A SCHOOLBOY is following in his father’s tyre marks after making his high-level karting debut.

Finlay Hinds finished sixth in his first Super One Series final, but the action is so fierce that he was just 1.3 seconds behind the winner.

The eight-year-old from Minster Lovell reached speeds of 40 miles per hour while he was competing in the 50cc Bambino Pro class at the Clay Pigeon circuit in Dorset.

It comes three decades after his father David was featured in the Oxford Mail for his own exploits in a kart.

He went on to race throughout his childhood, against the likes of future Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button.

Lewis Hamilton and David Coulthard are among the crop of other drivers who progressed after making their mark in the Super One Series.

Having first tried racing a year ago, Finlay has been quick to show his talent and won the Winter Championship at Camberley Kart Club.

He had to show plenty of patience to compete at a higher level, with his debut delayed from April due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Strict safety conditions remain in place for the series, which include prohibiting spectators.

As a result of the delay, the season has been squeezed into five races over three weekends.

It continues with the second and third rounds at Whilton Mill, near Daventry, on August 1-2.