An aspiring racing driver has taken the first step towards making his competitive debut by emerging victorious in Jota Aviation's 'Broker to Racer Challenge' karting event.

New for 2013, the challenge will transform a private aviation broker into a fully-fledged racing driver with the help of Le Mans 24 Hours outfit Jota Sport. The 100 per cent funded prize includes a programme of driver tuition, ARDS racing licence application, personal fitness assessment and training with support from performance progress lab Zer06, and their first ever race at a major British circuit.

Brokers registered their interest for the event via email before 40 participants were selected at random. The challenge took place at Buckmore Park, one of Britain's premier karting venues, with drivers competing in practice, heats and a winner-takes-all grand finale.

And while a friendly atmosphere prevailed throughout the evening, the on-track competition was turned up a notch as the chance to swap karts for cars drew nearer.

Following a thrilling decider, victory was secured by Ed Gillet, cargo account manager at Air Charter Service, who triumphed in a closely fought contest with Jet Hire Direct's Richard Worthington. Gillet will now begin preparations to trade one of Buckmore Park's karts for a high-powered racing car, with entry into an event late in the 2013 season planned for Jota's inaugural broker-turned-racer.

Meanwhile, Jota Aviation has added a Raisbeck 200 King Air to its fleet. Providing superior comfort thanks to greater cabin room for hand luggage and catering facilities, as well as wing lockers for expanded baggage space, the upgraded aircraft will allow Jota Aviation to carry up to seven passengers at faster speeds and across greater distances. It has noise-reducing four-bladed propellers, dual aft body strakes to decrease cabin vibration and an inflight information screen. It will be based at Southend airport.

“The addition of the Raisbeck King Air 200 to our fleet allows us to offer a wider range of services to our ever-growing client base,” comments commercial director Andy Green.

“As well as vip charter, we are able to provide rapid reaction services to the oil and gas, medical, automotive, and AOG markets. I am pleased to say that the new 200 enhances both our capabilities and availability in these areas.”