Fifth year Carluke High pupil Rory (16), of Old Lanark Road, who suffered the near 80mph crash during his final practice session, was rocked when his AJ Racing vehicle sustained frontal wreckage, a bent back axle and cracked chassis.

But, thanks to prompt repairs by his dad Drummond and a team mechanic, Rory was soon back in action and managed to finish ahead of all but one of the other 27 racers.

"Trying to fix the go-kart was a nerve-racking experience," said Drummond, a Beatson Oncology Unit nurse.

"We knew we only had 20 minutes to get the repairs done, as there is a buzzer system meaning all racers have to be at the track as it sounds or they can't race.

"But it worked out ok because we managed to get the chassis welded, back axle fixed and front done.

"Rory got back to the track just as the buzzer sounded and went on to produce an amazing performance.

"I'm really proud of him. He is a quiet lad but put him in a car and his driving is great.

"He has developed into one of the best young drivers in Britain."

For more information on this article, see this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette, which is in the shops now.