KART racer Andrew Austin is planning a Radical approach to his next step on the motorsport ladder.

For the 18-year-old garage worker from Blackburn has launched a sponsorship campaign in a bid to land a drive in Radical racing, one of the sport's fastest growing championships.

"I've been racing karts since I was 14 and had four very successful years, culminating in winning the Three Sisters winter series championship. But now it's time to move on if I want to progress my career," explained Andrew, who lives in Kentmere Drive and works at Livesey Service Station in Blackburn.

"I looked at Formula Ford racing initially, and took part in a four-day intensive driving course at the Jim Russell racing school at Donington, finishing off with a race on the final day.

"After winning that outright, the instructors suggested that I should have a crack at Formula Ford, although the cost of running in a national championship makes it almost impossible without major sponsorship.

" However, I was then invited to test a Radical at Mallory Park which went very well, and after looking at the costs, seemed to make more sense.

"Radical Motorsport was formed in 1996 by two North West businessmen who hit upon the idea of making a low-cost open sports car which would appeal to club racing drivers.

"Powered by a Suzuki Hyabusa motorcycle engine, they are pretty quick machines, accelerating from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds which makes for interesting racing.

"Interest in the series is now so high there are several radical championships taking place this year, including the 1100 Clubsport, Enduro, and Enduro Cup, and the organisers have just signed a deal with Sky Sports to show the races every two weeks, which makes it much more attractive to potential sponsors.

"I'm confident that with the right backing, we could have a very successful season."

Anyone interested can contact Andrew, tel: 0780 8952992.