A 10-year-old boy with autism competed in a charity karting event as part of Team ‘Racing with Autism’ (RWA).

On August 6th Jenson Jowett, from Monks Risborough, competed in the karting event as part of a team of young drivers all with autism. Team RWA finished in second place against 16 other teams in the three-hour endurance race, hosted by Team BRIT.

Jenson was diagnosed with ASD (Asperger’s Syndrome Disorder) at the age of five and has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. He started karting 18 months ago and became immediately hooked on the sport.

Jenson’s father, Chris Jowett said: “Karting has helped Jenson’s Autism in many ways. It is a therapy for him as he loves the sensory forces imposed on his body and loves speed. If he is ever struggling in his head, karting takes him to a calm settled place.” Jenson has recently started his first full race season at Rye House and is currently positioned third in the championship of 12.

Racing for RWA alongside Jenson were 12-year-old Sandro Ballesteros, 15-year-old Jack Ferguson, and 16-year-old Sylvain Vessier. Team RWA was captained by Team BRIT drivers Bobby Trundley, 20 and Matty Street, 22, also living with autism.

The young drivers competed in two teams of three and it is hoped that they will come together again for more events, supported by Team BRIT.

Team BRIT supports drivers with a range of physical and psychological challenges to access motorsport. It aims to become the first ever all-disabled team to compete in Le Mans, the 24 hour race is considered one of the most prestigious sports car races in endurance racing.