Button backs schools karting initiative.

Jenson Button has given his backing to the new British Schools Karting Championship which, it is hoped, will provide the first stepping stone towards finding a Formula One world champion.

Launched by 3T Racing, the new championship intends to widen access to motorsport by removing the burden of drivers having to buy their own equipment. With all karts and equipment provided, costs are kept to an absolute minimum, which the organisers hope will entice schools to compete against one another. Initially set for the Greater London region, the championship will feature classes for drivers aged between 13 and 18, and will consist of a number of regional heats before the winners come together for a national final.

"As a teenager, I was extremely keen to participate in motor racing, but found the high costs and limited opportunities incredibly frustrating," 3T MD Will Tew explained, "I can't wait to give school children across the country the chance to race against each other. It is my hope that, by increasing mass participation in motorsport, Britain will produce a far greater number of successful racing drivers."

Button, now a grand prix race winner with the Honda team, enjoyed a successful junior career in karting before graduating to cars and working his way, rapidly, up the motorsport ladder. He believes that the new initiative is a 'fantastic way for more young British kids to get into motorsport'.

"I started karting at the age of eight and it is so much fun," Button said, "Some of the best memories in my career come from the time I spent racing in karts. Most of the current F1 drivers also started out in karting and it is definitely the best way to get into motorsport and enjoy yourself at the same time. Best of luck to everyone who takes part in the championship."

British school involvement in karting is nothing new, however, with the NatSKA organisation having operated its own championship for the past 30 years. The main difference between NatSKA and the new 3T initiative, however, is that the former relies on karts either being built or bought by the competing institutions. Running nine classes under full MSA regulations, NatSKA caters for drivers from as young as ten, racing at outdoor circuits around the UK. The 3T initiative will run its first competition indoors in south London early next year.