MOTOR SPORT: KART ace Nathaniel Freke commenced his challenge for the British Short Circuit Title in Glasgow following his success in the Long Circuit British Open Championships.

Freke managed a third place in the final, leaving him in joint second place for the championship.

Seeded three for this year's six-round championship, the pressure was on Freke to continue his record success and score well at the first round.

Each driver competes in three qualifying heats to determine grid position in the final.

Freke came first, fourth and fifth in the heats, despite having a puncture in the second and a slipping clutch in the third. This gave him third place on the grid for the A final.

The top three seeds and a top Irish driver pulled away from the pack, Freke holding on to third place for the first few laps.

He saw a chance to move into second place, outbraked the second-placed man into a tight corner then held this second place until the final lap.

Unfortunately, tyre wear caused the back of the kart to slide out in a tight corner on the penultimate lap.

Despite all his efforts, Freke dropped back and crossed the line in third place, less than half a kart behind the second-placed driver.

The next round is in June at a track where Freke has been club champion.