Sam Tomlinson is out to continue his rapid rise in 2017.

The Papworth racer has clinched a deal to compete in the Lotus Elise Championship.

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

Tomlinson will race for the Kimbolton-based Track Group Ltd team after impressing them in an outing towards the end of last season.

He said: “I’m lucky enough to have been given a great package to drive what I feel is a front-running car for a championship-winning team.

“My initial aim will be to challenge for podium finishes on a consistent basis and establish myself in the top five of the overall standings.

“And it is a move which could open up plenty of other doors as the team do also enter big 24-hour races around the world.”