Ross Curnow and the new BMW single seater he'll be driving in 2004.Mike Turner reports on the young karting sensation who's all set for a brave new challenge.

A SALISBURY teenager is poised for an exciting 2004 after being signed up to race in this year's BMW UK Championships.

Karting supremo Ross Curnow is to represent the Panther Motorsport team in the prestigious competition which runs in tandem with the British Touring Car Championships.

The 16-year-old was selected by BMW to attend an evaluation course in Valencia, Spain, in November, where he and the new BMW single seaters were put through their paces.

Competing against 20 other racing hopefuls from around the world, the Bishop Wordsworth's School pupil finished in a highly impressive second place.

Along with the other best 15 drivers, Ross has now been invited back to Spain later this month in a bid to secure a BMW scholarship which would help cover the costs of competing at such a high-profile event.

All of the championship races, which kick off on April 10-11 at Thruxton, before moving to Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Oulton Park and Mondello Park, will be televised live on Sky's Motors TV channel.

The step up to the BMW circuit is an extraordinary one for the youngster who started kart racing at the age of nine.

He quickly progressed from Comer Cadets club meetings and was crowned South West champion within two years. Often competing against drivers older than himself, Ross excelled in the Stars of Tomor-row Championships and was called up to the England team.

Curnow's father, Alan, said: "We're very proud of him. He's done really well and if he were to get one of the BMW scholarships that would be the icing on the cake."

Five scholarships are up for grabs with the lucky ones receiving finances towards the season, and attachment to Williams F1 team for driver, engineering and fitness courses.

Ross is already supported by local firms Fires and Fireplaces and Total Restraint Systems, but is now looking to attract new sponsors for the forthcoming season.

Alan added that anyone interested in being involved should ring him on 01722 412627.