TEENAGE race ace Josh Young enjoyed his best weekend of the summer motorsport season when he scored his first podium of the year in the latest round of the BARC Mighty Minis Championship at Silverstone.

The 19-year-old, who lives in Tupsley, is fourth overall in the championship standings and has set his sights on a top-three spot with three events and six races remaining in the season.

Young, who has just finished his studies at Hereford Sixth Form College, won the novice title last year in the popular championship for 1275cc Mini Coopers and finished in seventh place overall.

He is now a regular contender for top placings and converted his second row qualifying spot to an impressive third by the chequered flag.

The racing at Silverstone was bumper to bumper as the diminutive cars slip-streamed each other for lap after lap, the lead changing hands many times during the 20-minute race.

“It was a great race,” said Young. "One of the best of the year. The important thing for me was that it proved I have the speed to mix it with the lead cars, and I think it’s just a question of getting more experience and improving my race craft.”

In race two, Young appeared to be about to score his maiden victory when he shot from the second row into the lead of the race halfway through the first lap.

However, the calculating heads of Young’s more experienced rivals bided their time and waited for an opportunity to slip-stream into the podium spots at the chequered flag.

Young was part of a foursome that dominated the race throughout and he was satisfied, if slightly frustrated, to finish right on their bumpers.

There were reasons to smile, however, since Young’s #MightySafeDriving campaign hosted lead sponsor Aspens Services, a national catering company, providing sustainable and healthy meals for colleges around the UK.

Young said: “My future plan is very clear because I am all set to be racing in the Super Mighty Minis with a goal of progressing through the ranks to reach the British GT, but it all comes down to the backing. I am working tirelessly to promote my current partners and would welcome further support.”

The championship moves to Thruxton, Hampshire, for the next round on September 24.

He said: “It’s not a track I have been to before. My aim is to break into the top three. One of my rivals is having mechanical issues and I have to try to take advantage of it.”