INTERNATIONAL kart racer Nigel Moore enjoyed a flying start to his motor-racing debut.

The 15-year-old from Long Marston, near York, gained two second places at the Pembrey circuit in Wales.

Racing for the first time in the Texaco Playstation Junior Ginetta Sportscar series, Moore qualified seventh and finished fourth in race one.

Gearbox problems brought his involvement in race two to a halt when battling for second place.

With a new gearbox fitted, he stormed from a fourth on the grid, from his Sunday qualifying position, to the two second places.

"It's just a case of getting the car set up right and me getting used to the fast corners as it was all new," said Moore after his effortless transition to the full motor racing circuits.

The only driver to beat him had a full 2006 season under his belt and Moore was easily the best of this year's newcomers.

Moore added: "I'm only doing the Ginetta Championship to learn the big motor racing circuits. My Italian and European kart championship commitments to the BRM factory are the most important consideration this year."

In a second hectic week for his family after his last-minute debut in Super ICC gearbox racing at the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow series the previous weekend, Moore nearly missed his motor racing baptism.

Without the necessary novice driver ARDS competency test, he found all the UK centres were fully booked up and he had to fly to Ireland to take the test then wait at the Motor Sports Association's Colnbrook offices while his new licence was processed.

He finally arrived at the Welsh circuit at 3am on Friday ready for practice, after returning to the Tockwith Motorsports Centre to collect his car.