AFTER an impressive qualifying morning, Kieren Clark s Formula Renault BARC series season ended with a disappointing seventh place. Taking on a competitive field at the Cheshire-based Oulton Park track, the 18-year-old qualified in impressive form, and s

AFTER an impressive qualifying morning, Kieren Clark's Formula Renault BARC series season ended with a disappointing seventh place.

Taking on a competitive field at the Cheshire-based Oulton Park track, the 18-year-old qualified in impressive form, and secured a season-best by finishing in a well-deserved second place.

A performance that saw the Royston youngster start second on the grid after, he had finished three-tenths of a second behind the winner.

However, after getting off to an excellent start, disaster struck for Clark as a barrel rolled out onto the busy track.

There were no injuries, with cars taking to the grass and tyre wall before the race was re-started.

With another bite at the apple, Clark then got off to an even better start and overtook leader Hywell Lloyd on the first corner, although Lloyd would later be crowned the championship winner.

Pulling away from their rivals, Clark and Lloyd battled for track supremacy, with the Royston youngster looking good.

However, disaster was to strike twice, and by lap seven Clark was suffering from a severe under steer with Rossi racing back to overtake Clark in one thrilling duel.

Then in the 12th lap, Clark's hopes of his first podium finish were dashed when a dramatic late braking lunge at the hairpin saw Stoneman clip Clark's back wheel to send him spinning.

Clark re-joined the action in seventh place, a position that he was to hold for the remainder of the race.

Putting on a brave face, after his ­disappointment, Clark said: "I had track position, got the line into the corner and then - bang! The next thing I know I was spinning on the grass.

"However, I was pleased to salvage some points. There was no good reason for any contact - I'm gutted."

Team principal Diana Clark said: "I'm so disappointed for Kieren - he worked so hard to move up to second on the grid, and then he was denied a podium finish.

"This season has been a learning ­experience, but we have finished 10th in the championship.

"Kieren has shown he can compete with the top drivers, and the team has worked hard all year. We are ­optimistic that we can really move forward.

"It's all down to money, but there are some excellent opportunities being ­discussed."

- For more information visit the team's website at www.3ksracing.co.uk or www.kierenclark.com

Anyone who would like to help with sponsorship, contact details can be found at the sites above.

- Clark is set to test drive for Apotex Scorpio Motorsport, one of the leading teams in the Formula Renault UK Spec Car series.