RISING star Ellis Hanks roared to the forefront of the junior motorsport with an exceptional performance to take his maiden victory at the Kimbolton circuit in June. Ellis, who turned nine last week, went into the event chasing his third podium place

RISING star Ellis Hanks roared to the forefront of the junior motorsport with an exceptional performance to take his maiden victory at the Kimbolton circuit in June.

Ellis, who turned nine last week, went into the event chasing his third podium place of the season on the club circuit and exceeded all expectations when he sped through from fifth on the grid to take the victory.

The talented young driver, from St Albans, races for the prestigious Zip Motorsport who have previously run current Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton, from Herts, and David Coulthard in the Super1Series. Steve Dennis, team manager for Zip, believes Ellis, whose win as an eight-year-old was unprecedented achievement, has a great future in the sport. He said: "Ellis is a good driver and he has a lot of potential. I don't know anybody who has ever won a race that early. He also does the British Championships and it is a learning year for him this year as he is the youngest one doing it."

Dennis, who manages a current British number one driver, feels that Ellis has already shown the maturity to make him stand out from his rivals. He said: "Ellis is a nice lad, very mature for his age. He is quite focussed and has a good concentration span which is the reason he won. When you are out in the lead, most drivers at that age could lose focus after two or three laps. When he gets to 10 or 11-years-old I would expect him to be winning British Championships. I have got a lot of time for him and we look after him."

Ellis recently impressed at the Hoddesdon circuit where he led for 11 laps in a great display of composure and concentration.

The young driver is negotiating a gruelling schedule of around 30 races in the season. Last weekend he played a key role as his team Shenington won the Ace and King of Clubs at Whilton Mill, Northamptonshire.

In 2009 Ellis will race in the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow series which is broadcast on Sky Sports.

His family are looking for sponsorship to assist Ellis as he bids to continue his rapid progress. Email simon.hanks@live.co.uk for more information.