THE race is on in to qualify for the National Karting Championship and the chance to win more than £4000 of racing gear.

The Team Sport London Track, in Nobel Road, Edmonton, is holding the starting stages of the races in London until August 24.

The races are divided into three categories - aged eight to 11 years, 12 to 15 years, and everyone over the age of 16.

Successful racers will then go through regional heats, quarter-finals and semi-finals until the UK’s top 50 are found for the start of the November finale.

Winners will be awarded a new two-stroke EasyKart, MSA race license, race suit, gloves, boots and free entry into the 2010 EasyKart UK Championships, all worth more than £4000.

The National Karting Association has teamed up with Children in Need and hopes racers will be able raise money by through sponsorships.

A prize will also be given to the one who raises the most money for charity.

National Karting Championship co-ordinator Will Tew said: “For most people, motor racing is a spectator sport, but you can’t help dreaming of being in Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton’s shoes for a day.

"With the National Karting Championship we aim to recreate the excitement of top-level motorsport and hopefully progress some drivers into the professional ranks of participation.”