KARTING champion Mark Burton is embarking on his third sporting season with a high-profile sponsorship.

The 12-year-old, from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, was Karting Magazine's Rookie of the Year in 2003 and winner of last year's Karting North-East Championship.

The youngster is now looking forward to further success after securing sponsorship from Teesside Audi for the second year running.

The company's backing will pay for Mark's entry into this year's competitions across the UK.

Proud father John, who works as a master technician in the Teesside Audi workshop, said: "Mark wants to make a career in motor racing and took up karting as his first steps on the ladder.

"He recently moved up from cadet to mini-max level and, although this means he will now be competing against drivers aged from 12 to 16, we are sure he will continue to achieve success."

Daniel Evans sales manager at the Mandale Road business, in Thornaby, Stockton, said: "We are delighted to be able to support such a talented young man."

When he's not on the circuit, Mark spends his spare time cleaning and fixing-up his kart and playing every kind of motor racing game on his PSII computer console.