MOTORSPORT: A hole in the exhaust failed to stop a Kidderminster kart ace taking second overall in the British Long Circuit Championships fourth round.

In only his second drive at Brands Hatch and in wet conditions, Nathan Freke set the second fastest qualifying time after adapting quickly.

The teenager, starting on the front row, overtook two rivals in the first of two races but had to settle for second with the leader well ahead.

A better start in the final contest saw him on the tail of the front-man but the kart lost a lot of power and became noisy on the penultimate lap.

Freke held onto third despite the exhaust problem which could have seen him removed for noise violation if it had happened earlier.

He competes at the British Kart Grand Prix this weekend in Pembrey, South Wales.

Freke made a useful start to the World Championships qualifiers for the 125 non-gearbox Rotax Max kart class with a second place.

The overall winner of the three qualifiers will compete against top drivers from 67 other nations in South Africa.

Freke had a difficult test near Newark against many talented drivers but went on to gain third and second in the two final races.