MOTORSPORT: Nathan Freke returned to winning ways in the British Championships 125cc gearbox short circuit event at Nutts Corner circuit, near Belfast.

The Kidderminster teenager, who had been dogged by mechanical problems in his previous two race meetings, was new to the unique track but proved the fastest by the end of testing.

Freke was the first 125cc kart to dip under 36 seconds in timed practice on race day and secured pole position for two qualifying heats.

In the first, he regained the lead after being overtaken and eased to a 30-metre success.

Despite a slipping clutch causing power loss, Freke won his second heat and guaranteed pole position for the A final.

Up against the championship leader, he hit back from falling to third and drove past the front-man up the hill at the end of the second lap.

Freke won the 16-lap final by 40 metres and he can lift the British title at his home track of Little Rissington in October if he wins one heat and the final in the last round of the championships.

He is at Little Rissington this weekend to defend his Midland champion accolade.