Thompson won the Junior Fiesta crown with JamSport in 2015 and came close to taking the senior title at his first attempt in 2016 – again with the Northampton based squad.

At the same time the 17-year-old – already 6ft 5in in height! – also saw JamSport wrap up the UK Clio Cup title in front of the British Touring Car Championship’s huge crowds and live on ITV4 with driver Ant Whorton-Eales.

Now he says it’s a dream come true to race in what he describes as “one of the premier motor racing championships in Britain”. His primary sponsor will be buildings refurbishment company SDT Contracts.

Thompson commented: “The vast majority of people are of course paying to come through the gates to see the BTCC but the UK Clio Cup is the one they come to watch as well – it is that good.

“The new season is only just over a month away (it starts at Brands Hatch on the weekend of 1-2 April) and I’m feeling relaxed but also like a child on Christmas Eve at the same time! I tested the UK Clio Cup car for the first time last week at Snetterton and I have to be honest – it felt like I’d gone from glorified track car to real racing car. The grip levels are immense and it’s probably one of the best cars you can ever drive.”

Thompson is the third generation of a racing family – his grandfather Dave was a top short oval competitor and his father Steven a big name in Legends. He also holds the record for most wins in Fiesta Juniors having, remarkably, contested his first race in the category on his 14th birthday!

JamSport Team Principal Jamie Going said: “We’ve worked with Aaron for a couple of years and we’re chuffed to bits to get him into our UK Clio Cup line-up – he is a real class act, in and out of the car, and it’s ridiculous to think he’s still only 17.

“He’s a shining example of the ‘academy’ of young talent we have coming through our doors at JamSport and we are confident he and Nathan will work very well together. We also look forward to announcing the rest of our UK Clio Cup driver line-up in the near future when there could be another surprise in store.”

Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes added: “Aaron is a very welcome addition to the UK Clio Cup and I think it’s fair to say he’s excited about being on the grid! His results to date suggest he could be one to watch. Likewise Nathan Harrison and together they could make a formidable combination for JamSport as the team look to defend their crown.”