Teenager Daniel Gale just could be the next Lewis Hamilton.

The lad first set foot in a kart at the age of four and has already proved a roaring success on the track at Buckmore Park.

And now having just celebrated his 14th birthday he has geared up another level to race cars and this weekend will be competing at Brands Hatch.

Having passed his driving test last year, Daniel, from Wigmore, has now qualified to get behind the wheel and hare around the course of speeds of up to 130mph.

The competition takes drivers up to the age of 17 and Daniel will be the youngest to get off the grid.

The event today and tomorrow will be watched by thousands and screened live to millions on ITV 4 where Daniel is due to be interviewed.

Dad John Gale said: “This is his first big race and of course he’s nervous. At this stage it’s all about prestige. It’s the first rung on the ladder of professional car racing.”

Daniel, a pupil at the Howard School, Rainham, has wanted to be a racer since getting into a kart while on a family holiday in America.

John, a car parts dealer, said: “He’s been racing since he was eight. From the age of 10 he’s lived in an adult world. He’s got friends and likes going out, but he has to sacrifice parties if there’s a race the following day.

“He’s in bed by 7pm. His social life has to fit in with his dream, much like the Williams sisters had to do with their tennis and Lewis Hamilton had to do.”

Daniel, of Maidstone Road, has competed in karting across the UK and Italian circuits where former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli has offered him advice.

It costs £150,000 a year for Daniel to compete in 12 races and even more if Daniel fulfils his dream to get into Formula 4.

John, 64, said: “Every boy racer wants to get into Formula 1. But realistically he does not come from a millionaire’s family. He will probably go into racing in America.”

John, his wife Sue, 53, and his elder brother Jon, 28, will be trackside to cheer him on.

Daniel is supported by JW Smart Sheppey, BSB Group and PPS Ltd (Medway Hyundai).