Attitude
Respect, coachability and the right mindset when the pressure is on.
The 2027 Junior Scholarship
Applications LiveRace to Rotax.
One driver. A season to prove yourself.
One young driver will win a fully paid 2027 season with Dave Edwards Racing in The Kart Championship, competing in Junior Primo or Junior Rotax.
Ages 12-15 Eligible drivers
£95 Stage 1 application
£389 Stage 2, if selected
Fully Funded Rotax Season
Race At National Level
Progress Your Racing Career
Be Part Of Team DER
Stage 1 Video Entry
Fully Funded Rotax Season
Race At National Level
Progress Your Racing Career
Be Part Of Team DER
Stage 2 Assessment
12-15
Eligible Age
2027
Race Season
6 Rounds
Friday Practice Included
150
Maximum Entries
Your Route In
Your Next Step Up.
Rental racer, Club100 regular, DRS competitor or current Junior Rotax driver: any level of experience can win. Show us where you are now and why you are ready to grow.
Indoor Rental
Outdoor Rental
Club100
DRS
Arrive & Drive
Junior Rotax
The Opportunity
This could be your moment.
The Race to Rotax Scholarship is designed to uncover a young driver with the attitude, commitment and potential to grow inside a professional team environment. It is not simply a search for the fastest driver on one lap.
The successful driver will join Dave Edwards Racing for a fully paid 2027 season in The Kart Championship, in Junior Primo or Junior Rotax, with the support, guidance and paddock standards needed to compete properly at national events.
What the judges want to see
The Complete Driver
More Than Lap Time.
Experience helps, but it does not decide the winner. We are looking for someone we can develop: a driver who listens, works, learns and represents the team properly.
For parents: every applicant has something to gain. The process is designed to help young drivers reflect on their racing, present themselves with confidence and understand what a professional team expects.
Commitment
The discipline to prepare properly, put in the work and keep improving.
Potential
Raw ability, racing awareness and the capacity to grow with the team.
Presence
How you communicate, carry yourself and represent partners on and off track.
What You Win
A Fully Funded 2027 Race Seat.
From kart and engine to race entry, preparation, transport, coaching and kit, the package removes the major barriers between a talented young driver and a serious national campaign.
2027 Championship Programme
2026 OTK Kart
A 2026 OTK kart supplied by KartGeezer as the foundation of the winner's 2027 race package.
Junior Rotax Engine
A Junior Rotax engine supplied by Aurum Racing Engines for the scholarship season.
Race Tyres Supplied
Race tyres supplied so the driver can focus fully on performance, consistency and development.
Mechanic Supplied
Mechanic support supplied as part of the DER race team package throughout the programme.
Coaching By British Level Drivers
Coaching from British level drivers to help turn ability into polished race-day performance.
Kart Storage, Prep & Transport
All kart storage, preparation and transport provided by DER across the scholarship programme.
Race Suit, Gloves & Boots
DQ Sport will supply the winner with a race suit, gloves and boots as part of the funded package.
Teamwear Package
DQ Sport will supply a full set of teamwear including key DER-branded kit for the season.
6 Rounds Of The Kart Championship
Entry into all 6 rounds of The Kart Championship, including the Friday practice running across the full season.
Selection Process
How The Search Will Work.
Applications are open to drivers aged 12-15 who are serious about progressing into Rotax racing and ready to show the character behind the helmet.
The process is built to look well beyond lap time alone. We want to understand the driver, the family behind them, the way they present themselves and the potential they could bring into Team DER.
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01
Stage 1: Tell Us Your Story
Tell us who you are, what you have achieved and what you would bring to DER. Your application includes:
- A 60-90 second introduction video.
- A link to recent driving footage from your karting category.
- Your racing experience, goals and any social profiles you would like to share.
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02
Review: Top 50 Selected
The strongest 50 drivers from Stage 1 will be invited through to the live assessment day, giving the panel a closer look at how each driver performs on and off the track.
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03
Stage 2: Three Sisters
The top 50 come together for a full assessment day at Three Sisters in February 2027.
- Media: interviews with Andrew Mather.
- Team: interviews with Dave Edwards and Jared Fox-Whiteley.
- Fitness: assessments with Grid Performance.
- On track: three 10-minute sessions in Three Sisters corporate karts.
The final shootout: the top 10 complete two 8-minute sessions in Junior Max karts. The panel selects the top three, then announces the scholarship winner.
Complete Transparency
Filmed, Open And Accountable.
The scholarship will be run transparently from start to finish. Filming is actively encouraged, with key decisions, judging criteria and final discussions covered and filmed wherever appropriate.
Open Process
Drivers and parents will be able to understand how decisions are made, why drivers progress and what the panel is looking for.
Filming Encouraged
The journey, selection moments and final discussions will be covered where appropriate, while respecting safeguarding and privacy.
Judging Panel
- David Edwards
- Phil Anders
- Jared Fox-Whiteley
- Fletcher Jamieson
- Harrison Crowther
- Jake Anders
- Brad Philpot
Before You Apply
Questions, Answered.
Everything families need to know before starting a Stage 1 application.
Does the most experienced or fastest driver automatically win?
No. Driving ability matters, but the panel is selecting the complete driver. Attitude, commitment, coachability, potential, communication and how the driver could grow inside DER all form part of the decision.
Can a rental kart driver win?
Yes. The scholarship is open to drivers from rental karting, Club100, DRS, arrive-and-drive championships and Junior Rotax. Any level of experience can win with the right attitude and potential.
What if we do not already have driving footage?
Ask your local circuit about recording a session or camera hire, and check their filming rules first. Share a link the panel can access with your application.
Will the process still be worthwhile if the driver does not progress?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on their achievements, communicate their goals and understand what a professional team expects. Unsuccessful applicants can also request a call to discuss their application and areas for future development.
What do Stage 1 and Stage 2 cost?
Stage 1 costs £95. The top 50 drivers invited to the live Stage 2 assessment at Three Sisters in February 2027 will pay £389.
Does the funded season cover every family expense?
The prize covers the race package listed above. Personal travel and accommodation, crash damage, optional testing outside the agreed programme and non-agreed consumables are excluded unless stated otherwise. Read the full terms and conditions before applying.
Can we speak to someone before applying?
Of course. Email info@daveedwardsracing.co.uk with your questions about eligibility, the application or the assessment day.
Applications
Your Application Starts Here.
Stage 1 entries are live and capped at 150. Have your 60-90 second introduction video and a link to recent driving footage ready. A parent or guardian must give consent.
Stage 1
£95
Stage 2, If Selected
£389