Essex kart champion Lochlan Bearman started the defence of his Minimax title at Whilton Mill on Sunday, finishing seventh overall in a bruising weekend of racing.

The 13-year-old started the first heat in 20th position on the grid. After a bright start he completed the first lap in 13th place before losing ground in the second and eventually being punted out, losing three places in the process.

He recovered well to finish 14th before a smoother second heat in which he climbed from 24th on the grid to finish ninth.

The third heat saw the youngster start in fourth and he steadily climbed into second place before, for a second time, he was punted from the rear, resulting in six karts zipping past.

A steady drive saw Bearman regain his composure and finish the shortened heat in seventh position, putting him in seventh for the final.

For once the Theydon Bois racer struggled from the outset and slipped to tenth at the end of the first circuit.

With the kart in front dropping coolant, Bearman took evasive action as those around him faltered and he advanced into eighth by lap four.

That rate of progress continued as he reached sixth position by lap eight, only to be hit from behind once more on the last corner, losing two positions as a consequence.

Due to the poor driving standards the race result was held for some time before being confirmed and a competitor ahead of Bearman was excluded, resulting in a seventh-place finish.

“It should have been a top-three finish,” said Bearman. “The driving standards today were just appalling and was more suited to bumper cars. But at least we finished and without too much damage and I can take the positives that our pace was good.”