YOUNG Swindon racer Charlie Nesbitt finished a superb second in the seventh round of the HEL Motostar Championship at the weekend.

The Scott Redding-backed youngster also recorded a new lap record at the Thruxton Circuit for his Repli-Cast UK Racing team.

Nesbitt maintained his challenge to the front runners throughout the weekend at Thruxton as fractional differences separated the top three times during the three excursions on track.

After claiming a fantastic third in both qualifying sessions on his HRC Honda-powered machine the 14-year old rounded out the front row for the start of Saturday’s race.

Starting from third on the grid, Nesbitt got off to a good start and was involved in several battles during the 10-lap event, eventually taking fourth at the chequered flag.

The feature race saw Nesbitt again set off from third on the grid and he held fourth position for the first three laps.

More determined than ever, Nesbitt smashed the lap record on lap four with a fastest lap of the race. Planning his attack, he made a brave move to take third, stunning the crowds with his smooth riding style before moving up to second on lap six and then leading the race for half a lap.

After dropping back to third on lap 12, Nesbitt dug deep and made the move of champions on the last corner to take second position before the finish line, a mere 0.3 off first place.

“What a weekend,” said Nesbitt. “I never dropped out the top four, the bike was faultless all weekend.

“The race on Saturday was amazing and I learned loads.

“Heading into the feature race on Sunday, I felt very confident and after a fantastic battle throughout the race where I dropped from first to fourth I finally finished second.

“I can’t thank the team enough and a special thanks to Gary Dawson, Shar Bradford, Gary Wilson, and Trick, as well as my sponsors Simon Whatley at SRS, Warren Bright and Elizabeth Bright at Pacific Naturals, Tony Morris, Kevin Matthews and Heather Matthews for my spendable podium credit.”

The next round of the HEL Motostar Championship is at the Cadwell Park from August 21-23.