Harbury's Jordan King is getting revved up to chase glory in the annual Winter Cup season curtain-raiser at Lonato in Italy after a brief brush with fame in the shape of reigning Formula One champion Jenson Button.
Having already come into contact with Button at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony several years ago, King again found himself face to face with British motorsport's hero of the hour when he was presented with a trophy for his per
formances in the KF3 class of the UK-wide Super 1 Series in 2009
He acknowledged that it was "quite something" and "certainly a bit different" to receive his accolade from a driver of the McLaren-Mercedes star's status.
It was the perfect boost for the 15-year-old as he prepares to renew battle on dual fronts following a prolonged Christmas and New Year break.
His return to action will see him competing in the more powerful KF2 class in both the final round of the 2009/10 Winter Series at PF International in Lincolnshire and the Winter Cup at Lonato near Garda.
And King has a top-five finish firmly in his sights when he heads to Italy, despite by his own admission enduring a disappointing debut in the same event last year.
"In testing we've been really quick," said the Repton School pupil.
"I'm feeling quite confident and quite happy with everything. I've not been out in a little while, but I always get up to speed really quickly, and I'm keen to be back in the kart again - I miss the adrenaline rush!
"The Winter Cup will be my first proper race in KF2 in Europe, and pretty much everyone who is anyone will be there, so the competition will be pretty tough. It's a prestigious event, and it would be brilliant to add a win there to my career CV.
"I've done quite a few laps around Lonato and have been quick; it's a mid-speed circuit with a lot of hairpins, tight-and-twisty in parts and probably one of the most challenging tracks in Europe."
