BUDDING young Maldon racing driver Brad Bailey is all revved up and ready to face a new challenge by competing in the 2010 Ginetta G40 Junior championship.

Brad, 15, the current British and Open Junior Rallycross champion, has been selected as one of 26 young drivers from around the country to take part in the sports car championship for drivers aged between 14 and 17-years-old and will see him race at premier race circuits around the UK.

It is quite apt that 'Essex boy' Brad will be driving a Ginetta, as the company was originally founded in Witham by the Walklett brothers back in the 1958.

The championship supports the prestigious British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) 10-round competition and in addition to this the whole race day is covered live on ITV4.

"I'm really looking forward to the new season in a new car and I'm determined to do well although I know it's going to be hard," said Brad. "I know I've a lot to learn but I can't wait to get started."

To qualify as one of the 26 selected to line up on the grid for the first race on April 4 at Thruxton, Brad had to attend a test session at the Pembrey circuit in Wales, before being given the green light by the championship organisers.

During the year Brad will have the opportunity to race on such famous race circuits as Brands Hatch, Siverstone, Snetterton and Donington Park and for each round Brad gets two 15 minute races on Sunday race day, plus practice and qualifying sessions the previous day.

The 26 identical race cars are currently being built at the Ginetta factory in Leeds and will be powered by a sealed Ford 1800cc Zetec engine and the race car complies with all motorsport regulations laid down by the FIA.

The Ginetta G40 junior championship is a showcase for developing motor racing talent and it could be the next step for Brad as he makes his way up the motorsport ladder.