Talented Royston racer Sam Tomlinson has ended ninth in his debut season competing in the Lotus Elise Championship.

Sam had hoped to finish in the top five but due to due to a lack of funds couldn’t compete in the last round at Snetterton at the weekend.

The season represents a step-up for Tomlinson after his second-placed finish in the BARC Mighty Mini Championship in 2016 – the former British karting champion’s debut season in car racing.

Sam who capped his rapid rise by ending the 2017 as vice rookie champion and he told Royston Crow Sport: “It has been a mixed season with one podium, eight top five positions and being top rookie across 11 of the 14 rounds that I competed in.

“It’s been great but it’s also a shame not to finish in the top four or five.

“The aim for the 2017 Lotus Elise Trophy was to win the rookie championship and finish in the top five overall.

“It was very close but no cigar, but not through a lack of talent but more through not getting the funds to compete in the last round.

“The rookie title which was on the cards if I could have gained the backing for the last round which is a real shame.

“I have had great support from Skip UK and Camclad Steelworks once again and with additional support from Manheim Inspection Services, Bruce and of course my friends and family.”

Sam has ben racing since the age of nine. He quickly found his feet in the world of karting winning five championships in four years, including a British championship at the age of 14. After concentrating on his education and career in the automotive industry, Sam went on to university in Swansea where he represented the university in the national karting championship notching up several wins and podiums.

His favourite drivers of all time are Michael Schumacher and the late Canadian Indy racer Greg Moore. The reason Sam races with number 99 is in homage to the legendary star who tragically died during a race in 1999.

Sam is looking forward to next season with Skip UK already committing to the 2018.

Follow Sam’s progress over the winter period on Twitter @skipukracing or visit his website www.samtomlinsonracing.co.uk.