LEICESTER youngster Joe Thompson is the leader of the British 500cc Youth Championship after a faultless display to win Round 4 of the series at Edinburgh.
The 16-year-old had been tied at the top of the standings with twin brother Dan, but five wins out of five at Armadale saw him edge clear with one round to go at Belle Vue next month.
Dan, meanwhile, had to recover from a stoppage in his second ride to still reach the Final, where he finished runner-up ahead of Harry McGurk for the second Thompson twins one-two in the series so far.
There was also good news for Watling JCB Lions mascot Max James, who won the 250cc section in his season-long duel with Luke Harrison, who crashed out before the Final after a brilliant passing move from Joe.
The Thompsons step up a level on Sunday as they compete in the prestigious British Under-19 Final at Scunthorpe (5pm)
And given their familiarity and past record at the Eddie Wright Raceway, they will be optimistic of getting in amongst the more experienced competitors, which include reigning champion Drew Kemp and his Eastbourne team-mates Tom Brennan and Jason Edwards.
Picture: JACK CUPIDO
