ENCOURAGED by his parents to take up motor racing to help raise low self-esteem caused by learning difficulties, Bradley Burns, from Alton, has proved a natural behind the wheel.

He took his ARDS test and was racing competitively in the BRSCC Ford Fiesta Junior Championship at 14. At 16, he has jumped to the senior section, competing in his first full season of the BTCC Clio Cup Championship, which supports the British Touring Car Championship.

Bradley is making a name for himself in the racing world having set new records for fastest lap times at Silverstone and Donington Park, as well as being the youngest driver in the history of the championship to have a podium win, along with the youngest to qualify for a race in pole position.

He was selected in February for the prestigious BMR Academy where he is mentored by 2017 British Touring Car Champion Ashley Sutton.

Bradley has had a lot of hurdles to overcome because of his learning difficulties, as well a the loss of dad John to cancer last year.

Mum Nikki said: “School life has been very challenging for Bradley over the years, but that changed when he joined Moor House School in Frensham where academically and socially he did very well.”

Bradley went on to study for an engineering diploma at The National College of Motorsport at Silverstone and is now serving an apprenticeship at LCA, a specialist automotive company in Bordon.

To support Bradley, e-mail [email protected].