KARTING: Richard Hughes secured the first UK win for his new Arrow AX9 kart.

Racing at the Whilton Mill circuit in Northamptonshire, Hughes beat the other 21 Rotax Max drivers with a dominant drive from third position on the grid.

The day could not have started better for Richard, as he comfortably won the first qualifying heat.

He then went on to win the second heat as well. The third one was going well for the Swindon-based driver, as he started at the back and was up to 10th by lap three.

Then an out-of-control kart hit Hughes and two others in the hairpin, causing them all to spin. The incident took away an almost certain pole position from Hughes.

As the lights turned green on the rolling start for the 16-lap big race, Hughes retained third and stayed there for a couple of laps as things settled down.

He then moved up to second, took the lead two corners later and pulled away.

Four fastest laps on the trot opened an enormous gap and it was cruise mode' from then on.

Only Nigel Green could get close to Hughes's pace, but that was not until lap 13, as he took his time getting through the traffic.

Hughes was home and dry and saluted the team as he took the chequered flag.

He said: "The new kart is fantastic. It is so easy to drive and I could have pushed harder, if needed."

The other drivers in the Richard Hughes Racing team also had some good performances.

Alex Ashby from Worcester only moved up to seniors this season, but showed maturity to finish sixth.

The Ponting brothers from Rodborough Common near Stroud, had separate claims to fame.

Nick (15) had some tough races in Junior Rotax, but came back strongly in the final to eighth place. Sam (12) completed his last qualifying race as a Minimax novice by winning the novice trophy for the second time.

In Rotax 177's, Danny Cobb from Stroud had a nightmare in the heats and started 24th for the final, but put in a superb drive to finish 10th.