Harrogate company to back local racing prodigies

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A Harrogate company will back two local racing prodigies for upcoming competitions this year.

Dickson Timber, which is based at Follifoot Ridge Business Park, will sponsor young drivers James Kell and Aston Browne for their 2026 seasons.

James, 16, from Harrogate, and Aston, 14, from Skipton, are two hot prospects in the British go-karting world.

The pair are also good friends, having previously competed together.

James qualified to compete in the 2026 British Kart Championships this season – the highest level in the UK – while Aston will compete in both karting and Rallycross championships.

Rallycross is a form of racing done on mixed surfaces. It combines elements of rallying and circuit racing. In his first season in rallycross, Aston came third overall in the Junior standings.

James also recently claimed his first senior win at the Whilton Mill Kart Championship Winter Cup.

This season will be the second that Dickson Timber has sponsored James and Aston.

Owner Ben Dickson has known Aston’s dad, Ricky Browne, since school. He was introduced to the two young racers through him.

As a former British Karting champion, Mr Dickson’s affinity for the sport has led him to involve himself in the two boys’ promising careers.

Mr Dickson said:

Motorsport is an expensive sport and some of the most competitive karting teams pay around £100,000 a year to be at the top.

Dickson Timber is therefore covering the racers’ team fees for the upcoming season.

You can find out more about James here, and about Aston here.