NATHAN Harrison makes his first appearance in car racing at Brands Hatch this weekend.

The 15-year-old Oxford ace has left karting behind him to join reigning champions Hillspeed to compete in the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship.

The one-make championship sees drivers aged 14-17 compete in identical Ginetta G40J race cars.

And Harrison is excited about his new challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to making my debut in Ginetta Junior – I really can’t wait,” he said.

“We always knew we’d come into cars when I was old enough. Karting is the foundation and there wasn’t much else we could do there really.

“This is most definitely the right time to make the step-up and take on a new challenge.”

Harrison has enjoyed a successful eight-year career in karting, with highlights including becoming the 2009 Super 1 ABkC Mini Max karting champion, as well as finishing runner up in both the Super 1 National Rotax Max Junior Championship and the Rotax Max Euro Challenge in 2011.

But he can’t wait for the next chapter.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a great year driving with Hillspeed,” he said.

“We know it’ll be tough, there are going to be some very experienced second and third year drivers in the championship, but we’re aiming for a strong debut and focused on fighting at the front.”