Canterbury-based rally driver Ryan Lawford lost any chance of winning the NGK Stockhatch class of the Kumho Tyres MSA British Rallycross Championship at Pembrey in South Wales.

The 23-year-old, who was 20 points behind overall leader Tony Lynch before the start of rounds six and seven, encountered mechanical problems on the Saturday.

Lawford (pictured) failed to make the first and second heats and so was unable to qualify for the final that day, despite setting the second quickest time in the third heat.

A frustrated Lawford, who is now unable to catch series leader Lynch, said: "I’m disappointed because I proved I had the pace but wasn’t able to qualify for Saturday’s final."

The next day, Lawford qualified second for the final, where he finished fourth.

The final round of the championship takes place at Mallory Park in Leicestershire on Sunday, October 18, where the best Lawford can finish overall is as runner-up to Lynch.