said: “Any sponsorship we can have from the local business community would be greatly welcome and much appreciated.”