An 11-year-old boy has been ranked eighth in his age category in the UK at go-karting, despite only getting behind the wheel a year ago.

Ronnie Deacon, from Shoreham, went along to a go-karting party a year ago. Someone there spotted promise and asked his mum Gemma if he raced for a club.

Ronnie has his sights set on winning at next year's finalRonnie has his sights set on winning at next year's final (Image: Submitted) Having realised his affinity for the sport, Ronnie joined the academy at TeamSport Brighton where he quickly worked his way up.

After qualifying first to enter the British Indoor Karting Championships (BIKC), Ronnie came second in the local round and third in the regional round before the national final which took place on Saturday in Warrington.

Gemma said: “We didn’t have high expectations because he has been go-karting for such a short time and it’s very difficult to get into.

“The club is very proud of how far he came.”

Ronnie racing in the BIKC national finalsRonnie racing in the BIKC national finals (Image: Submitted) More than 5,500 competitors entered the event and Ronnie ended up eighth in the nine to 12 age category. This means he now ranks as the eighth fastest driver in the UK for his age.

The winner scooped a £20,000 sponsorship deal with Club 100, a premier amateur go-karting academy which is where top drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris started out.

Shoreham Academy pupil Ronnie now has his sights on taking the top prize next year. Gemma said: “His dream is to win a sponsorship.”