Former karting champion looking for a leg up to Formula Renault (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Former karting champion looking for a leg up to Formula Renault

HAVING impressed as one of Britain's top kart racers over the past four years, young Jamie Gruber is now turning his attentions to the ever more competitive world of motor racing.

Nonetheless, although the 18-year-old from Lechlade has been offered a drive in this season's Formula Renault single-seater championship - it comes at a hefty price.

For as a rookie driver expected to pay his way, the package to complete the 2004 series will cost Gruber and his backers well in excess of £100,000.

Although he has already received the substantial part of this sum from a number of benefactors, the former Burford School student is still short to the tune of £20,000, leaving him to seriously consider other options unless another major sponsor is quickly forthcoming.

Born in Swindon, Gruber, whose mum and dad - Janet and Dave - run the Royal Oak pub in Lechlade, became fascinated by motorised sport at an early age.

After taking a keen interest in karting, he took up racing them at the age of eight and by then was well and truly hooked.

After becoming the National Cadet champion in 1997, he moved on the JICA series and won that title in 2000.

As soon as he was old enough, he moved on to motor-cars and passed the ARDS Racing Licence course at Silverstone Race School only last year.

He then took up motor racing in earnest and gained second position in the 2003 BRDC Formula Ford Winter series after collecting two race victories.

His undoubted talents were spotted by Falcon Motorsport who invited him to test for Formula Renault over three days in Spain where he duly impressed.

However, should a backer not be forthcoming, Gruber has been offered a chance to compete in the Formula Renault championship in the USA.

Any possible sponsor, who thinks they are able to help on the financial front, is asked to contact Jamie, who is indebted to his manager James Heap and his sister Andrea for all their efforts on his behalf, on 07786 332892.