As he prepares to launch his European career in the sport, exciting young North Wales karting star James Singleton has received a double pre-season boost – being presented with a trophy by reigning F1 World Champion Jenson Button, and earning himself a special prize trip to the 2010 Italian Grand Prix to see his racing hero in action.
James was the architect of a superb breakthrough year in 2009, as after entering the campaign as a virtual unknown at national level, the Conwy-based speed demon swiftly upset the formbook to establish himself as a bona fide contender for the Mini Max class crown in the UK-wide Formula Kart Stars (FKS) and Super 1 championships.
Going on to finish an excellent third in both, the 14-year-old’s dominant performance in the FKS Whilton Mill finale was one of many highlights, and his composure under pressure as the stakes were at their highest – seeing off his two chief title rivals to keep himself in the hunt for glory into the very last day – was recognised when he was rewarded for his effort with the coveted ‘Driver of the Day’ accolade, beating some 124 fellow FKS competitors for the honour. The only thing was, he didn’t even know he’d won it...
“I had no idea I was getting a prize to begin with,” James confessed. “I only found out on the awards day! I didn’t really know what it would be so I didn’t think about it too much, but when a lot of people started gathering I knew it had to be something pretty big. I was really excited when Jenson turned up – I’d never met him before, but I’m definitely a fan of his. It was amazing to meet the F1 World Champion – I couldn’t believe it!”
That, however, was only the start, as the mysterious prize turned out to be an all-expenses-paid trip to Monza to watch one of the most traditional races on the F1 calendar from grandstand seating at a circuit steeped in history, heritage and nostalgia. Not only that, but there the Penmaenmawr ace will become one of the very privileged few to be afforded a personal reception from the sport’s hugely influential supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who along with 2008 F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton became an official patron of FKS at the beginning of last year.
“I was just gobsmacked when I found out what the prize was,” James admitted, adding that he is ‘quite nervous’ about his meeting with the man who so famously rules F1 with an iron fist. “I could never have expected that. To be honest, I had thought it would be a cap signed by Jenson or something – never a trip to the Italian Grand Prix! I just can’t wait now!
“I went to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone four years ago, which was really good – the atmosphere was brilliant! I always watch all the F1 races on TV and the tracks look amazing, but I’ve never been to a grand prix abroad before. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Palpably still on cloud nine following the news, the Ysgol Aberconwy pupil and his Coles Racing team are now preparing to kick-start their 2010 Junior Max challenge in style next month with a maiden appearance in the Euro Max Winter Cup at Malaga in Spain, where he acknowledges he will need to rapidly adjust to a new circuit, new tyres and a completely different style of driving. Still, the last time James competed abroad – at Genk in Belgium on FKS’ annual overseas visit – he won, so hopes are understandably high.
“It’s really exciting, because I’ve never raced in Spain before,” he enthused. “We are aiming to finish in the top three – that would be an excellent start to my European career!”
James is seeking sponsors to support him in 2010, and if you are interested in backing North Wales’ brightest young F1 hope, please contact his father Mark on 07795 297350 or at: gwyneddforklifts@ukf.net
