A Macclesfield lad barely out of school has been named one of the best young racing drivers in the country.

Joseph Loake (18) could win prizes and be named the best, after making the shortlist for the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award 2023.

The prize for this year's winner includes £200,000 and a Formula 1 test drive with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team.

The winning prize money can be used to further his racing career. The winner will be announced at the Autosport Awards on December 3.

The nomination follows another award Joseph won earlier this year. (Image - Joseph Loake)

"It is a very prestigious award and big for my career", said Joseph.

"But at the same time I don't want to get too excited about it because I am only in the top 10.

"If I get shortlisted in the Top 4, I will then get a proper chance of winning it.

"To be in the top 10 is quite a special moment for myself and my career."

Joseph started karting when he was 10-years-old at Macclesfield Kart Club.

A former pupil of All Hallows Catholic College, Joseph lives in the Ivymeade area of Macclesfield.

He current races at GB3, and would like to go up the next level to the global Formula 3 tournament, which is just two ranks away from Formula One.

"To go up the ranks, the funding is completely out of my reach," explained Joseph.

"So winning would raise myself to a high level and put quite a big spotlight on me, which is what I could need to progress through the ranks.

Joseph has already pipped thousands of other drivers to be named in this shortlist, and fingers are crossed that he can go all the way. (Image @mat_acton photography Instagram)

"It would be my first real earnings in motorsport. I don't want to stop now, I want to keep going and try and get to Formula One."

The teenager at present is competing in the GB3 Championship, having risen up from racing Ford Fiestas then moving up to British F4.

He's had a great start to his first season in GB3 with wins, fastest laps and breaking records at Oulton Park in his debut race.

Macclesfield: If you want to show some support for Joseph, you can follow him on Instagram @joseph_loake_racing.

Click the play button at the top of this article to watch a video of Joseph in action.

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