A 15-YEAR-OLD Malmesbury School pupil has won a fully-funded scholarship to drive at a prestigious racing championship next year.
Underdog Jude Peters, from Brinkworth near Malmesbury, was awarded this life-changing opportunity after beating tough opposition at an intense three-day competition organised by British car manufacturer Ginetta.
The competition took place at Ginetta's Blyton Park circuit in Lincolnshire between Friday, October 27 and Sunday, October 29.
A judging panel, led by Ginetta factory driver Charlie Robertson, assessed the entrants' driving skills.
Media skills were also evaluated by motorsport commentator Richard Neil, while the competitors' fitness was also put to the test by Ginetta's personal trainer Richard Chessman.
Following two fiercely competitive qualifying days, 23 drivers progressed to the final day of competition.
Subsequent assessments further narrowed the field to 12, then six, and ultimately the final four contenders.
After their final run behind the wheel of a Ginetta G40, the judges made their decision, and announced Jude as the 2024 Ginetta Junior Scholarship winner.
The young driver from Wiltshire received his trophy from the outgoing scholar Chase Fernandez.
This exciting scholarship comes with a comprehensive prize package for 2024, covering all entry fees, the use of a G40 Junior race car, season-long insurance, a supply of race tires and fuel, and professional car preparation by an experienced team throughout the season.
Judges were particularly impressed with Jude as he comes from a background in simulator racing, so had limited karting experience before the race.
Mum Kirsty said: "His remarkable achievement emphasises the feasibility of aspiring racers' dreams and underscores the potential for transitioning from the world of simulation to real track racing.
"This is an amazing achievement we are all speechless with pride."
Jude said: "I love the feeling of speed and being on the very edge of what the car can do knowing the risks involved but doing it anyway.
"I won against stiff competition so my family were bursting with pride.
"My future hopes are to make it to World Endurance Championships."
Jude will make his debut in the Ginetta Junior Championship when the 2024 season kicks off at Oulton Park in Cheshire over Easter weekend next year.
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