15 year old karting champion secures a fully funded season in the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship following three days of intense competition at Blyton Park.
15 October 2026 – Ginetta is delighted to announce Elijah Hazelwood as the winner of the 2027 Ginetta Junior Scholarship, securing a fully funded season in the UK’s leading junior motorsport championship.
The 15 year old British racing talent emerged victorious following three days of intense competition at Ginetta’s Blyton Park circuit in Lincolnshire, held from 5–7 October.
Recognised as one of the most valuable opportunities for aspiring young racing drivers, the Ginetta Junior Scholarship offers its winner the chance to make the transition from karting into competitive car racing, supported by Ginetta throughout the 2027 season.
ONE OF THE TOUGHEST SCHOLARSHIPS YET
This year’s Scholarship attracted 24 aspiring young drivers, each hoping to secure the coveted prize.
Across three days, competitors were assessed on their driving ability, physical fitness and media skills, with an experienced judging panel evaluating the qualities required to succeed in competitive motorsport.
Following the initial assessments, the competition was narrowed to four outstanding finalists, with the judging panel facing one of its most difficult decisions in recent years.
Ultimately, Hazelwood’s combination of driving ability, consistency and professionalism secured him the 2027 Scholarship title.
Kevin Simpson, Head of Sales & Marketing at Ginetta, commented:
“This was one of the toughest Scholarships we’ve had in recent years. The standard was exceptionally high and every participant demonstrated real talent and determination throughout the competition.
Elijah should be extremely proud of what he’s achieved. Winning the Scholarship against such strong competition is a fantastic accomplishment, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in 2027.”
FROM KARTING CHAMPION TO GINETTA JUNIOR
Hazelwood arrives in the Ginetta Junior Championship with an impressive karting pedigree, having established himself as one of the promising young talents emerging from the British karting scene.
His achievements include being crowned the 2025 Junior Rotax Primo Champion in The Kart Championships, following a successful 2024 season in which he won both the X-Kart Scholarship and BMKR Intermax Championship.
These achievements reflect Hazelwood’s consistent progression through the karting ranks, demonstrating the determination, adaptability and competitive ability that would ultimately help him secure the Ginetta Junior Scholarship.
Elijah Hazelwood, 2027 Ginetta Junior Scholarship Winner, said:
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Ginetta team for this opportunity. Winning the Scholarship is a dream come true, and all the hard work and preparation that has gone into getting here has been worth it.
“The Scholarship was an amazing experience, with assessments covering driving, fitness and media interviews. The standard was very high, and it challenged me in different ways, pushed me to my limits and gave me the opportunity to show my best.
I’m really looking forward to being on the grid next year, representing Ginetta and working as hard as I can to be competitive and fight for wins. I know there’s still a lot to learn, but I’m ready to put the work in, keep developing as a driver and make the most of this opportunity.
A huge thank you to everyone at Ginetta, the teams, my family and everyone who has supported me on this journey. I can’t wait to get started!”
A LAUNCHPAD FOR CHAMPIONS
The Ginetta Junior Scholarship has established an impressive reputation for identifying and nurturing emerging motorsport talent, providing young drivers with an opportunity to take their first steps into competitive car racing.
Previous Scholarship winners include three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, alongside British GT champions Dan Harper, Adam Smalley and Sennan Fielding.
Hazelwood now joins this distinguished group, earning the opportunity to develop his racecraft in the highly competitive Ginetta Junior Championship.
Mike Simpson, CEO of Ginetta, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Elijah to the growing list of Ginetta Junior Scholarship winners.
“The Scholarship has always been about recognising potential and creating opportunities for talented young drivers to take the next step in their motorsport careers. “Elijah has demonstrated the ability, determination and attitude that we look
