Nathan Freke concluded his UK Formula Ford campaign with his 10th win if the season at Castle Combe.

8 October, 2006: Nathan Freke crowned his UK Formula Ford Championship-winning season with another race victory - his 10th - Castle Combe, following it in the 2nd race with a second place.

Both races held the sizeable Formula Ford Carnival crowd captivated throughout and provided a fitting end to what has proved a remarkably successful and exciting year for the rejuvenated Ford-backed series.

Freke was on superb form in qualifying once again, his Newnet backed Jamun Racing Services-prepared Mygale claiming pole position for both races to take his seasonal tally of poles to 12, including 9 out of the last ten races.

Kidderminster-based Nathan led all the way in race one, despite intense pressure from a succession of drivers. He built a good lead until the safety car was deployed after 3 laps to clear the debris of a first corner incident. This allowed the pack to close on him and meant an effective restart. Under intense pressure after the safety car period Nathan kept his cool and fended off challenges from Ireland`s Peter Dempsey until he spun out of contention leaving him to cross the line 2.8s ahead of 2nd place.

Said Freke: “It`s brilliant to have ended my championship-winning year with a win, particularly one that was far from easy. Peter gave me a hard time at the start and then so did Steve and Nick. This one is for all the many people who have supported me this season.”

Freke and Nick Tandy gave a fantastic show from lights to chequered flag in race two, Freke leading his rival for the first 11 laps - but only by whisker - before Tandy through to take top spot. Freke then smashed the lap record, set earlier in the day by Tandy, in response and swept back into the lead with four laps to go. Unfortunately he had shown his hand too early and Tandy regained the lead next time around and held on in front to pip Freke to the line by a tenth.

The end of a stunning season for Nathan who concluded the season with a 161 point lead in the championship over the rest of the field. This consisted of 10 wins, 17 podiums, 12 pole positions, 9 fastest laps, and 6 lap records.

Story by Mat Kendrick