BEWDLEY karting ace Tom Rawlings was too hot to handle as he was crowned Welsh Champion.

The 13-year-old made the step up from the cadet to junior class look effortless with a series of strong performances.

After getting to grips with the category, which is for 13 to to 17 year olds, the Hagley RC School student proved he had managed to cope with the steep learning curve.

The weekend started well for Rawlings, when he qualified fifth and maintained that position after a long fought battle as the lead continually changed places.

He then started in the same grid position in the pre-final but raced into the lead, before suffering a problem with his engine and ending up finishing seventh.

But he produced another impressive display of driving in the final to seal the title.

Despite having a mountain to climb in seventh place, the teenager made an excellent start and broke away with the leading pack.

He also took advantage of a collision between the leading two drivers, racing into the lead.

With two laps to go, Rawlings dropped to third but an audacious overtaking manoeuvre on the last corner saw him take the chequered flag.

It is the second year in a row he has taken the Welsh title on the Llandow track, which is quickly becoming one of his favourites.