AN 11-YEAR-OLD karter is hoping to emulate his more illustrious namesake after being selected to represent his country in his debut season.

Lewis Binks, from Darlington, is revving up for the weekend, when he races for England, in the Inter Nations Cup.

The youngster has had an impressive debut season after only taking up the sport in February.

Lewis, who attends Darlington's Education Village, has drawn obvious comparisons for Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton.

He and his 15-year-old brother, David, compete across the country most weekends and are supported by all the family.

Proud mother, Lorraine, said: "He is doing extremely well to say he has only been doing it a year. Early in the season, when Lewis Hamilton was coming second and third, so was Lewis.

"Lewis is starting off at a similar age. Karting is quite a professional motor sport which can open doors to the top of the sport. He is kart daft and motor sport daft."

His latest race is one of top events in the calendar and will pit him against some of the best potential future stars in Europe.

It takes place on Lewis' home circuit at Warden Law, near Sunderland.

The youngster has already notched up a series of wins and collected a number of trophies at tracks across the country.

They include victories at Warden Law and South Yorkshire Kart Club, near Barnsley.

Earlier this month, he represented Warden Law at the Ace of Clubs meeting, which pits drivers from across the country. He finished sixth in his class.

Lewis said: "I love racing and just being around the paddock. My brother races karts, too, so we spend most of our weekends at tracks somewhere in the UK."

Mrs Binks added: "To be honest, we're gob-smacked that Lewis has been asked to represent his country when he's not even been racing a year.

"Obviously, we think he has a real talent, but it's fantastic that others seem to have spotted what he can do and have decided to give him the chance to prove himself."