JUST a year after starting in the smash and dash world of stockcar racing 13-year-old Ashley England has become a national champion.

He started out at the beginning of the season with the white roof of a novice atop of his 1000cc mini, but 12 months and an amazing 27 trophies saw him progress through the coloured roofs to the red of a top driver and then the ultimate accolade of a black and white chequered top of a champion.

Only three chequered tops are awarded via a system, of regional championships and Ashley won his by taking the North Lincolnshire title, powering his way round courses all over Britain in this full contact sport where the way past opponents can be to barge them straight off the track.

Now Ashley, who lives at Barras, near Kirkby Stephen, plans to really open the throttle next year as he moves up to the 1400cc to 1500cc mini class where the engine power restrictors are off and cars produce an amazing 80 brake horse power and can reach a straight-line speed of 115 miles an hour.

He needs to watch out, however, for there is a rival who aims to remove his crown as the only junior stock car champion his sister Bethany, 11, who plans to take over his old car and mount her own campaign next season.

The only problem is that shifting two cars and all the necessary back-up round the country costs around £300 a meeting, so the England family could do with some extra sponsorship. Anyone who can help can contact them on 01768 342595.