Karting ‘Young Guns’ named for 2008

Two of Martin Hines’ ‘Zip Young Guns’, Jacob Stilp from Northampton and Jake Dennis from Warwickshire, have been chosen to complete the four-strong Racing Steps Foundation young driver line up for 2008.

The two 12 year olds have both achieved exceptional results in order to be chosen by the RSF.

“I have had my eyes on these two for more than a season and am convinced they have all the necessary qualities to reach the top,” comments ‘Karting Guru’ Martin Hines. “In both cases there are financial shortfalls however, so the decision by the RSF to support their 2008 programmes is very welcome.”

Both Dennis and Stilp will be driving 125cc Zip Evo Karts.

Dennis will compete in the KF3 Super 1 MSA British Junior, BRDC Stars of Tomorrow and National 'O' Plate Championships in a Comer TAG KF-engined Zip Evo.

Stilp will race in the MiniMax Super 1 National, BRDC Stars of Tomorrow and National 'O' Plate Championships in a Rotax-powered Zip Evo chassis.

The RSF-backed Zip Young Guns will also race in the Kartmasters MSA Grand Prix at PF International in August.

Stilp and Dennis join former Zip Young Guns 21 years-old old Oliver Turvey (Penrith, Cumbria) who won the RSF Formula 3 seat to be run by Carlin Motorsport and 18 years-old James Calado (Pershore, Worcs), who will drive the Fortec Motorsport-run Formula Renault UK entry.

Welcoming the finalisation of the Foundation's 2008 driver line-up, RSF Ambassador John Surtees MBE said: “These promising youngsters have all demonstrated both exceptional race craft and a powerful commitment to the sport. We are looking forward to a very exciting inaugural year.”

The RSF will provide direct financial assistance to all four 2008 beneficiaries. The RSF support should enable the four drivers to progress up the race driving leagues instead of having to abandon their ambitions because of a lack of funds.

Racing Steps Foundation Website
To keep motor racing fans up to date on the Racing Steps Foundation and its drivers, the RSF launched its own website on Monday. In time for the start of the 2008 racing season, the site provides details on the Foundation's philosophy, drivers and partners. As the season unfolds it will also feature race results and reports on each of the categories in which its drivers are competing. News stories and features will also be carried on the site. The address is: racingsteps.com