WORCESTER’S Carl Tompson has a long history in motor racing, culminating in a UK Sports 2000 Series championship win in 2005.

Now his son, sports-mad Archie has followed in his father’s footsteps aged just 11. Tompson and his father have purchased a junior ministox, a 1,000cc race car based around a Mini chassis.

He competes at Grimley Raceway, near Worcester, and on Sunday the youngster will enjoy only his third event.

Former Worcester racer and leading instructor Tim Matthews, who runs professional race team SVG after moving to south Wales, agreed to help train Tompson and was at the first two events.

Junior Ministox is oval racing for young drivers aged from 11 to 16.

For his first meeting, Tompson started from the back of the grid but managed two sixth places and seventh in the final against strong competition.

At the second event, Matthews suggested subtle changes to the vehicle, prepared by Cox’s Cars in Pershore, and alterations to the clutch.

Starting from the front of the pack after overnight rain, Tompson span and dropped to the rear of the pack before recovering for 10th at the flag.

After more coaching, the second race proved more fruitful and he held on to second place.

In the final, the Worcester youngster made a great start, pulling away from the pack and winning with more than a quarter of a lap to spare.

Matthews said: “This was a tremendous start to a motorsport career. At just 11 and racing against 15 and 16 year olds, to receive a trophy and be on the top step of the podium in his sixth ever race is quite remarkable.

“Archie’s only previous experience has been driving karts occasionally at Norton (Worcester Indoor Karting) and, although he has been a keen rugby player, motor racing has now taken a prime spot in his life.”

Impressed Matthews has already started discussions with Tompson’s father for his son to join Team SVG in 2017 and pursue a career in motor racing.