MOTORSPORT: Kidderminster Harriers have an unlikely rivalry with Chelsea this year - but not on the football pitch.

The football club have linked up with town motorsport ace Nathan Freke in a bid to promote both parties.

Freke will be competing against the car of Lee Caroline, sponsored by moneybags Chelsea, in the TVR Tuscan Challenge.

Caroline is the 2003 champion but up-and-coming Freke aims to surprise him in the competition at Knockhill this weekend.

It replaces the cancelled second round, which was to be at Silverstone, but could mark Freke's final appearance in a Tuscan if he cannot secure funding.

The Harriers logo will be on the Kidderminster man's car in an association which was the brainchild of his manager James Crofts.

Freke will be able to bring the car along to any public events held by Harriers and also to selected matchdays.

Meanwhile, he was dogged by engine and brake problems at Pembrey in the 250cc MSA British Superkart Championships first round.

Freke struggled to finish two of the three races in 21st and 11th position before the problems continued in the next meeting at Donington Park.

The Formula 1 Karts works driver had an engine seizure on the first lap of timed qualifying, forcing him to start at the back of the 48 karts in the first race.

However, Freke drove with his usual determination and style, picking his way through the field to finish 17th.

He was soon up from 17th on the grid to sixth position in the second race but drifted back to 17th due to a mechanical problem.

Freke said: "As I exited each corner it felt as though the clutch was slipping and I lost drive.

"It turned out that an axle keyway, which the rear drive sprocket is held in place by, broke and came out. I was lucky to finish at all.

"I think that my chances of winning the 250 series have now gone but we will continue to try to win individual rounds."