THE summer holidays may beckon for students around the country, but for Hereford Sixth Form College pupil and novice racing driver Josh Young it is only ‘half term’ in his year-long campaign to make his mark in national motorsport.

With six races in the BRSCC Mighty Minis Championship already completed, Young has had precious little time to reflect on his season so far, althoug his the first to acknowledge that the extraordinary success of his debut (he finished 2nd in his first ever race) is proving tricky to repeat.

"That podium was fantastic,", but I’ve actually learned more in the races that have followed," said Young.

"At Rockingham Speedway, in May, I messed up in qualifying and finished only 14th in race.

"Then the fuel pump failed in race two and I never even made it to the grid.

"Last month it was Brands Hatch. I managed 10th in race one and 9th in race two.

"The racing is incredibly close, make a mistake and you can lose three or four places in one corner."

This weekend the Mighty Minis bandwagon rolls on to Castle Combe circuit, near Bath.

"I am working closely with three road safety charities – RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), BRAKE and The ELY Memorial Fund – to help them promote their message of responsible driving," said Young.

"I am a huge motorsport fan and love the challenge of close racing, but it’s important that the racing happens in the right environment – on a circuit.

"I love the fact that I can jump into my car and race with drivers much older than me – with far more experience – and know that they respect and understand the dangers we all face. And at the end of the race we can shake hands and have a laugh, whatever the result."