KIDDERMINSTER'S multiple Brtiish Champion kart racer, Nathan Freke, outshone the more established stars in the FIA/CIK European Superkart Championship round at Donnington Park.

After mixed weather during qualifying, Freke finished fifth fastest in class and 16th fastest overall in the mixed grid of Division One karts (250cc twins) and Division Two karts (250cc singles).

Racing was a mixed affair, with the first race in the dry being declared null and void after a mix-up in the number of laps after a restart following a red flag. It was just as well as Freke suffered a broken exhaust on the parade lap, which could not be fixed in time to make the start.

The second event was a wet race following a sudden downpour and, starting on grid 16, Freke proved he is the best wet weather driver in Europe.

As the lights went out, he charged from his starting position to ninth into the first corner and from there on took places at will until he came up behind the current Division One and Division Two British champion who was despatched into second place with ease as Freke drove round him at Redgate corner.

Showing his full mastery in wet conditions, he drove consistently to record a 24-second gap over the nearest Division Two kart and first place on the track in front of the Division One twins with 30 per cent more power.

The result gave Freke the overall win for the meeting, his first win at this level, and makes him the only British driver to win a European Championship meeting of any kind this year. It also gives him third place in the European Division Two Superkart Championships.

This is the biggest win of Freke's career to date and means he will be seeded third for the 2005 European championships should funding be available to compete.