OXFORD’S Nathan Harrison has withdrawn from the Ginetta Junior Championship because of a cash shortage.

It is a massive blow to the 15-year-old from Botley, who is sixth in the standings and the category’s leading newcomer.

“It is with some regret that we have had to pull out of the series,” Nathan’s father, Steve Harrison, confirmed.

“However, the cost of competing is escalating beyond what we had been led to believe it would be, and I simply don’t have the money to keep topping up the budget.

“We have already spent nearly three-quarters of our budget over the first three rounds of the season, and it is clear that the figure we were told we would need is nowhere near reality.

“We have been working hard to bring a sponsor onboard, but that has so far come to nothing and, without help, there is no way we would be able to complete the season.

“The bills have already started to increase, the cost of repairing damage has almost doubled overnight and it is clear that we would need to find another £40,000 to carry on.

“While we have the possibility of doing another two or three rounds, there is no point in carrying on if we cannot see out the season.”

He added: “Nathan is obviously gutted at having to withdraw, particularly as he was beginning to find his feet and become a front-runner, but there is no other option.

“Hopefully, he will be able to do some one-off kart events while we investigate other options for him to continue his graduation to car racing.”