Firms put kart star in the driving seat

Kart racer Brandon Bethell (18) at sponsors Metconnect.

AN Oldham welding supplies company is sponsoring a young kart driver who has ambitions to reach Formula One.

Brandon Bethell is being supported by Merkle UK and the Metconnect Group. The link continues the company’s history of helping to develop local talent along with the sponsorship of larger projects such as the Bloodhound SSC. Merkle UK and the Metconnect Group are based at the Junction 22 Business Park, Tweedale Way, Hollinwood.

Brandon is an 18 year old kart racing driver from Glossop who is currently studying ICT and business at college while racing part-time at weekends. Brandon has already won one championship and broken his own lap record twice to be the fastest on the Daytona Manchester track two years running. He recently broke the lap record at Warrington’s indoor track on his first attempt.

Brandon is hoping to enter next year’s MSA outdoor championship and is then aiming to go on to Formula Three - with his sights firmly set on Formula One.

He said: “My aim is to become a Formula One driver and with Merkle UK’s assistance I feel that they could help make this possible.”