Motorsport: Karting ace takes on world's best at Rotax World Finals

Nov 24 2011

JAMES SINGLETON is ready to whip up a desert storm in the United Arab Emirates this weekend, as he prepares to take on the very best of international karting talent in the prestigious  Rotax World Finals at Al Ain Raceway.

A rookie in the blue riband event, he will be up against no fewer than 71 world-class rivals.

The Penmaenmawr racer secured his place in the end-of-season showcase through his  runaway charge to the title in the Lewis Hamilton and Bernie Ecclestone-backed Formula Kart Stars  Championship with Coles Racing – mounting the top step of the podium an incredible seven times during the opening ten rounds to clinch the crown.

James acknowledges that with only three British drivers from the Junior Rotax class having been  selected to represent their country in the Middle East, it is a tremendous privilege to be one  included.

The 15-year-old has already got off to an extremely encouraging start by winning his very first  race on an ‘RK’ chassis – almost identical to the Birel mount he will campaign at Al Ain – to serve  signal of his intent.

“We were ecstatic when we found out we were going to the World Finals,” said the Ysgol  Aberconwy pupil, who received the news only a day after a crushingly disappointing conclusion to  the national Super 1 Series that had seen him denied third place in the standings through no fault  of his own. “It really brightened everything up again.

“To get through to the World Finals was one of the main goals we’d had all year, and it means  so much to us to be a part of it.

“It’s pretty much the best three drivers in Britain at Junior Rotax level that have been chosen, and  it’s an absolute honour to be going over to the UAE to represent our country.

“All-in-all, I’m fully expecting it to be the hardest weekend we’ve ever had, but I’m ready for it and  we’ll put everything we’ve got into trying to win – and even if we come out of it just having learned,  we’ll still be happy. It will be a really good experience either way. I can’t wait to get out there!”

James is seeking sponsors to help support his career. Anyone interested in backing him, contact  his father Mark on 07795 297350 or at gwyneddforklifts@ukf.net