Karting star Jonny Edgar is preparing to take on the world’s top Junior competitors in 2017.

The 12-year-old kart sensation from Asby has signed up with Forza Racing, a top-flight team that can already claim many successes at international level.

The Forza team is run by Jamie Croxford, who established an excellent record as a works driver for the Italian Birel factory team, before starting up his own racing outfit.

Under Jamie’s guidance, Britain’s George Russell secured the 2012 Junior European title and Jonny will hope to replicate his success.

Despite finding success on the international scene, Forza Racing hasn’t been prominent in this country. However, with Jonny’s signing, Jamie expects the team will take on some of Britain’s top events.

“We are very excited to announce the arrival of the young British ace, Jonny Edgar, to our Forza Racing driver line-up in 2017,” he said.

“We shall be competing in our usual schedule of World/European/WSK Championship events but also returning to our roots by competing in the MSA British Championships.”

Last year, Jonny won the American Super Nationals in Las Vegas and took second spot in this year’s British Super 1 Championships behind a driver who was three years older.

In 2013, he became the youngest driver to win a British Open title and remains the only cadet driver to have won this crown on three consecutive occasions.

His father Justin explained Jonny has been considering offers from a number of top teams, including several factory-based outfits, but they have opted for Forza as a known quantity.

“We were impressed by their professional approach and an obvious desire to win top-level events,” he said.

“Competing regularly in Europe is a big step for us but, with the team’s backing, I feel that Jonny will be up to the challenge.”