Wimbledon karting star of tomorrow Ben Gosling is ready for the biggest year in his career so far.

The 14-year-old puts the pedal to the metal this weekend as the Junior Rotax Championship gets under way at Bayford Meadows in Sittingbourne.

There is some power beneath that pedal as Gosling will be driving his most powerful machine yet - a Junior Rotax-engined Tony Kart, which produces 23bhp and can reach speeds of up to 80mph.

But he knows it is not just the power of the kart that will produce results.

The pupil from St John's School in Leatherhead said: "Junior Rotax is one of the most competitive categories because every young driver on the grid has the same goal as me, to make it to the top of the motor racing ladder.

"This means we all put every ounce of skill on the line in order to reach the chequered flag first."

He added: "I’m really pumped and excited for the race weekend, I just can’t wait to get the ball rolling.

"It’s going to be a hard race, as I’ll be up against more experienced racers, but it will set the tone for the year ahead, and drive me to succeed. I can’t wait."

To prepare for the new season, Gosling, who includes F1 legend Jackie Stewart as a hero, competed in the Daytona DMAX-Sprint winter series, winning four first place trophies.

He has also been working hard on life off the track, doing everything he can to be a success on it.

"I have also been keeping on top of my media relations and I continue the hunt sponsors, although I have put hard work in, I am yet to reap the rewards," he said.

"In the time running up to the season ahead you need to get in the right frame of mind, eat healthily and keep fit. All these things help to make me the complete package."