Porsche Centre backs 8-year-old Preston Go Kart champion

Porsche Centre Preston has announced its partnership with Jayan Prakash, an 8-year-old kart racing national champion who lives less than five miles away from the centre.

Cottam resident Jayan won the Global Karting League Bambino National Championship in 2023 - his first year of competitive karting. He enjoyed podium finishes in all rounds, including an end-of-season victory at Whilton Mill near Daventry to clinch the Championship. Jayan beat competition from over 30 other young UK drivers to win overall.

Bolton School pupil Jayan has enjoyed 20 podium finishes in his karting career. This year, Jayan will compete in Cadet Class (age 8-12), where karts can hit speeds up to 60 mph. He has already enjoyed two Cadet Class podium finishes in January at circuits in Fulbeck in Lincolnshire and Rowrah in Cumbria.

The new partnership highlights Porsche Centre Preston's commitment to supporting emerging talent in sport and marks another significant step in Jayan's racing career.

Porsche Centre Preston's managing director Tom Fox said: "We're thrilled to support Jayan. It's not every day that you encounter a young talent with such dedication and passion for racing. Jayan is fearless and fast. And that’s a powerful combination for a young man who loves motorsport. Better still, he’s doing something he loves. We're excited to partner him on his journey and watch him develop."

Porsche Centre Preston’s support for Jayan will see the centre’s logo featured on Jayan’s Team race suit and kart. The partnership provides crucial support as Jayan progresses in his ambition to compete and, perhaps one day, become a professional racing driver. 

Sandeep Prakash, Jayan's father, said: "We are incredibly proud of Jayan. He’s achieved so much in a short time. But, more than that, he’s having fun. Porsche Centre Preston’s partnership is massively helpful in many ways and a significant vote of confidence in Jayan's potential. We're grateful for this partnership and excited to see where this journey takes him."

Jayan has joined Ambition Motorsport as a team driver for the 2024 season. The team has a history of multiple championship wins. Jayan will compete as one of the youngest drivers in over 30 rounds, including Motorsport UK Club Rounds and National Championships: Cadet Kart Championship and the prestigious British Kart Championship. Jayan’s first race of the National Championships season will take place at Whilton Mill on Saturday 2nd March.