Race ace up for top award

Former kart star Jack Barlow has been shortlisted for the Racing Steps Foundation Motor Sports Association Young Driver of the Year Award.

The 17-year-old from Pett called time on his hugely successful karting career at the end of October and now hopes to enter either the entry-level Formula Renault BARC championship or the brand new Formula 4 series.

The Loughborough College student is highly regarded by many team owners and managers, but expressed shocked delight at hearing that he is being considered for the £1,000 prize.

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“I really didn’t see it coming,” Barlow said. “The first I knew about it was a phone call from (MSA Academy co-ordinator) Greg Symes. I’m now going forward to a shoot-out with four other finalists at the Let’s Race formula racing simulatorcentre on December 4.”

On the day, Barlow will be asked to deliver a five-minute presentation to the judges on the subject ‘What I have got from the MSA Academy AASE Programme and how it will benefit me in the future’, followed by a question and answer session with the panel.

Naturally, a race in the centre’s high-tech racing car simulators will further test his competitive spirit and driving skills.

Should he be successful, the former national Super One, Formula Kart Stars and Kart Masters champion will be invited to receive his prize at the glittering MSA Night of Champions, held at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.

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“It would be incredible to receive the award,” he added. “That would be a terrific way to sign off my time in karts and look forward to the next phase of my career, cars. I am very grateful to everyone at the MSA for their help and support and for recognising me in this way.”