BUDDING racing driver James Johnston is busy preparing for a competition which could put him on the road to stardom.

The 12-year-old motor sports enthusiast has won a place in a national contest to find the next generation of racing stars.

Stars of Tomorrow was launched on BBC's Grandstand with the backing of Formula One star Jensen Button.

James, a pupil at Deerness Comprehensive School in his home village of Ushaw Moor, is one of 48 entrants in the Mini Max category for 11 to 13-year-olds.

James will be involved in eight races at karting tracks round the country over the summer months, in a bid to win a place among the eight finalists.

The prize for the winner is expected to include a chance to drive with a works' motor racing team.

James caught the karting bug after visiting the Warden Law circuit, in a disused quarry near Houghton-le-Spring last year.

He has become a regular at the North-East Karting track and has already been asked to join two teams who use the circuit.

James now has his own Trulli Rotax kart plus all the racing leathers and helmet, but dad John said some form of sponsorship would be very welcome.

Mr Johnston said: "It's only been a year since he started going but he's showed quite a bit of promise and it was suggested we entered him in this competition.

"This will be his first major championship and he's going in as a novice, but he's hoping to do well.

"He races most weekends and we're even going down to Lincoln to use the track that will be used for the first race in the series just to help him get familiar with it."

The first race is at the PF International track at Lincoln on the weekend of April 5 and 6.

Anyone interested in sponsoring James call (07899) 793619.