Monaco kart pilot JOEL JAMIESON impresses 2011 CIK Pro-light KF1 Champion Cian Fothergill who has taken the youngster under his wing

Joel Jamieson will be traveling to South Australia for the State Titles this weekend competing in the Midgets Class with 24 other young racers.

For 11-year-old Joel Jamieson the trip to South Australia is certain to be a part of a learning curve.

The young karter has had a good year on the track and is keen to expand his experiences to racing outside the state.

"He has really looked forward to it," mother Tammy said prior to the departure of the karters yesterday for the three-day meeting.

Ambitious youngsters need to have a sporting mentor and Jamieson has one of the best in Gladstone's CIAN FOTHERGILL, who travelled to the event with Brydon and Jamieson and is recognised as one of the best in Australia.

"Joel impressed Cian who has taken him under his wing," Tammy said.

The young Rockhampton karter is also impressed by Fothergill who recently raced in Japan for the World Cup as the Australian winner of the CIK Pro-Light class Stars of Karting Series. However, luck did not travel with him and after a promising start he was struck with mechanical problems and failed to finish.

For Jamieson the sport of karting, at the moment, takes centre stage. "He's addicted," Tammy said. "He's already said he's never quitting." Karting runs in the family and while Tammy will be looking on nervously in the stands with her daughter, dad Mark will be busy in the pits as the team mechanic. Mark races karts locally but has not managed the success of his youngster but nevertheless is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable racer.

Joel Jamieson continued to impress after the final round of the Queensland Supercheap Auto Karting series this month were Joel was a standout with two wins and second place from his three races. Jamieson has been among the leaders throughout the Supercheap Series to record a top five on the overall points ladder for 2011.

Joel who qualified 4th at this years QLD State Titles is currently the "Top Midget of the Year" also finished in 4th overall in the Supercheap Auto Series this year. Well done Joel on the great achievement this year!!