A SCHOOLBOY karter bidding for a possible future career in Formula One motor racing had a poor finish in the finals of a top competition - but has vowed he will be back to race another day.

Jonathan Walker, 10, a pupil of Oakhill College, Whalley, was lying second in the cadet class of the Champions of the Future motorsport competition.

As Jonathan's hero Damon Hill lined up at Silverstone in the British Grand Prix, he took part in the finals of Champions of the Future at the Three Sisters Race Circuit, Wigan. The competition for junior kart drivers is the brainchild of McLaren Mercedes boss Ron Dennis.

He launched it to spot new talent and past winners have gone on to be groomed for careers in Formula One.

More than 30 competitors took part in eight-lap heats before a final of 12 laps at the Wigan event.

But Jonathan, of Dinkley, could only finish half way down the table in the B-final after his kart suffered mechanical failure.

His father, Charles, said he was extremely disappointed, but would be back to race another day.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.