WHILE most young people turning 17 might mark the occasion by having a driving lesson, one Dorset speedster was celebrating a landmark achievement at Brands Hatch.

Reza Seewooruthun, from Poole, spent his birthday weekend becoming the first driver to complete the ‘clean sweep’ and lead every lap of the weekend at the Ginetta Junior Championship.

The teen stunned crowds at Brands Hatch by leading every lap of each of the three races.

The ‘R Racing’ speedster also secured two poles and the fastest lap over the weekend.

Reza, a former English Kart Champion, is in his first year of car racing and will be completing his first full season at the final round in Donnington Park at the end of October.

His efforts at Brands Hatch mean he has a strong chance of finishing in the top three of the drivers’ championship – alongside teammates Freddie Slater and Mikey Porter.

They are hoping for an R Racing 1-2-3 finish in the championship, to accompany their team’s win for the season.

In the 10 years since the formation of the championship, no driver has won all three races over a weekend, achieving the ‘clean sweep’ and led every lap of every race.

Until now.

“It was a dream birthday weekend. I had been clocking fast times in qualifying and the car was good – but I never thought I’d top the podium after all three races,” Reza said.

Reza Seewooruthun celebrating another win

“I was under huge pressure from other drivers but managed to stay ahead. The team and the tactics were superb.

“To achieve the fastest lap and take the two poles available really made it a weekend to remember.

“I am now focusing on the last races at Donnington Park and want to build on what I achieved at Brands Hatch.

“With R Racing already having won the team title I want to help make it a one-two-three for the team as well.”

The championship comprises 21 races over seven meetings at all the major circuits in the country.

Reza is backed by a number of local businesses including Wyatt Homes, Charles Trent Ltd, Anders Roberts Cheer Architecture, Luxury Care, Abbey Estates, DWP Housing Partnership and SC&W Law.

Next season, the teenager moves into Formula 4 and is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Formula 1 driver Lando Norris – who went to school in Street, Somerset – who also started in the Ginetta Junior Championships.