LEWIS Hamilton's stunning world title victory has helped to turn thousands of children into racing hopefuls.

And one mini Lewis is already gearing up to follow his hero. Lewis Crowther, nine, is showing potential after just four karting sessions at his local track. The shy schoolboy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his namesake.

Hamilton started karting aged eight and, at 23, became the youngest-ever Formula One world champion at the weekend.

Little Lewis, from Atherton, is years away from being allowed behind the wheel on the roads but he is building up confidence at Atherton Indoor Karting - and has high hopes for the future.

His dad Dale, 42, said: "It just comes naturally to him.

"He is a shy lad but this has given him more confidence and we now try to get down once or twice a week.

"He is constantly watching programmes like Top Gear and he loves anything with wheels."

Lewis is among hundreds of local children to experience the 'Hamilton effect' in Atherton alone.

The success of the newly-crowned champion has triggered a boost in interest in racing, especially from youngsters.

The Atherton centre has seen a surge of 50 per cent in the past six months. Now two in three of its clients are children and ambitious parents have taken along kids as young as five.

But centre manager Lesley Gibbons has to ask them to return when they are eight, in line with the minimum age policy.

She said: "Keen kids all want to be the next Lewis Hamilton. They've watched the racing on TV and come to a private party - then the racing becomes addictive.

"The shy karters, like Lewis, are often the best ones. Atherton is a disadvantaged area and some of our kids are bullied at school. They drive to gain confidence and end up being very talented.

"We need something in Britain to be proud of and to get kids off the streets. Karting is a great way to do that."

Atherton regular Oliver Hawksworth, 12, has collected 24 trophies in 27 races.

Two years ago, he would share the track with just three or four other karts. Now there can be up to 15 budding drivers on the circuit - making things crowded and creating added competition.

But Oliver has earned the nickname `No Brakes' for his unswerving focus and speed.

He said: "I love going fast. I can go up to 70mph and I have a good, sharp turn. But F1 would be even better. I'd love to follow in Lewis Hamilton's footsteps - he's brilliant."

Oliver will make the transition from indoor to outdoor karting this year.

The youngster, from Littleborough, in Rochdale, plans to enter the British Championships next year.

Like Hamilton, Oliver gets vital financial and moral support from his father.

Dad David, 32, said: "Hamilton's dad Anthony kept him firmly planted. My family is 100 per cent behind Oliver and we're helping him with sponsorship.

"But there are a lot of under-privileged kids who drive at Atherton, without the support of their family or the sporting discipline they need. Hamilton gives them hope."