COLCHESTER’S Tom Oliver finished the Dickies Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch GP circuit on a high with a superb fifth-place finish for the SGR Racing team.

The final weekend got off to a steady start with Oliver qualifying in 14th place for the first sprint race.

This was a difficult race as it was red flagged just four laps in.

The restart ran over a short, sharp eight laps and during that time Oliver managed to achieve a well-earned tenth-place finish.

His lap time from race one gave Oliver his starting position for the main feature race which put him 11th on the grid.

This race was in wet, murky conditions with a host of crashes due to the weather.

Oliver got away well making up numerous places off the line.

He kept it together despite the conditions and steadily progressed forward to battle with James Rispoli.

He finally got the better of him and took fourth place, then progressed to third place and podium contention for three laps.

Unfortunately with three laps to go Oliver was relegated back to fifth place after dicing with two other riders in a hard fought contest, but he once again showed his cool-headedness and talent in difficult conditions.

Oliver said: “It felt good to be running in the top three again.

"I started the year off with a podium and I had hoped to finish it in the same way.

"However, I’m happy with a fifth place finish and our eighth place overall in the Championship.

"This is a tough class and to be in the top ten is an achievement in itself.

"Thanks to all our supporters this year, it means a lot and all the help is appreciated.

"I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings.”

Stephen Kinghorn, SGR team owner said: “What a season this has been.

"I’m thrilled with the result for our first season.

"Everything just gelled this year and worked really well.

"Thanks to Tom for all his hard work this year and congratulations on his top eight in the Championship.

"I need to thank all our sponsors for their continued support, we wouldn’t be here without their support.

"We already have plans in place for 2019 so watch this space.”