THREE teenage members of a Fenland family are looking forward to another season in the unusual sport of autograss racing. Dan, 18, Mike, 16, and Nicola, 14, are the third generation of the Mackenzie family to compete in the sport and all compete at natio

THREE teenage members of a Fenland family are looking forward to another season in the unusual sport of autograss racing.

Dan, 18, Mike, 16, and Nicola, 14, are the third generation of the Mackenzie family to compete in the sport and all compete at national level.

The Manea-based trio all started racing minis at the age of 12.

They are members of the Sturton and Stow club in Lincoln and race all over the country.

Father Vernon said: "Both of my parents raced in the 1970s. Myself and my brother Aaron started in 1983. I stopped for about five years and have just come back from retirement. The kids have been brought up in it and I'm really glad that they all enjoy it because I wanted them to be interested in something a little bit different.

"What's fascinating is that we can all go together and compete at the same race meetings. There are very few sports where parents and their children can compete alongside one another."

Dan, Mike and Nicola competed in the British Autograss Series (BAS) and have raced in west Wales, Gloucester, Kent, Penhow and York.

Dan came fifth in the national finals at Yorkshire Dales in August and has appeared on Sky Sports twice. He qualified as one of the top 40 class eight drivers in the country, where he raced a space framed single seat vehicle with motorbike engine. He also finished 10th in the BAS.

He is one of eight drivers invited to race in the live arena for an exhibition and race at The Autosport Show at the NEC, Birmingham, from January 10-13.

Mike will be competing in the senior age group for the first time this year after winning the Fastest Junior on Grass 2007 title.

He will compete in class seven, and change from a standard mini to the more powerful unlimited rear wheel drive, rear engine super saloon class.

Nicola will race standard minis again this year. She was second girl in the BAS and 13th overall.

The Mackenzies are now seeking sponsorship for the 2008 season.

The money is needed to cover the costs tyres and fuel and any business could have its logo splashed onto one of the vehicles.

INFO: To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Vernon Mackenzie on 01354 688478, e mail him on mackenziek44@hotmail.co.uk or write to him at 74 Charlemont Drive, Manea, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 OGA.