YOUNG karter Will Gale is in a race against time if he is to get his 2011 racing ambitions off the ground.

The 12-year-old, from Alvaston, was crowned Trent Valley Kart Club's Winter Series Rookie champion after the final round at the Pfi circuit, near Grantham.

But his bid to step up to the national level has been hit by a desperate struggle to raise funds after clinching what is regarded as one of the UK's most prestigious titles.

The deadline for registration is tomorrow and his dad, Dave, has been trying to raise the required investment.

The RamTec Motorsport boss said: "I'm feeling a mixture of disbelief and anger.

"Disbelief that both sponsors and investors are so slow to spot a genuine opportunity, despite having had the recent examples of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, and anger that many of those that we have approached, who haven't even bothered to respond, will think nothing of spending thousands of pounds on hospitality to cheer on 'Our Boys' at some far-flung Grand Prix.

"The reality is that although McLaren's investment in Hamilton is being repaid a hundred times over, it took a man with real vision, Ron Dennis, to lead the way."

Will added: "I don't know what else I can do. I've nailed every target that's been set for me and we still can't find sponsorship.

"If we don't find some money this week, that's it, we can't register after Friday."

For more information, go to ramtecmotorsport.co.uk or contact 07703 460360.