Mini-marvel Chris Wood will follow in his parents' tyre tracks when he makes his racing debut this week.

Chris, 16, of Allerton, Bradford, is revving up to take part in his first senior race for the White Rose Autograss Club in his customised 1000cc Mini Cooper at York on Sunday.

And cheering from the sidelines will be mum Julie and dad Martyn who are both former club racing champions.

Chris, a pupil at Rhodesway School, will be racing the same mini in which his dad was so successful.

The pair have spent the winter rebuilding the car, with the help of Chris's schoolmate and mechanic Simon Lawson, and have also had a powerful new engine installed by Bradford engine manufacturing company Drakes.

Chris, whose dream is to be a Formula One driver, said: "It's good to be following in my mum and dad's footsteps. They've been doing it for about 13-years and I've just grown up with it all around me.

"It is dangerous but it's really exciting. It really gets your adrenaline going. I've never rolled the car but I've had a few head-on collisions. But with all the safety equipment I haven't been hurt.

"I've been racing for two years in the juniors but this will be my senior debut, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Dad Martyn, 43, a textile works manager, who is a former three-time club champion, admitted that watching his son race could be a tense experience.

He said: "It's nerve-wracking but it's also very pleasing as well. He's got a natural talent for racing and it's nice to see him following in the family tradition.

Mum Julie, who won the White Rose ladies championship two years ago, has had to retire with back problems but is proud of Chris's racing talent.

She said: "It was a bit scary at first. I was a bit nervous watching him but I've got used to it now. It makes me feel really proud to see him racing.

"He loves anything to do with motor sport. We can't go anywhere if the Grand Prix's on. We have to watch it."

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