Oli Basey-Fisher, the 2013 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge Champion, is celebrating ahead of the new motor racing season after having his achievements recognised by the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) which has named the Suffolk youngster one of its ‘Rising Stars’.Great Finborough-based Oli, who is set to announce his 2014 plans in the coming days, is thrilled to have been welcomed onto the BRDC’s respected invitation-only programme which offers guidance and support to aspiring professional racers considered to be among the best in the UK.Notably, the 18-year-old has been named a BRDC Rising Star after just two full seasons of car racing at any level to underline his exceptional progress. Providing a boost to the careers of some of the country’s top talent over the years, past Rising Stars include the likes of 2008 FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.“Being invited to be a BRDC Rising Star really is a fantastic start to 2014 for me”, said Oli, “It’s a great honour to be part of such a prestigious and highly regarded club, especially after only a couple of seasons in cars. The BRDC is the most exclusive club of its kind, I am incredibly grateful for such recognition and support and looking forward to representing the BRDC going forward.”Graduating from karting to cars at the start of the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship season, having secured his place on the grid by winning the Ginetta Junior Scholarship, the Suffolk racer went on to become a podium finisher on his debut and added more silverware in the subsequent Winter Series.Moving into the Ginetta GT5 Challenge last year, Oli put together a sensational campaign to secure the championship crown in style during the last race of the season at Donington Park. Claiming four race victories and 10 other podiums, he bagged the coveted title by nine points – having been third in the driver standings going into the final weekend of the campaign.“Last season was exceptional really”, added Oli, “I knew we had a good chance to be competitive but I didn’t think it’d be possible to win the GT5 Challenge championship in my first season. It’s fantastic knowing the scouts from the BRDC kept a close eye on what we managed to achieve in 2013, it gives me a terrific boost for the coming year.”Aiming to move another rung up the car racing ladder this year, the Suffolk One College student will be determined to continue his superb progression and hopes to confirm his precise 2014 deal in due course.