MARK Wakefield savoured race success at his home track on Saturday, declaring afterwards he has not given up hope of becoming a champion this season.

The Weaverham driver claimed a second win of the campaign in the MINI Challenge UK's Cooper class at Oulton Park, adding to a third-place finish earlier the same day.

He closes a gap in the standings to title rivals Ricky Page and Nathan Harrison as a reward.

"I still think I've got a chance," said the 17-year-old.

"There's two rounds left, and lots can happen. I've definitely nearer to both of them with the points I scored at the weekend."

Wakefield celebrated a maiden win at Rockingham in May, but he told the Guardian that crossing the line ahead of everybody else at the Little Budworth track meant just as much.

He added: "To win in front of a home crowd is an amazing feeling.

"I had lots of friends and family there watching, and I could hear them when I took the chequered flag.

"I loved winning with all of them cheering me on."

His achievement was made more remarkable by the fact he battled a clutch problem for most of the afternoon.

After qualifying seventh in the sunshine, he made a stunning start to the first race - climbing to fourth position during the opening lap.

He rise to third shortly afterwards, from where he thwarted Page until his rival passed at Old Hall in the closing stages.

However Page received a five-second penalty as punishment for exceeding the track's limits, leaving Wakefield to pinch his place on the podium.

The next couple of hours were spent working on his car's gearbox.

Wakefield said: "I noticed a problem pretty early on, but managed to get to the end."

The teenager made a perfect start from the grid’s front row in the second race, edging ahead of pole-sitter Max Bladon by the first corner.

He protected the lead, despite pressure from others, for the remainder of the 20-minute sprint.

"I couldn't have done it without the help of my dad and the guys from Mintech," added Wakefield.

"The win was for them as much as me."

The series resumes at Donington Park next month.