The European Kart Championship kicks off this weekend at Ugento, in the heel of Italy, and Jason has posted two 7th fastest times against 50 other competitors, many of whom are well-funded or professional drivers. After the first days free practice Jason is making his mark on the new KF1 class on only the second time he has raced with the radically revised engine formula.

A limited budget means racing only in the European and World Championships is the best use of resources, and after leading the British Championship up until the closing stages of the last race in 2006 Jason feels he has gone as far as he can in the UK.

“We’re funding ourselves from the proceeds of Tim Parrott Motorsport, our team racing in the UK championships,” said Jason, whose father, multiple World Kart Champion Tim Parrott is in charge of the team. “We’ve had championship wins in the Rotax Max class over the last few years and we’ve built a reputation as one of the best teams in the category. We’re independent as well which means if drivers want to race with us they don’t have to change to a completely different kart.”

In Europe, Jason is racing under the auspices of the Italy-based MGM Racing team and has switched to the Birel kart while remaining with the Parilla engine. He travelled to Ugento two weeks ago to race in the Italian Championship and to gain experience and finished fourth against many of the same drivers that he will race against this weekend.

However, in kart racing tyres are always a huge part of the equation and regulations mean that Jason has had to change to Bridgestone tyres this weekend.

“It’s like a completely different kart with those tyres on,” said Jason.

Despite this he is more than happy with his performance and is confident he can move into the top five tomorrow (Saturday) as the timed qualifying and heats start. Sunday will see the two televised finals.