EVESHAM’S Olly Turner has been nominated as one of the top 20 young drivers in the UK.

The 12-year-old finished runner-up in the I Factor British Championship in his first full season in the competition.

He has been now been selected as future talent in British motorsport in the Down Force Radio Young Gun awards, which recognise drivers in all formulas from across the country.

People can now vote for the Bredon Middle School pupil, who feels honoured and proud to have achieved recognition among his racing peers.

Olly’s mum, Sara Turner who enjoys triathlete, said: “A path into motor sport is where Olly feels his future lies.

“Nascar or World Endurance will play to his strengths and passions. Inspired by his dad Alec, in motor sport, Olly has full support from his family and sponsors that he can make it a reality.”

Olly, who was a contender in the British Championship last year, had set the pace with Jascar champion Corben Lord.

The half-scale Nascar are getting a strong following and displays that the cars are among the fastest junior series on the short ovals in the UK.

Racing at tracks including Northampton, Buxton, Skegness, Birmingham, Lochelly and Cowdenbeath, drivers as young as eight years old can reach speeds of 50mph.

Olly drove driving the number 22 car and grew in confidence throughout the year having gained valuable experience in 2013 as the rookie driver.

Along with Lord, a school year older and seasoned racer of five years in other formulas too, the two boys raised the bar and gave new drivers a new level to aim for.

It was experience that kept the lads ahead of the overall points for the championships.

The Scottish Championship in July, in mixed conditions is where Olly was noticed.

Exhibiting quick reactions and pace plus clear liking for the track, he pushed Lord to his limit and with plucky determination.

He only just conceded for first place after a restart due to an incident on the track which brought the racers together again with only two laps to go.

Over two days of racing, he secured a result of second place overall.

This story continued throughout the summer over 14 meetings, Olly having to race hard to overcome the handicaps and find new lines and skills to get through the ever-increasing speed of the other drivers and their cars.

He registered a few disappointing third and fourth-placed finishes at some meetings but gained enough points to start second on the grid at the final I Factor Championship round at Birmingham.

Clean, safe and consistent driving from the 12-year-old secured a worthy result of second and was the culmination of a fantastic year. Due to his calm and thoughtful driving style, Olly proved why he has been nominated as one of the top 20 drivers in the UK.

People can now vote for Olly in the Down Force Radio Young Gun awards.

l To vote for Olly Turner go to: ollyturnerracing.co.uk. The closing date is December 10 at noon.