His racing career is only two years old, but already Harrison Whitticombe has qualified to compete on the world stage.

Earlier this month, the 11-year-old finished second in his class in the junior British Kart Championships in Dorchester, meaning he will now go on to represent the UK in the 10-12 age group category at the World Championships in Portugal in January.

The achievement was heightened by the fact Harrison, who lives in Llangwm and attends Ysgol Caer Elen, was racing in a Micromax engine event for the first time. He finished third and fourth respectively in the opening two heats, before a sixth placed finish in the pre-final.

This meant he started the grand final sixth on the grid - but was able to work his way up the field and take advantage of penalties to two drivers in front of him to finish second.

Not only that, he managed to clock the fastest lap of the whole weekend, and will now deservedly take his place in the British squad with English driver Jacob Ashcroft.

It has been a busy 12 months for Harrison, who last year was crowned Welsh IKR champion. From this, he started racing MSA licenced drivers from England as a novice - a ranking he was emerging out of when things were curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And yet despite that blow Harrison has not lost any focus, and British selection is just reward for the extortionate miles he’s had to travel to train and compete on weekends.

He’s received full support from mum Dona Edwards and her partner Steve James, who has driven him to venues all over Wales and England. Another big influence thus far has been Rob Dodds, who has brought Harrison through at the BKC Racing team in Poole, Dorset.

Dodds has also worked with the likes of Lando Norris, now in Formula One with McLaren, and World Endurance Championship driver Phil Hanson.

And he insisted his latest protégé won’t be going to Portimao to make up the numbers.

“Harrison has done remarkably well,” Dodds told Telegraph Sport.

“He’s a good kid and a real talent, and he’s been winning a lot. He travels up to me most weekends and has hit the ground running. To be one of just 10 chosen in the UK squad says it all.

“I think he can do really well in Portugal and make no mistake – he’ll be going there to win it.”

Harrison’s family currently have to fund all his travel and entry costs and are now seeking sponsorship to help him continue with his career. Any company or individual willing to help will have their logo or details advertised on his car or racing gear. For more information e-mail donaedwards1@hotmail.co.uk.