ANDOVER’S Jake Archer put on a scintillating show for his home supporters as he battled to a magnificent first place finish at Thruxton.

Competing in the Hel Performance British Motostar Championships, the teenage motorbike racer claimed top spot in race two, which took place at the Hampshire track on Sunday.

The win followed on from another great performance in race one on Saturday, in which Archer finished third behind Eugene McManus and his Team City Lifting team mate, and championship leader, Tom Booth Amos.

Archer went into his home track race in a buoyant mood after scoring a second placed finish at Brands Hatch in the previous round.

In free practice on Friday, both City Lifting riders eased themselves into proceedings, finishing the day second and third behind Ed Rendell.

Qualifying threw up a surprise with Tom Carne taking pole ahead of Ed Rendell with Booth Amos in third, Eugene McManus fourth and Archer in fifth for race one on Saturday afternoon.

The Andover youngster battled his way to the front, eventually finishing behind winner McManus and team mate Booth Amos.

Race control later elevated Booth Amos to P1 after judging that McManus had made a pass under a yellow flag.

Archer delivered the fastest lap of 1:20.654 to take pole position for race two, with McManus second and Ed Rendell third.

The race was reduced to 11 laps after a tragic collision, which led to the death of Mark Fincham (see front).

When the Motostars took to the track, a five-way battled ensued between Archer, Mcmanus, Booth Amos, Rendell and Richard Kerr.

Archer and McManus broke free and fought for first place until the final lap when the Irishman made a mistake and lost his front end.

This left Archer and team mate Booth Amos clear of Ed Rendell in third.

Archer held off team mate Booth Amos to claim the victory and secure each City Lifting rider a win-a-piece and keep the Championship fight alive.

After the race, Archer said: “I’m really pleased to get a win in front of my home crowd and keep in touch with Tom at the top of the championship.

“There is nothing in it and another win will put the pressure on my team mate.”

Booth Amos now leads Archer by eight points in the championship, ahead of the next round at Cadwell Park in a fortnight.

A week Archer and Amos will be racing at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Their team Team City Lifting have rewarded the riders for their exceptional results so far in 2017, by securing both riders wildcard entry into the forthcoming Octo British Grand Prix at Silverstone from August 25 to August 27.

Team City Lifting by RS Racing will compete in the moto3 race.

Archer said: "I am really looking forward to the event I cannot believe I am getting this opportunity, it's going to be a massive learning experience but I am ready for it. I cannot thank City Lifting and the team enough for setting this up."

The team are looking for help to fund this project, moving onto the world stage even for one weekend stretches any racing team to the max and Team City Lifting are no different.

Without further backing and support from sponsors, businesses and fans alike the team cannot give its riders the opportunity to perform at the highest level on the world stage.

They envisage the financial costs will exceed £15,000 for this event.

If any local business would like to support them they would be very excited to hear from you Archer deserves his chance to race against the world's best so in return, any donation exceeding £300 will be offered an opportunity to have your name or business logo added to the race bike or riders leathers during the Grand Prix.

All donors will be listed on our website at teamcitylifting.uk and on a wildcard pit-board at the event.

If you would like to donate please visit their crowdfunding page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teamcitylifting