A TEAM of students from a Hereford school left their competitors in their tracks to qualify into the next round of the British Schools Karting Championship.

Fergus Edwards, (aged 15), David Cunningham (15), and his brother Joe Cunningham (13) are all students at Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School.

They recently showcased their driving talent by successfully qualifying through to the Midlands and East Regional Final of the coveted Championships.

To gain a place in the Regional Final the youngsters won the local heat and beat teams from Oxfordshire and Shropshire at Leamington Spa earlier this month.

Edwards and the Cunningham brothers performed brilliantly during their first time of entering the tournament, each contesting two races against the seven opposing teams.

They were the only team to finish in the top three of each race and the evening was capped off by Edwards getting the fastest lap of the night.

The three students compete regularly in the fiercely competitive local championships at Herefordshire Raceway in Weobley.

Martin Henton, Headteacher at Bishops, said: “We were delighted to hear of our students’ success and look forward to learning how they progress in this nationwide competition.”

The BSKC is a nationwide team-based karting championship open to any school or college with students aged 13 to 18.

It is an arrive and drive karting championship that aims to bring competitive, cost effective karting into UK schools.

Nearly 200 schools throughout the UK have signed up to compete in BSKC in 2019.

Each team consists of three students who do not need any previous karting experience or any special equipment to participate in this exciting team sport.

Pauline Hillon, Championship Manager at the BSKC added: “Congratulations to the drivers from Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School on their success.

"They showed talent and great teamwork to beat the other teams at their local final and qualify for the Midlands and East Regional Final.

“The BSKC offers young people a structured route into motor sport. Karting is a great way for them to gain confidence and learn many of the skills that will help them both in school and in other areas of their life.”

For details of the Regional Finals or more information on the BSKC, visit www.bskc.co.uk. You can also follow BSKC on Facebook and Twitter at @karting_bskc.