Young Scottish karter Ross Martin is gearing up for a successful season now he has a new mentor.
He has been singled out by reigning World Endurance Champion and triple Le Mans 24 Hour winner Allan McNish, who will pass on his wealth of experience to the 14-year-old.
McNish’s highly successful career began in karting, where he won six Scottish championships and three RAC British titles in the 80s and finished third in the 1985 World Championship.
So Ross couldn’t have a better guide as he starts out on a path that he hopes will see him emulate the now-retired Flying Scot.
Ross, from Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, has already been selected by the UK’s motor sport governing body to represent Great Britain in a prestigious three-race World Championship this year.
The Balfron High School pupil, who’s been karting for four years, has been recognised by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) after a string of successes and joins fellow karter Oliver York, from Surrey, to represent the MSA in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Each year, the CIK-FIA invites nominations from national governing bodies for drivers to contest the Academy Trophy, a world crown for up-and-coming karters aged between 13 and 15.
Alexandria-born Ross said: “I’m honoured and proud to have been nominated by the MSA and I really appreciate this opportunity.”
The youngster began karting aged just 10 and last year finished fourth overall in the 2013 MSA British Junior Kart Championship.
He previously enjoyed success in the cadet class, finishing sixth overall, and was top independent runner in the 2012 MSA British Cadet Kart Championship.
Ross continued: “I stepped up from the cadet class to junior world karting last year and had some good results, including two top-three podiums.
“I feel confident that I can do the same in Europe and prove to the MSA that they have made the right choice.”
Ross will race at Genk, Belgium, on June 15, Wackersdorf, Germany, on July 13, and Sarno, Italy, on October 12.
Organisers provide identical equipment for all competitors, ensuring a level playing field.
Dumfries-born McNish endorsed the MSA decision, saying: “It’s good news that Ross has been recognised.
“His natural talents should shine through in the three-race competition, with all of the karts being the same.
“Getting an opportunity, especially on the international scene, is very difficult but, knowing Ross, he’ll grab it with both hands. I’m looking forward to monitoring his career and watching him progress up the racing ladder to continue the winning trend of Scottish drivers at the very top.”
MSA chief executive Rob Jones said: “The CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy offers a great opportunity for promising young British karters to showcase their talent on the international stage.
“We are delighted to have nominated Ross and Oliver, who have both demonstrated outstanding commitment and ability on the UK karting circuit.” Ross, who has more than 25 wins from 120 races, also competes for Forza Racing, of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in the European CIK Junior Championships.
Dumfries-born Dave Boyce, who played an instrumental part in the early careers of both David Coulthard and McNish, said: “Ross has huge potential and reminds me of what I saw in David and Allan.
“He has a winning mentality and the huge family support that both David and Allan had.”
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