Lochlan Bearman's Whilton Mill Karting Club Championship season ended in disappointment as accidents and kart issues saw him fail to retain his title, finishing third.

The 13-year-old from Theydon Bois was always up against it in his bid to retain the title in the final round after an exclusion on a technicality last month.

However, Bearman battled valiantly as circumstances conspired against him to finish seventh on the day and third in the championship.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "In the position I was in the championship had gone and all I could go for was the win, so we decided to try something really different in the final.

"It’s been a terrible race day for us. We've had lots of problems, poor balance and accidents.

"I came to give it my all and it felt as if everything conspired against us. It’s really disappointing that my last race in Minimax ended like this.

"But I’ve had a good season considering the problems we’ve had during the year. Third here and a championship win at Kimbolton isn’t bad at all. I have to thanks Gary Cooper of CooperMotorsport, Grice Engines and my family."

Bearman's problems started with his engine overheating in practice, forcing him to switch to the slower practice engine.

He came off in the first heat after a good start, ending his slim title hopes, and was shunted in heat two to compound his woes. Ninth on the grid for the final, Bearman could only climb two places.