Hughes gets his kart into second place at Shenington (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hughes gets his kart into second place at Shenington

RICHARD Hughes, from Castle Eaton, enjoyed a fine second place finish at the Shenington Kart Club meeting last Sunday.

The Total Butler-supported driver also benefited from his rivals' problems on the day to move into second place in the championship with only two rounds to go.

Hughes opened his account for the day with a convincing win in the first heat, but had to come right through the field from the back to finish fourth in the second.

But the third heat presented a problem as whilst challenging for the lead he caught a wheel on a big kerb, which promptly threw the chain off!

Although Richard quickly re-fitted it, he finished well down the field and dropped from a certain pole position qualification to fifth on the grid.

For the big race, experienced British championship driver Kevin Baines started on pole, but by lap two Hughes was on his tail and looking like he meant business!

Sure enough, Hughes dived up the inside at the Stratford hairpin and into the lead.

Baines started the fight-back and got past in the Wilkins complex. The two then held station and put in some good lap times to pull a huge gap on the third place driver, Mark Redding.

Towards the end of the 12-lap race, it was obvious that Hughes was capable of going quicker as he closed right up.

Indeed, he clocked the fastest lap of the day on the final lap, as most of the crowd were on their feet for the grandstand finish.

Into the last few corners, Kevin defended, but Richard kept pushing and they were alongside with 100 metres to go.

However, Baines had the tighter line up the hill and won by two- tenths of a second.

Richard will be out again at Whilton Mill next week for another epic battle with championship leader Glen Denny.

Further details can be found on the team's KDesign web site at www.bizness.co.uk/karting