Thomas Hayward, Cadwell Park, June 15

Skellingthorpe 125GP racer Thomas Hayward ended a dramatic race at Cadwell on Sunday in the MRO GP125 series in a lucky sixth position after running out of fuel on the final lap.

After a start from row three of the grid Thomas aged 20, was away to a good start and soon up to fourth place. But the race was halted after 12 laps when Toby Markham suffered a heavy fall.

At the re-start Thomas again shot away to a good start and rounded Charlie’s elbow to elbow with series leader Joe Dickinson. By lap four he was up to third and anticipating his first podium finish but as he negotiated the corner at the top of the circuit on the final lap the engine spluttered and cut out.

Luckily for Thomas it was all downhill to the chequered flag and he was able to coast down to the finish to secure sixth place.

" Because the race was stopped and we had a further warm-up lap before the re-start we misjudged the fuel in the tank and simply ran out on the last lap. I got down under the bubble and made myself as small as possible to make it over the line, " said Thomas.

" I am disappointed I didn’t get a podium but relieved I was able to finish. I was also pleased I was able to get on terms with the top three riders, Lusk, Dickinson and Guiver, it is an encouraging sign for the next round, "

On checking the bike back in the paddock it was found that the front seals in the forks had popped so he was doubly lucky to make it to the finish line.

Although not quite the result he was looking for on the day Thomas finds himself moving up the standings to sixth and a further good result in the next round at Snetterton on July 20 could see the county rider move into a top five position in the table.