RALLY mums Shelly Taunt and Julie Murphy are encouraging youngsters to try their hand at karting.

The Highworth duo, who will return to action this weekend following a three-month break, have new sponsors in Swindon Karting F1 and are hoping to use the partnership to promote the sister sport.

“We are really pleased to be teaming up with Swindon Karting F1,” said Taunt.

“Not only are we helping to promote rallying but hopefully we can encourage youngsters into the exciting sport of karting too.

“Young rally drivers can start rallying at the age of 14 now, but they can start competitive karting as young as eight.

“We are hoping that by teaming up, families can see that there are lots of opportunities and ways to get involved in motorsport without having too many age restrictions.”

The rally pair return to action in Saturday’s Poole-based Rallye Sunseeker event, where teams will take on fast and furious gravel stages around Bournemouth, Wareham and Somerley Park.

Taunt and Murphy, pictured above, will compete in the national event in which they finished 17th overall last year.

Co-driver Murphy said: “Despite not competing for three months we feel confident of a good run.

“Our ultra-reliable Subaru Impreza ran well last year and we are sure of having another successful season.”