A BUNCH of budding Jenson Buttons are set to swap lecture halls and libraries for pit lanes and power as they bid for glory in the Inter-University Karting Championships.

Two teams of four from York University Karting Club are set to enter the series, with one team competing in all five rounds and the other provisionally entering three.

The group practice at the F1 Racing track at Monk's Cross every week, and the experience of indoor karting there should stand them in good stead for the first round at Gosport on Wednesday.

The following four rounds, however, are at outdoor circuits near Milton Keynes, Whilton Mill and Banbury and at the Clay Pigeon circuit in Somerset - where Formula One starlet Jenson Button honed his skills.

It will be the second year drivers from York University have entered the championship, their one team to compete in the minimum four rounds needed to get on the 1999 leaderboard having finished 17th out of 27.

Driver and YUKC press officer Alex Withington said: "I think we'll do better this year. The first round is indoor, which is where most of our drivers have got experience, and I would hope we would finish in the top ten there.

"I don't think we will win the championship but we want to finish in the top half and we've got a reasonable chance of finishing in the top ten. Anything above that would be a bonus."

The club are seeking sponsorship to help cover costs of competing, and anyone wanting further details should contact Alex Withington on 07773-536884.

Updated: 10:59 Saturday, February 10, 2001