DOWNTON teenager Ollie Pidgley endured two race-defying crashes which scuppered his chances at the Snetterton 300 Circuit in Norfolk.

The Richardson Racing driver was involved in collisions in two of the three races at the weekend.

“Being crashed into from behind twice in the first two races was pretty frustrating, especially as our pace has been improving,” said the 17-year-old.

“It’s not the start to the second half of the season we were looking for, we know we’re getting quicker though and the car is working better – it’s just unfortunate we couldn’t take away the sort of results we deserved.”

After seeing off a challenge by Rafael Martins, Pidgley’s car was struck by the JTR machine of James Pull at Montreal Hairpin – resulting in a bitterly disappointing retirement.

Facing a tough challenge from 21st on the grid during Sunday morning’s contest, Pidgley made a great start once again to move up into the top 20.

On lap three, though, at the hairpin once more, Pidgley was yet again the victim of contact and he had to make a pit visit for a new front wing, finishing 19th.