Top karting prospect Jonny Edgar will rub shoulders with the relatives of two of racing’s biggest names at a major event in North America.

The 11-year-old Cockermouth School pupil will compete in the Superkarts USA Open Championship in Las Vegas this weekend.

The racer will face more than 100 competitors from across the world in the 10 to 13-year-old category, including Juan Pablo Montoya’s son Sebastian and Emmo Fittipaldi, gransdson of Emerson Fittipaldi.

Jonny, of Asby, has already tasted victory in a similar competition earlier this year when he won the Superkarts USA International in Indianapolis.

David Bewley, Jonny’s great-uncle, said: “He has been invited to the competition and has as good a chance as anyone of winning it.”

Jonny, who will be driving for Benik, a Florida-based karting team, will be joined by three other British racers at the championships.

The event starts today with time qualifying and heats, and the grand final will be held on Sunday.