Chandlers Building Supplies has announced its sponsorship of Lewes-based Formula 4 racing driver Jack Bartholomew.

This year has seen Mr Bartholomew step up from kart racing to sign for title-winning Lanan Racing and compete in the DUO BRDC Formula 4 championship, where he has made a successful start, finishing fourth in his first race.

Having started racing at just nine years-old, Mr Bartholomew has spent seven successful years racing karts, where he twice received the Lewis Hamilton ‘True Grit’ award and won over 100 trophies.

In his last year of karting, he was the youngest driver ever to win the British Kart Grand Prix at the PF International circuit. He was also vice champion in the Super One British Karting Championship and finished fifth in the Senior Rotax World Championship in Spain.

He recently completed GCSEs at Priory School in Lewes, and will shortly start an electrician apprenticeship, which will fit around his racing.

Mr Barholomew said: “I am determined to pursue my dream of becoming a professional racing driver and I am very grateful to Chandlers for the sponsorship to help me achieve my goals.

“This is my first Formula 4 season and I’m pleased with the start I’ve made. My short-term aim is to win this championship and, in the future – like many of my peers – I would like to graduate to Formula 1 or GT Racing."

Richard Skinner, commercial director at Chandlers, said: “We fully appreciate the challenges that many young sportsmen and women face so we are pleased to support Jack. Many top racing drivers began racing karts and we firmly believe that Jack is one to watch for the future. We wish him every success.”