RACING cars and playing computer games doesn’t sound like something that could carve open a career.

But it is working for Harry Threlfall, 19, from Blagdon Hill, one of the names to watch out for on the junior rally driving circuit.

Harry finished second overall in the English Junior Championships and second in the under one-litre category in his Peugeot 107 in September – and is on track to take on the country’s elite in the British Rider Championship, which starts next year.

He said: “Playing computer games can make you a better driver because you know what the car is going to do if there are problems.

“You have to always be concentrating at the wheel and get in the right mental attitude because any slip up could be really costly when you are going 90mph.

“I have had no crashes or injuries yet and that’s what helped me do so well because I finished every round.”

Although sponsorship pays for most of Harry’s rallying, he also holds down three part-time jobs, as a mystery shopper, lifeguard and delivery driver, to pay for expensive entry fees.

He also juggles his motorsport engineering studies at Bridgwater College, training in his car and computer game training to help fund his dream.

He said: “I have always enjoyed rally driving and to get into the British Rider Championship next year would be perfect as it is a breeding ground for young drivers.

“It is tricky juggling both the studies, the training and the competitions but I am managing it so far, on top of my classes.

“I want to make it at the next level – I am definitely confident that I will do well and I am aiming to be in the top ten.”

Anyone who can help Harry with sponsorship can e-mail him at harryrally@mktest.com