DARREN BARTON rode the race of his life to move seven points clear at the top of the British 125cc Supercup at Oulton Park.

Starting from pole position, the diminutive Darwen rider almost stalled on the line and ended up third from the back of the 40-strong field at the first corner.

But Barton stepped up a gear and was at the top of the pack by the end of the fifth lap and held the lead to open up a commanding gap on defending champion Robin Appleyard.

After the race the 22-year-old said: "When I bogged down at the start virtually the whole field came past me - I was just left there shaking my head, I couldn't believe what had happened.

"The red mist came down after that and I just went on auto pilot - I don't even remember passing half the guys. That's the sort of of ride I'll need to produce if I'm going to do well at the British Grand Prix next month."

However next weekend, Barton is back in Supercup action for the two-race double header at Mallory Park in Leicestershire.

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