THE amazing success of young racing driver Lewis Hamilton has boosted business at the track where he learned his craft.

Buckmore Park kart circuit in Chatham is reporting strong demand this summer, especially from black youngsters inspired by Hamilton’s achievements.

The talented driver was discovered at Buckmore Park, where he drove his first kart in 1996.

Circuit co-owner John Surtees said the track had seen an increase in business since Hamilton’s emergence as a potential Formula One world champion.

He had spoken to circuit chief Bill Sisley, who told him that the interest which had come from Hamilton’s performance had been "tremendous".

"There has been an increase on the learning and training side and that is what is so encouraging – and the make-up of these groups," said Mr Surtees.

Hamilton was a great role model for black youngsters and there had been a surge of interest from young people with Afro-Caribbean and Asian origins.

"What’s been very nice to see is, we’ve been having a wider spread from the ethnic communities. There have been lads brought out of London and that’s good to see."

Mr Surtees first met Hamilton and his father Anthony when he took his own son Henry, then eight, for his first drive at Buckmore Park.

Lewis was 14 at the time. Surtees offered Lewis a drive in his A1GP championship team but Hamilton was then already committed to his present team, McLaren.

They are now close friends and the fathers follow the progress of Lewis and Henry with keen interest.

In his website blog, Mr Surtees paid tribute to Lewis, saying he is a young man who has presented himself off the track in an exemplary manner, everything about him showing the pleasure that he gets from what he is doing – a role model for all.