A YOUNG Scammonden racing star is preparing to make his senior karting debut in a new ultra-fast class this weekend.

Daniel Lloyd, 15, is moving up to the KF2 category of kart racing for the start of the new 2007/8 Winter Series at the PFi circuit in Lincolnshire today and tomorrow.

He will be the youngest competitor in the class and early test runs have shown he is already quicker than some of his more experienced rivals.

Daniel previously raced in the Junior Rotax class but has proved himself enough to be moved up to KF2. It is a new category in Britain but is already well-established in top-flight European racing. The KF-engined karts are heavier and faster than the Junior Rotax type and use front brakes operated by a hand-lever.

Daniel said: “I’m really excited. This is the first time that KF karts have raced in the country, so I’m part of a little bit of history in the making. I’ve had a lot to learn and get used to but I really, really love them already.

“I started the year as one of the favourites to win the Junior Rotax title and had a nightmare. This time, I’m the new boy at school. The pressure’s completely off me. We’ve done more preparation than ever before, I’m fast and the kart’s very good. I think we could surprise a few people.”

Daniel, a Huddersfield Grammar School student, signed off his junior career in style in August, by taking third place at the Kart Masters meeting.

Since then, he and his Hawksport team have spent hours on circuits learning how to get the most out of their equipment.

The training has included a trip to Genk in Belgium, spending time with different engine tuners and meeting karting World Cup winner Michael Ryall. Daniel said: “Michael is a professional kart racer based over there and he gave me a lot of advice. The circuit was perfect for testing these engines to the limit. It’s fast but has very tricky corners, so you’re constantly working hard. It’s a great place to push yourself and see how fit you are – these things are very physical to drive.

We were the only Brits out there and that meant no-one could see what we are doing and copy it!”