jstephens@thekmgroup.co.uk

A promising young driver from Broadstairs who has had his racing career cut short by thieves has vowed to get back on track and fulfil his potential.

Well known on the go-karting circuit during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bradley Sargeant, 24, was tipped for the top before being robbed of both his career and his equipment.

"I’d just won the Winter Series and the 2001 Championship and so we went out for dinner afterwards as a family to celebrate," he said.

"While we waited I went back to my dad’s van to change out of my racing overalls.

"I’d got back into the restaurant when I heard the van alarm going off. I rushed back and saw another van pulling off with the back doors open and my kart hanging out of the back."

The thieves stole £3,000 worth of Bradley’s kit and, on a day when he was meant to be celebrating yet another championship victory, the 14-year-old was instead forced to hang up his crash helmet.

"I never really recovered from that.

Crushed by the loss of a promising career in the sport, the University of Kent student turned his back on go-karting for 10 years until he noticed a competition offering scholarship for a year’s racing.

"I’d missed racing so much, I thought I’d give it a go and signed up. I was up against 30 other drivers."

With funding in place, Bradley finished the 2011 Formula 6 season on top.

However, now Bradley’s back to square one as the scholarship was only for one season and isn’t open to previous winners.

"I’m back in the same position unable to fund a season’s racing which is frustrating. Ideally next season my aim is to race in the national championship. I truly believe I can challenge for the championship once again."

Now Bradley is looking for backing from local companies.

"I understand that in the current financial climate companies are not simply going to give me money to put a few stickers on my kart, so I intend to promote them in every way possible.

"I know in my heart I can keep winning championships. I just desperately need help to put me in a position where I can do that."

For full story and pictures, see the Thanet Extra, out today.

If you can help Bradley, contact him on 07921170366 or bradley.sargeant1@btopenworld.com