Essex karting champion Lochlan Bearman finished fourth in round three of the Whilton Mill Championship on Sunday following an exciting finish to the race.

In heat one the 13-year-old Theydon Bois racer finished third on the grid before picking up a sixth-place finish in the second heat of the meeting, having worked his way through the field from a starting position of 15th.

Despite issues with unpredictability in the handling of his kart, Bearman delivered another solid drive in heat three, battling up from 13th to finish seventh – enough to start fourth on the grid for the final.

As the karts streamed across the line for the start of the final, Bearman was edged out into fifth and dropped to sixth whilst trying to take back a place.

With the race settling down, Bearman routinely set and then broke his own fastest lap times and was soon running in fourth.

The Theydon Bois youngster was identifying his overtaking opportunities well and advanced into second by lap 12.

Going in search of the lead, the teenager was blocked as he made his move.

Two rival karts slipped through and overtook Bearman, who still secured fourth place in an incredibly tight finish.