THE father of one of the most promising young racing drivers in the country, fears his ability to reach the top may be restricted by a shortage of finance.

At the age of 12, Nathan Harrison, from Cumnor Hill, is already taking on and beating karters several years old than himself.

His ambition is to follow in the tyretracks of Lewis Hamilton, who went through karting on the way to becoming Formula 1 world champion.

The youngster is already making his mark in the British Super 1 British Championships. He has recorded three wins, a second and two third places and is well-placed to win the crown. His main rival is 13 year-old Harrison Scott.

Should Nathan win the British Championship, his next step on the road to the top should be to compete in Europe.

"That's where it gets incredibly expensive," said his dad Steve, who runs Botley Windscreens.

"To support Nathan at his current level is already a financial burden, but luckily his grandparents have been able to help.

“However, competing in the Europe is incredibly expensive."

Steve estimates that it would cost £80,000 a year to finance.

"You've either got to be incredibly rich or have major financial backers to succeed," he explained.

Although Nathan, who got on a motor bike at four and started karting as a six-year-old, has had offers from people to manage his career (these have been turned down by the family), no major backers have yet come forward.

Hamilton, for instance, had been picked out at the age of 11 by McLaren, such was his talent.

Nathan, who attends Matt-hew Arnold School, is realistic about his chances of becoming a Formula 1 driver. "I would say they are about a million to one," he said.

"It would be nice to emulate Lewis Hamilton, but you need a lot of luck and support."

Nathan said his school had been very supportive while the Vale of White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre in Abingdon have given him free membership so he can work on his physical fitness.”

Steve is actively seeking support from local firms.

"Nathan is exceptionally talented," said Steve, whose uncle Eddie Harrison was a well-known stock car driver.

"It would be a pity, if the chance to realise his talent could not be fulfilled because of a lack of finance."

His next chance to impress is the GP Kart Masters in Nottingham this weekend, when the top youngsters in the country go head-to head in a one-off event.