A SADDLEWORTH speed demon is loving the thrill of the Chase after taking the next step of his career by winning a prestigious scholarship.
Chase Fernandez saw off 49 competitors from around the country to earn the 2026 Jamsport Racing Scholarship, which will see him secured a supported drive on the grid.
After first being assessed across a wide range of disciplines – which involved more than just driving quickly – he then passed further analysis and interviews.
The final 15 were then tested in a more powerful car before delivering a five-minute presentation about him, his journey in motorsport and why he should be handed the opportunity.
The top six were selected to take part in a high-pressure shootout — a final in-car assessment designed to test performance when it matters most.
And Chase, who took up karting after his father did it in the 1980s and has previously won the Ginetta Junior Scholarship, reached another major milestone in his motorsport journey.
As a result, he will now take part in the MINI CHALLENGE, which is described as a stepping stone on the way to touring cars.
Chase said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to have won the scholarship – the competition was incredibly tough, with so many talented drivers involved.
“A huge amount of hard work and preparation has gone into this, but this is only the beginning.
“I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the Jamsport team and racing on the MINI CHALLENGE grid this year.”
The former Saddleworth School pupil – whose parents Tory and Rafael set up Scouthead’s Saddleworth Stars Nursery – won races in the 2025 British F4 Championship and admits Formula One is his dream.
Jamie Going of Jamsport Racing said: “The level of talent this year was incredibly high, making the decision extremely difficult.
“Chase consistently delivered across every element of the scholarship and demonstrated exactly what we look for in a driver — not just pace, but attitude, work ethic, and the ability to represent the team professionally.
“We’re excited to see what he can achieve this season.”
And Chase added: “Thank you to Jamie and the team for believing in me.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.