MOTOR SPORT: The learning experience is continuing for promising kart racer Nathan Freke after he was selected for a national development programme.

Freke, of Kidderminster, was among 12 motor sport enthusiasts out of a possible 6,000 to be invited to Lilleshall's National Sports Centre in Shropshire.

Although initially worried about the programme which concentrates on diet, psychological profiling and fitness, his father Clive said the day proved a success.

The 17-year-old also had a boost when he was invited to race at Kimboulton in a test for the new TKM four-stroke level.

But Freke has dropped to fifth in the British 125 Gearbox Championship with three rounds left after a bad third meeting.

Clive said: "Nathan was seen as one of the most likely to be seen as fit to be a kart champion and was invited to Lilleshall.

"He went there a little bit apprehensive but actually came back full of himself!

"He did well on the fitness tests which was quite a surprise seeing as he's not one for running around.

"His upper body strength is high - we once counted he had to make 600 gear changes during 18 laps!

"The psychological side came out well and he came away with some diet ideas. It's important because he's a big lad and the cart has to be a minimum weight.

"He has a number of things to work on before he goes back to Lilleshall in October to see how he's getting on."

The Lilleshall programme is being run by the Motor Sports Association and the Association of Racing Car Schools.

Meanwhile, Freke's four-stroke try-out went well as his father added: "He had some problems in the heats, setting the fastest lap but then getting knocked off.

"However, for the race proper, he just finished second. He won't be racing now until the last week in August in Fulbeck."

Freke, who is trying to tie up sponsorship with a Polish firm, is also set to compete in the Midland Championships at Little Rissington, near Stow-on-the-Wold.