A CUMBRIAN quest to find future Lewis Hamiltons has been adopted nationally.

Cumbria Kart Club, which meets at the Rowrah circuit near Whitehaven has run the Racing for Buttons programme for several years.

This week, a national Let’s Go Karting programme was launched with backing from some of Formula One motor racing’s leading figures.

The idea is to let eight to16-year-old children have a proper go at karting without them having to pay for expensive equipment.

The scheme was launched with support from former car and motorcycle world champion John Surtees, Le Mans GT1 winner David Brabham and McLaren Mercedes test driver Gary Paffett.

Let’s Go Karting incorporates 16 clubs and tracks throughout Britain, where children are provided with full safety training by qualified instructors, along with special safety kit and equipment.

Karting is a high energy and high adrenalin sport demanding quick-thinking and a quick response, but if you want to try it, do not go rushing off to buy the first Kart you see, visit the Cumbria Kart Club at Rowrah and take a look at the classes that are racing.

If you are big (taller than 6ft) and heavy (over 13 stones) consider gearbox karts or Rotax 177 vehicles, which some clubs offer.

View the options, talk to drivers in the pits and decide upon which class is right for you. It is best to consider a well-supported class so that no matter how fast or slow you may be there will always be someone to race with and improve your technique.

With the summer holidays coming up it is the ideal chance for parents to take their children along to their local participating track and give the sport a go.

Anyone interested should contact Cumbria Kart Club on 01900-606627 for more details.