Warwickshire karting star chasing Formula One dream
Six-year-old racer Aidan Castleman, from Wolvey, impresses in national championship after standout debut season
A talented six-year-old racing driver from Warwickshire is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his hero Lando Norris after an impressive debut season in national karting.
Aidan Castleman, from Wolvey, finished sixth in his first year competing in the Super One Series, the championship that helped launch the careers of several current Formula One drivers, despite racing against older competitors and bigger teams.
As Aidan prepares for the new season, his family run team, Castleman Racing, has joined forces with Midlands accountancy firm HB&O.
The company’s support will help Aidan and his parents, Ryan and Amber, to meet some of the financial challenges that come with running a team at the highest level of junior motorsport in the country.
Currently Aidan's battery-powered kart, capable of reaching speeds of 45mph, costs around £6,000, alongside additional expenses including race equipment, travel and testing.
Ryan, Aidan's Dad and mechanic by trade, said: “Our aim in the Super One Series last year was not to come last so for Aidan to come sixth was staggering and just shows what ability he has.
“Some of Aidan’s competitors are spending as much as £150,000 a season, so this support from HB&O means everything to us and will help to level the playing field a little bit.
“We do a lot of travelling in our van for races and practice sessions. When you factor in the cost of the kart, the parts that need replacing and all of the other equipment Aidan needs, it really adds up."
Aidan's mum, Amber, said it's not always easy watching Aidan’s races: “We obviously enjoy watching Aidan, but there are times when your heart is in your mouth, especially when’s he’s taking bends at 30mph, on two wheels.
“There’s been the odd bump, but thankfully no big crashes, and certainly no injuries. The sport is a safe as it can possibly be and racing electric karts will really help Aidan to hone his craft and better prepare him for racing when he moves up to faster cars.”
Managing Director of HB&O Mark Ashfield, himself a motor racing fan, was only too happy to help Aidan’s family when he became aware of the sponsorship opportunity.
Mark said: “My daughter is a big Lando Norris fan, much like Aidan, and has really got me back into F1 and motorsport.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring Aidan and Castleman Racing at the start of what we all hope will be a hugely successful career in motor racing. We can’t wait to go and watch him in action.”