Alresford school student and up and coming kart racer, Frank Ward, 13, has won a trophy from the respected Clay Pigeon Kart Club near Dorchester in only his first year of racing.

At a gala dinner on January 7, Frank was awarded the Batcotiques Trophy, recognising his endeavour and commitment last year.

Always a keen motorsport fan, especially of Formula 1, Frank took up karting in 2022 and immediately showed promise. Having been given a kart for his 12th birthday, and with the support of his family, Frank has been improving his laptime at local circuits all year, entering his first race back in June.

Racing karts at speeds of over 65 miles per hour, on narrow tracks with over 30 other racers and experiencing tremendous G Forces, requires great concentration and physical fitness. Frank has been putting in the hours at the gym and working out at home in between keeping up with his schoolwork in order to be race fit and ready to compete at the highest level.

Frank was awarded the trophy for his racing at the historic Clay Pigeon Raceway, where former and present F1 drivers Jenson Button and Lando Norris learned and refined their craft. With long-term aspirations of making Formula 1, Frank is keeping his feet on the ground and knows there is a long way to go.

Frank said: “I am so pleased to have been awarded this amazing trophy. I absolutely love karting and am putting in a lot of effort to make my dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver true.  My family have been very supportive and it’s great to know that I’m making them proud.”   

2023 sees Frank taking his racing at Clay Pigeon Raceway to the next level and building on the great start to his motorsport career as well as venturing wider afield, competing in the National Kart Cup. Visiting different circuits across the county will present a new challenge for Frank as he pits himself against competitors from across the UK in a very competitive field.

Racing at a national level, while maintaining his schoolwork and fitness is not only challenging but also very expensive, especially to compete with the best. Like many who start in motor racing Frank needs support from the local community and his family is keen to hear from individuals and businesses that would like to be a part of Frank’s future journey and perhaps help towards putting Alresford and Frank Ward into the Formula 1 story.

Find out more about Frank by visiting frankward.uk.