FORMER Terrington Hall pupil Bart Harrison has returned from his latest international race meeting commanding third place in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy.

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the 13-year-old star in in Wackersdorf. Having delivered a stunning pole position in his first-ever race outing in the OKJ category, he suffered engine power issues in one of the qualifying heats - but won another heat and took third place in the remaining qualifier, finishing sixth in the final.

He is now third in the overall world championship standings.

Harrison, who lives in Nunnington near York, was chosen by Motorsport UK as the UK’s only representative in the fiercely contested academy championships, which brings together over 50 of the world’s top young drivers, aged between 12 and 14, to compete in three meetings across Europe.

During the pandemic, the pressure of home schooling and lack of practice time on the track with his team colleagues at Lincolnshire-based Mick Barrett Racing have hampered preparations. But, despite the challenges, Harrison is happy with his overall performance in Germany.

“I’m never going to settle for sixth place in a final but given the technical issues and the fact that it was my first outing in the Academy Trophy class, I am comfortable that I did a good job," he said. "I think it has provided a good platform for the next round, in Italy, in August. I am confident I can hold my own in this company.

“Throughout, I have had brilliant support from family, friends, and all the team at Mick Barrett Racing. I am really excited about the future.”

In a packed schedule, Bart next heads to Larkhall near Glasgow in July to compete in round three of the British Junior Karting Championship. He then moves on to Italy where he competes in round three of the Euro Series at Castelletto. He comes back to the UK to race in round four of the British championships before heading back to Italy to represent the UK in the second round of the Academy Trophy at Adria in mid-August.

“It is very demanding, but for me driving is a passion and I want to be the very best I can be," Harrison added. "I appreciate how privileged I am to represent my country and I am committed to giving it my all. I know I have the most fantastic support behind me.”

Since 2020, Bart has been part of the Mick Barrett Racing team, which has helped bring through the ranks top F1 drivers including Lando Norris and Alex Albon, as well as McLaren GT driver Ben Barnicoat. Driving for Motorsport UK in the 2021 FIA Karting Academy Trophy in Germany, Italy and Sweden, Harrison will be following the likes of F1 stars Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Esteban Ocon, who all competed in the championships.