When Deal teenager Chris Gray is on the grid, his heart is racing but his mind is focused.

There is no room for fear, waiting for those five red lights to go out. The bike’s throttle is pinned and the 16-year-old is ready to hit the track at up to 130mph.

And the former Castle Community College pupil is certainly proving he has the ability to cope with the demands of being a rising young star in the world of Formula 400 racing.

He is second in the championship standings, just 22 points behind the leader and says he has no intention of staying there.

“I want to win it,” said Gray, who started racing in motocross when he was 12 before making the switch to competing in Superteens at Thundersport GB – one step below Superbikes – in 2013.

“I’d love to race professionally but know that is a one in a million chance of doing so.

"I just want to keep riding and performing as best as I can and see where that takes me. I am only young and have time on my side.”

Gray is certainly giving his attempt to try and win the championship his best shot after taking first place in all four of the races in the last round at Cadwell Park.

He has also recorded three other wins in the first three rounds, as well as coming second four times and third twice.

And he has no plans to slow down in his quest for top-spot.

He said: “You’ve just got to go faster, beat everyone and win.”