Teenager Elijah Hazelwood has been named the Ginetta Junior Scholarship winner, securing his place on the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship grid.

Folkestone’s Hazelwood competed against a strong field from across the globe during a three-day assessment at Blyton Park, Gainsborough, with candidates assessed across driving, fitness and media responsibilities.

The scholarship gives 15-year-old Hazelwood the opportunity to move from karting into cars.

He said: “Winning the Ginetta Junior Scholarship is, honestly, a dream come true.

“I’ve worked towards getting into cars for a long time so to know I’m going to be racing in Ginetta Juniors next year is pretty crazy.

"The three days at Blyton were intense but I learned so much. There were some really good drivers there and I just tried to stay focused, listen to the coaches and give everything I had.

"I’m really grateful to Ginetta for giving me this opportunity.”

Parents Emma and Nathan added: “We, honestly, couldn’t be prouder of Elijah.

"He has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity since he first started karting, and to see all of that work result in winning the Ginetta Junior Scholarship is very special.

“There is a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes to support a young driver and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped Elijah get to this point. His coaches, sponsors, partners, school, friends and family.

“The scholarship is an incredible opportunity and gives Elijah his first real chance to step into car racing but, for us as a family, the most important thing is that he continues to work hard, enjoys the experience and makes the most of every opportunity he gets.”

Hazelwood has been competing in karting since he was 11 and has already achieved many successes, which include the 2024 BMKR Mini Max Championship, 2024 XKART Scholarship and becoming 2025 national karting champion.

Among the drivers who have competed in Ginetta's junior championships are F1 world champion Lando Norris, W Series winner Jamie Chadwick, Williams F1 reserve Luke Browning, BTCC star Tom Ingram and Formula E simulator driver Abbi Pulling.

Hazelwood is also in his GCSE year, however, and the family is continuing to balance his education alongside his racing commitments.