THE search is on for the next Lewis Hamilton, and the screech of tyres can already be heard at a karting track in Swindon.

After Hamilton's thrilling wins in the Canadian and United States Grand Prix in the last two weeks, aspiring petrol heads up and down the country have been clammering to get behind the wheel of a race car.

And though a drive for McLaren in the world's premier motor racing series may be a pipe dream for most of us, youngsters in Wiltshire will have every chance to follow in Hamilton's tyre tracks.

Swindon Karting Centre, based at Wroughton Airfield, has set up a junior racing club for young drivers aged 10 to 16, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.

Centre manager Max Tyler, himself a former racing driver in the British Thundersports series, is keen to develop any local talent into future track champions.

Tyler said: "Lewis Hamilton began his career in karting, as did Jenson Button, so it's a good place to start if you want to progress in motor sport.

"By teaching these young drivers all the basics at an early age, the skills will stay with them for life. We're trying to put them on the road to success."

The Junior Karting Club, as Tyler explains, is not just for those dreaming of their first chequered flag.

Four of the 14 drivers at the opening session on June 10 were complete novices, and Tyler is determined to make space on the starting grid for all-comers.

He said: "We have three classes of driver, which allows everyone to progress at their own pace.

"Beginners start in the challenger karts, where they can get to grips with the circuit in a safe environment.

"The last thing you want as a beginner is people whizzing past you at lightning speed, because that can be very intimidating.

"Once they attain a certain lap time they can progress to the cadet series, where drivers use the faster 160cc adult race karts.

"The best cadets then become racers' who are invited to take part in the junior race meetings later in the summer."

Tyler, who owns online motor sports suppliers racewear.co.uk, is still heavily involved in racing himself.

The 45-year-old, from Bromham, competes in Europe's Historic MG series four times a year.

When he's not chasing podium finishes on the continent, Tyler can be found passing on his knowledge to the next generation of drivers in Swindon.

"The best thing about these young kids is that they are willing to listen and to learn," he said.

"At the first session we did a walk round the track, showing the drivers the best line to take to improve their times.

"One young lad shaded a whole second off his lap time by taking our advice on board.

"It's great to see them enjoying themselves and getting better and better."

Depending on numbers, Tyler plans to hold a Junior Grand Prix series this summer to test the most promising drivers under race conditions.

The champion will win a test drive in a much faster outdoor kart and could be entered into a regional racing series.

"We want to give these youngsters the chance to progress in motor racing," he said.

"Already I have seen several with great potential and it's our job to provide them with all the skills they need."

To find out more about the Junior Racing Club, contact the Swindon Karting Club on 01793 814340 or visit the website www.swindonkarting.co.uk.

Drivers must be at least 4'6" (137cm) to take part.