DARREN Barton's incredible finishing record this season has put him in the driving seat for the British 125cc Championship.

Victory at Cadwell Park marked Barton's second win of the season, and his eighth podium appearance in 10

races! And the result has propelled the Hoddlesden rider two points clear of second-placed Steve Patrickson, with just two more races to go. Barton was the class of field at the Lincolnshire track, finishing comfortably ahead of his rivals after grabbing the lead on the third lap.

He said: "Everything came together really well. We made a few subtle changes to the bike, and Jeff Norval and the pit team worked really hard to make those changes work.

"The engine felt really strong, and it's given me the confidence to go for the championship. Touch wood, everything's coming together just at the right time."

Barton's performance in front of 25,000 spectators impressed Robin Appleyard, boss of Team Helphire Bike Assist Racing, who said: "Darren has been riding really well and the open Cadwell track suited his style. The win was no more than he deserved and hopefully, it will now give him the boost he needs to grasp the championship."

The penultimate round of the British 125 Championship is at Brands Hatch on Sunday, September 19.

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