A teenager had a first-place finish at his first race weekend – despite starting at the back of the grid.

Scott Huntley, 17, from Danbury, took home first place in this year’s Formula Ford 1600 National Champion Rookie Cup, competing as one of 20 drivers in a series of eight-lap races.

Scott started at the very back of the grid with a ten-second penalty on top due to a fault with his car.

The “remarkable” teenager, who had raced karts but never a single-seater car before, somehow managed to make it all the way to the front, confirming his spot on the podium at Snetterton in Norfolk.

Proud dad Stephen was thrilled to see his son perform as well as he did over the weekend.

He said: “Scott has a truly remarkable talent.

“Using a classic ‘H box’ to change gears with your right hand while steering, braking and accelerating with no previous experience is a completely mindblowing experience and very steep learning curve for a 17-year-old.

“Full marks to Scott, who drove with a maturity above his years and kept the car on the track.

“It’s not easy when you have little downforce and less grip than the karts he is used to racing.

“Scott does not hold a road driving licence and not had a single lesson yet.

“But he did pass the required test a few weeks ago to enable him to race.”