North Yorkshire is in pole position in the race to find the next Michael Schumacher following the launch of a new motor racing series aimed at bridging the gap up to Formula One.

Tockwith Motorsports Centre has received the first of an initial batch of 30 Formula Zip racing cars, brand new machines offering a new entry standard into international motor racing.

And as well as offering any keen driver the chance to test the car, Tockwith MC are seeking any Jenson Button wannabes to race for their team in the all-new Formula Zip Championships, which start in November.

Currently, the only step up from karting to single-seater car racing is via Formula Ford or Formula Vauxhall Junior, which both hinder novice drivers through the huge jump in cost.

Formula Zip, however, has been designed to bridge that gap, making it easier to make the next step on the road through Formula Three and Formula 3000 to Formula One.

Tockwith MC are at the forefront of the new level having been the first motorsports centre to buy one of the new Zip cars.

Tockwith MC managing director Simon Moore, whose late father, Reg, set up the centre 31 years ago, said: "It's an altogether new formula single-seater aimed as a starter class.

"We're taking the cars - we've got one now with another one coming - to get novice drivers trained up to go into formula single-seater racing."

Zip cars, powered by a Ford engine, are capable of speeds up to 135mph. "Size-wise, there's not a lot of difference between this and Formula Ford," said Moore.

Tockwith MC have begun the search for any would-be Mika Hakkinens to drive for them in the forthcoming Formula Zip series, in which rounds will be held at the country's top tracks and at international circuits around the world.

"We want to be the first school to secure a driver in the seat," said 38-year-old Moore.

Details of how to apply for a test run or to just have a go in the car are available from Simon Moore at Tockwith Motorsports Centre, telephone 01423 358501.

Updated: 12:13 Friday, June 15, 2001