Up-and-coming motor racer James Jakes burned rubber in Brazil last night as he watched his Indy Car career go from strength to strength.

The 23-year-old, who has been racing cars since the age of 15, was making his fourth Indy Car appearance at the Sao Paulo Indy 300.

Some 90,000 spectators were expected to be watching the race, which was televised in more than 150 countries.

The former Cullingworth resident and pupil of Giggleswick School, now living in Guiseley, said he had sporting ambitions from a young age.

“I have always been interested in sports,” he said.

“I always went to Formula One at Silverstone, and I’m a big bike fan and Moto GP fan.”

His first Indy race was in March this year in St Petersburg, Florida.

After coming back from an injury his popularity has grown and his car for yesterday’s race was even sponsored by tourist organisation Visit Orlando.

Mr Jakes said: “I have been spending more time over here in Orlando, Florida, and I know a lot of people here, I stay here during the season.” He said his aim had been to work towards competing in Formula One races.

He has driven in Formula Three and Formula Renault series before the opportunity arose to take to the Indy track. “I really enjoyed it and it seemed like the right decision” he said.

“The first races have been a real learning experience.”

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s race, he said the Sao Paulo track was a recent addition to the Indy Car calendar, which meant he was expecting a competitive race.

“It’ll be a new track to everybody so it’ll be more of a level playing field,” he said.

President of Visit Orlando Gary Sain said: “James is an outstanding athlete and, as an Orlando resident, we’re honoured to have him as an Orlando ambassador on this world-wide sporting stage with millions of global fans and viewers.”

e-mail: tanya.orourke @telegraphandargus.co.uk