EVESHAM race ace Olly Turner reached the final after starting as one of 60 of the best aspiring 14 and 15-year-old racers from across Europe to enter a big competition.

The Ginetta Scholarship 2017 allowed the winner to enjoy a season racing in the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship in the G40 sports car as part of the BTCC package on ITV4.

Racers were all generally from a karting background but Turner, 14, who is usually seen on the oval circuits, did not let that faze him.

Extensive off-track preparations in fitness and media work saw Turner shine in the assessments on day one of the selections process at Blyton Park, Lincolnshire.

The Prince Henry’s High School pupil entered the scholarship having never tested in a Ginetta.

He had to prove himself driving on a circuit in a Ford Fiesta ST and a Renault Clio Cup car, plus the simulator training at IZone Performance, and his adaptability was enough to pass the qualification day.

Two 10-minute circuit sessions in the British-built G40 saw Turner become confident with all the elements.

Turner was selected as a 2017 finalist in the extremely competitive shortlist and returned for the second day.

Further improvements within the cars, with British Touring Car driver Tom Ingram, now had him performing consistently with quick lap times of more than 100mph, on par with the other finalists.

Although he did not make it further, the Vale teenager knew he had done his best on and off the track, improving vastly in a short time.

The whole experience confirmed to Turner and his team that he must move on to circuits in a junior formula next year to progress his journey and onto a professional level in the future.

Turner continues the hunt for financial backing to make this a reality in 2017. Anyone interested can visit ollyturnerracing.co.uk for more details.