A TEENAGE racing driver from Preston is gearing up to get behind the wheel for a championship event on the world-famous Silverstone track.

Tom Boardman will take part in his first night-time competition on Saturday as part of the www.theAA.com British Touring Car Championships. The 17-year-old former pupil of Garstang High School is the youngest driver ever to take part in the championship and will be competing alongside some of the country's best saloon car racing drivers. Travelling at speeds of up to 130mph, sporty Tom will be expected to complete two races on a partially-lit track with only his car lights as an added guide.

In the run-up to the big race Tom has already driven his Peugeot 306 GTi6 in two daytime events at Oulton Park in Cheshire. After both races his vehicle was so badly damaged by rival racers that Tom needed almost every panel replacing.

But this time around daring Tom is hoping the weekend's darkness will offer some protection from fellow competitors.

He said: "I don't go looking for trouble -- it just seems to find me! Hopefully, no-one will see me on the track at night so they might stay out of my way."

As the son of a garage mechanic Tom has had a big interest in cars all his life. He began racing at 11 years old while still at school.

Through this year's races he has made a name for himself in the racing world as a driver who can make a quick getaway from the starting grid.

After finishing in the top five twice during this year's competitive events Tom has yet to clock a time in the top 10 cars during qualifying laps -- an event that decides starting position on the grid for the big race.

He said: "I think this will come as I gain more experience. I'm looking to get one of the top 10 times on Saturday."