A YOUNG boy from Beith has achieved his first podium win in kart racing, despite only taking up the sport competitively last year.

Jayson McCleary, a P6 pupil at Gateside Primary, recently came third at the West of Scotland Karting Club, accomplishing his first ever podium finish.

The talented 10-year-old, who races for Clan in the Honda Cadet Class, first showed an interest in karting after a family holiday in Majorca, but only started competing a year ago.

He now trains all over the UK and is hoping to soon achieve his first win.

Jayson’s dad Terry McCleary told the Herald: “It’s just something that he’d tried while we were on holiday when he was really young. It wasn’t until his eighth birthday that he really started and he got his first kart for his Christmas. He’s been doing it for two years but racing competitively for one year.

“I’m proud of his results and how he’s come on this year. I’m proud of his progress so far.

“He has always looked very competitive from the beginning after winning Best Novice in four out of his first five novice races before you can apply for a full race license.

“After only racing in Scotland in 2016 now we are mostly testing and racing in England in much larger grids to give him more experience for 2017.

“He’s always down at one of the tracks, and he’s got a simulator at home – it’s a big part of his life.

“There are always worries. These karts can go at 50mph so there is a risk involved. He’s had a few accidents but he’s never had any bad injuries, and yet he broke his arm falling off his bike and his friend broke his arm playing tig in the back door.

“He aspires to be a professional in car racing and go to the British GT Championships.”

Any businesses wishing to sponsor Jayson should visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JaysonMcclearyRacing.