A FORTH VALLEY teenager is in pole position for a successful track racing racing season after taking first place in the opening round of the Scottish C1 Newcomers Cup.

Ayden Wilson won the second race in round one of the season at Knockhill Racing Circuit and had his second outing in the specially built car at the weekend on Sunday, May 8.

The Wallace High School pupil, who also works in family business Kevin Wilson Master Builders, will compete across six races this season in the Scottish Motor Racing Championships.

Ayden said: “My first time at the podium as a newcomer was a surreal but proud moment which I was not expecting going into the weekend.

“As a driver who is new to real life track racing, the aim was to gain experience and enjoy the moment with my family.

“The Newcomers win was a real boost in confidence for me and gives me something to aim towards.

“However, I don’t want to get too fixated on winning as I still have a lot to learn and am lucky to have a lot of top quality and experienced drivers around me to learn from.”

The 17-year-old’s love of racing began as a youngster when he would spend time watching formula one races with his dad Kevin.

Ayden’s dream of beginning his track career was realised after his parents, Kevin and Pam, bought a second-hand Citroen which he and his dad modified to meet C1 racing standards, including a full rebuild of the car, with the help of his grandparents.

Proud mum Pam said: “He’s been committed to racing for so long that we knew we had to give him the chance to follow his dream and so far, everything is going well.

“It was fantastic, and more than a little nerve-wracking, to watch him go out for his first race and brilliant to see him win the first round of the Newcomers Cup.

“He seems to have a real talent for racing and as the `new kid on the block’, he’s getting a lot of support and advice from other racers on the circuit who are all really friendly.”

Ayden will compete in a total of six rounds this season - five at Knockhill and one at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire – with the final race on October 9.

Ayden is looking for sponsorship to help him achieve his ambitions.

Anyone who can help should contact him via Ayden@kwmb.co.uk.