18 year old Hertfordshire racing driver Callum Ilott hopes that regional recognition of his on-track achievements will inspire local youngsters to give motorsports a go. After completing a successful year competing in Europe, in which he scored his first car racing wins, Ilott from near Bishops Stortford, received his Youth Achievement prize from Sky F1 commentator David Croft at last Friday’s Comet Sports Awards.

On accepting the award, Ilott was keen to explain that despite not coming from a motorsports family, there are local opportunities for those wishing to try karting as the first steps into motorsport. “My Dad took me to Rye House when I was just seven to see if I liked it,” says Ilott. “It’s a fantastic sport with both physical and mental demands but also it’s a lot of fun and when you are starting out, is something you can do easily with your mates. You don’t need any experience and if you want to work at it, there is the chance to go all the way to F1, which is where I want to get to and am pushing to reach. I hope this award demonstrates to kids from Hertfordshire the possibilities and who knows where it will take you?”

In 2017 Callum will race in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship for Italian squad PREMA, the team which has won the championship for the past six seasons. “My motorsport ambitions started right here in Hertfordshire. If you like watching motorsport then karting is definitely worth a look and I’d be happy to answer questions from anyone keen to take their first steps in car racing. Just get in touch via social media or my website.”

The Comet Sports Awards took place on the 27th January, at the Icknield Centre, Letchworth with over 250 people in attendance.