A POTENTIAL go-karting star is taking the same first steps towards stardom as a certain Lewis Hamilton.

Talented 12-year-old Liam Murray, who attends Westcliff High School for Boys, has already started showing his skills in competitions across the country and will be competing in the National Championships for his age group for the first time next year.

Liam only started racing about two years ago, and like the Formula One world champion, his karting is very much a family affair with his father currently sponsoring, promoting and working as the mechanic for him.

Liam recently won a Pit bike for his third place in the Rye House London Cup and is already one of the best young racers in the country.

His dad, Tony Murray, said: “I personally think he is very good. Conservatively he is already in the top ten in the country and possibly the top five.

“I am proud of him. It has not been an overnight success and we have done it together.

“We get involved in it as a family and it has brought us closer. We had no previous experience and have learnt it all from nothing.”

Liam began karting after a holiday to Majorca when he found the sport suited him.

Two years later and his progress in the Honda Cadets class has been impressive but money now plays a very big part in the progress of youngsters like Liam.

Mr Murray said: “We all try and get sponsorship but it a lot about luck and a bit like cheque book racing.

“Lewis Hamilton opened it up but I do not know how they got people to notice him.

“It gets to the level where it can cost £50,000 and it could cost a lot more.

“Hamilton is a brilliant driver but was also in the right place at the right time and you need a bit of luck.”

The family are also grateful to staff at Westcliff High School for Boys in Southend – which Liam attends - for allowing him the time to attend the competitions – where he races at speeds up to 55mph.