Karting ace Samuel Wilson has been crowned National Kart Cup champion - in only his third year in the sport.

The Whitehaven racer had a slim lead going into the final round at Clay Pigeon Raceway in Dorset.

The 18-year-old admitted he felt 'a little pressure' as the spectators gathered for the series showdown - but he held his nerve.

This single make championship sees 28 members of the senior TKM class race at six different tracks across the UK.

And Sam, originally an Autograss driver, enjoyed his fair share of drama before lifting the cup.

The pressure was there from heat one with Sam getting knocked off due to a racing incident, coming home last and essentially handing the championship over to his rivals.

Following running repairs to the kart, Sam stayed positive and, two heats later, with good results, the championship was to be decided in one 10 minute race.

But more drama followed, as Sam came level with one of his championship rivals, their engine seized, and Sam was crowned the NKC Champion 2018.

Following the presentation Sam was driven around the track, in a convertible E Type jaguar, with trophy held aloft.

The racer thanked his family for their continued support.

Sam’s racing is now on hold as he takes up a position of apprentice test technician at Mercedes AMG High Performance powertrains, the very factory a certain Mr Hamilton has his Formula 1 engines manufactured in.

To try karting for the first time at our local Rowrah track visit www.cumbriakrc.co.uk or call Marion Fell on 01229 463748.