CATERHAM racer Jay Gardner is moving up a league this season.

Gardner, who won the Academy title last year in his first season of racing, is making the move into the Roadsport B class.

And the Barrowford 28-year-old has one aim at this weekend’s Silverstone opener – to stay out of trouble.

“Of course, I’d like to win but realistically, I’d be very happy just to get to the finish in one piece,” said Gardner, who runs his own window cleaning business.

“Roadsport B is a different proposit-ion to the Academy championship, so I'll be taking a close look at the opposition and seeing what sort of pace is needed to get into the top five.

“And crucially, I don’t have any sponsorship at the moment, so if I get taken out in the first race then that’s my season over before it’s started.”

Gardner enjoyed a fantastic first season in motor racing, lifting the Academy title – for novice drivers – after winning four races and beating off the challenge of the 30-string grid.

“The points table is designed to ensure a close-run championship, and it certainly works. I won it by just one point in the final at Mallory Park,” he explained.

“I felt under pressure in the last race, but it was a fantastic feeling when I saw the chequered flag.”

However, the Caterham championships are structured as a ‘ladder to success’ with drivers having to move through classes, with the Roadsports next on the rung.

The rules on how much money can be spent on the car are relaxed, with engine upgrades, suspension and braking modifications allowed.

The cars also run on grippy Avon ‘control’ racing tyres which promote better handling and fast corning – all of which comes at a price.

Said Gardner: “The Roadsports are much more expensive. A set of rubber costs £450, and we’ll probably get through four sets in a season.

“Those with the bigger wallets stand a greater chance of success, but I’m determined to do well.

“I’ve done a couple of track days just to get the car sorted, and once qualifying at the first round takes place I’ll have a clearer idea where we stand.

“Each race is 20 minutes long, and a lot can happen in that space of time. It would be fantastic to win, but I’d be happy to a top five to start with – and the car in one piece!”

l Gardner is looking for sponsorship for this season. Anyone interested can contact him via email at jay.gardner@hotmail.co.uk. Most of the races will be shown on the satellite Motors TV channel.