The British Racing Drivers Club Rising Stars are very much the future of the Club, today. Scouted from trackside, the BRDC Rising Stars are in effect ‘Junior Members’ of the Club, all taking their motor racing very seriously and all aiming for a professional career within the sport. From all four-wheel racing disciplines, the Rising Stars represent the BRDC in a wide variety of championships worldwide, and from the races contested while wearing the scheme’s unique ‘blue roundel’ it is hoped the Rising Star will graduate to the ranks of Full membership.

BRDC Rising Stars has a proven track record of selecting only the best of individuals with Sir Lewis Hamilton and Alex Lloyd being two particular success stories from the Rising Star scheme’s history. Once scouted by a member of the ‘Rising Stars Scouts Panel’, the driver is invited to Silverstone for an informal meeting. Following this meeting, the driver will be invited to become a Rising Star, and providing his or her career continues with upward momentum, the ability to stay on the scheme until the end of the year in which they have their 24th birthday.

Motorsport UK Academy

Ethan Jeff-Hall takes his place on the wall of champions with an unforgettable double win - Ginetta Junior Champion and FIA OK World Kart Champion! 

What a year!

Celebrating a year of 21 Motorsport UK Academy champions…

Ethan Jeff-Hall, winner of the Ginetta Junior Championship in his rookie year, is certainly making a name for himself. The 16-year-old driver has recently secured a £50,000 scholarship prize towards his 2025 GB4 campaign and won the CIK FIA OK World Kart Championship Finals at PFI, Lincolnshire in just his 2nd race with the CRG Factory racing team!

MOTORSPORT UK

BRITISH KARTING AWARDS CEREMONY 2024 SEASON

Following the strong array of performances by British drivers on the global stage in 2024, there was special recognition for both victors on home soil at PF International in the CIK-FIA World Championships, Ethan Jeff-Hall (OK) and Kenzo Craigie (OK-J). Both were joined on stage by Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers who presented each with Outstanding Achievement Awards. 

Mini Max front-runner Ethan Jeff-Hall has been named as the Wera Tools Driver of the Day at last weekend’s Mansell Raceway meeting in Devon (26/27 June).

Jeff-Hall was nominated by the panel of judges along with a shortlist of five other drivers thanks to their on-track performance, sporting act or overcoming adversity. Each driver was in line to scoop a special Wera Tools Trophy and a comprehensive Wera Tools kart toolkit worth £2,500, whilst Motorsport UK will supplement the prize with a free test day at a BKC venue of their choice in 2021 or 2022.

The 12-year old Strawberry Racing driver received his nomination after another dominant performance in the category, taking pole position in qualifying, winning heats one and two, the pre final by over three seconds and taking the finals win to lead the series by 17 points heading into the third round.

What was the highlight of your ‘Rookie’ title winning year?

There were so many highlights from the season but the standout memory for me was my podium finish where I placed 3rd in round 9 of the Championship at Wigan, the day before my 11th birthday.

What’s your favourite circuit?

I have a real passion for GYG. I spent several winters and off season testing at GYG and there was plenty of wet testing too.

Who has been your toughest rival?

I try to see every other driver on the grid as my competition, I don’t focus on any one particular driver as a rival. When pressed for an answer, I would say one of my best friends from karting was an inspiration and probably my toughest rival that I shared the track with, especially after plenty of racing and test days together – 2019 Motorsport UK Champion, Harley Keeble.