Ryan Saund, a Year 6 student at Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, was crowned champion of the WMKA Class 2 karting series after a standout season.

He recorded five wins out of eight rounds, secured four fastest laps, and finished with an average of 42 points per race out of a possible 51.

Ryan Saund, a pupil in Year 6 at Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, has raced his way to success to be crowned go-karting champion (Image: Harv Saund)

Ryan said: "It felt really good to win the championship, it’s my first ever championship win and I learned a lot from the close racing and from the other drivers."

He clinched the title on Sunday, October 11, with two heat wins and pole position for the final race.

Ryan held off his closest rival throughout the race, managing the pressure to take first place and secure the championship.

He said: "My first win was really special, and racing with some really good drivers was a highlight of my season, but my favourite moment had to be the championship final where I was able to show everything I had learned in my best performance."

Ryan Saund, a pupil in Year 6 at Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, has raced his way to success to be crowned go-karting champion (Image: Harv Saund)

Ryan now moves on to a national championship next year, where he will compete against top drivers from across the UK.

He dreams of progressing and becoming a GT3 driver racing in endurance championships.

Support from his parents and coaches has been key to his success. He said: "Dad and mum have been my biggest supporters.

"I have also had a lot of support from the coaches at Whilton Mill’s karting academy.

"Without all this support I couldn’t have won the championship."

Ryan Saund, a pupil in Year 6 at Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, has raced his way to success to be crowned go-karting champion (Image: Harv Saund)

Ryan’s parents said they are "super proud" of how far he has come.

They said: "He started the year nervous with less confidence, and as the year has progressed, his driving has improved, and his confidence in and out of the kart has grown a lot - it's been awesome to witness."

They described the season as a "rollercoaster" but said the final victory made it all worthwhile.

They said: "Seeing him put it together in the end and achieve what he has was amazing to watch, but him growing as the season went on was the biggest win for us."

The atmosphere at the final was "brilliant," with parents and young racers congratulating Ryan after the race.

Ryan Saund, a pupil in Year 6 at Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, has raced his way to success to be crowned go-karting champion (Image: Harv Saund)

Ryan celebrated his title win with a meal at McDonald’s and received a Sim Rig for his birthday the following week to help him continue developing his skills.

His parents also praised the support of the karting community and the value of academy programmes like the one at Whilton Mill.

They said: "Karting is an expensive and time-consuming sport, and it isn’t getting any cheaper or easier, so for everyone to come together and figure out how to develop their kids to make the next step is fantastic."