MOTOR SPORT: British champion kart racer Nathaniel Freke competed in the second round of the British Short Circuit Gearbox Kart Championships at the weekend at Three Sisters track, near Wigan.

Freke raced in three heats against the country's top drivers, finishing ninth, fifth and then winning the third to gain grid position four for the final.

But a recurring engine problem gave the Kidderminster teenager a poor start and he completed the first lap in sixth place.

He worked hard to dispose of fifth and fourth placed drivers within two laps and later he took third position and looked set for a podium place.

However, a knock from the rear relegated Freke back to sixth and he had to drive hard for the final five laps, clawing back into fifth.

The position gave him a good points score and he has taken the overall lead in the six-meeting championship.

The next round will be in July at Rowrah Circuit in the Lake District where Freke hopes to extend his lead and become the youngest winner of the championship.