MATTHEW Nuttley, winner of a national competition to become a racing driver, has made a good start to his new track career.

The 24-year-old former banger racer took sixth and seventh places in the first round of the BARC Single-Seater Championship at Silverstone.

Nuttley, who hails from Bitterne Park, beat off competition from 350 hopefuls to win the "Be a Racing Driver" competition.

His prize was a funded drive in the BARC Championship behind the wheel of a 1.8 Formula Ford.

"I've driven stock cars and done banger racing, " said Nutley, "but nothing like this.

"It will take time to learn the ropes especially as I'm racing against some drivers who did the BARC Championship last year.

"But I was happy with my first race where my fastest lap was just two tenths of a second down on the winner."

Nuttley spun the car in the early stages but recovered well to finish seventh. Second time out he drove a more measured race for a top six slot.

The Southampton driver will be looking to challenge for the podium as the championship moves on to venues like Mallory, Croft, Rockingham and Brands Hatch.

l Reigning Formula A champion Mark Litchfield won both rounds of the British Karting Championship at the PF Interantional Circuit in Grantham - but Hampshire's Gary Gatt still leads the series.

The Andover driver, who was champion in 2003, won a tremendous tussle for third place in the first of the finals, dominated by Litchfield from Staffordshire.

But in the second final of the day, Catt fought Litchfield tooth and nail and twice took the lead before Litchfield again got his nose in front to complete the double.

The third round takes place an the Clay Pigeon track on Sunday, May 1 and Catt holds a 12-point lead. Whoever leads after Clay Pigeon is a guest of the all-conquering Renault F1 team at Silverstone testing.