OXFORD’S Jason Plato is determined to wrestle back the leadership of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when the next round of races takes place at Croft circuit in North Yorkshire on June 23-24.

Honda’s Gordon Shedden took over at the top after sharing wins with teammate Matt Neal at Oulton Park, but Plato has high hopes of catching him.

After setting a qualifying lap record to grab pole position on the starting grid in the first race, a problem with Plato’s KX Momentum Racing MG6 meant he failed to start, with Neal taking victory in his Yuasa Honda Racing Team Civic.

Starting from the back of the grid in race two, Plato, took third after a stunning drive through the pack, with Shedden claiming victory.

Plato, who trails Shedden by 12 points, had to be satisfied with second in the final race as Neal took the chequered flag.

“After the non-start in race one it was all about damage,” said Plato.

“But the race two result from the back of the grid to a podium was a perfect result.

“Second in that third race was also very important as it keeps us right in the hunt going to Croft.”

Latest standings: 1 G Shedden 173pts, 2 M Neal 168, 3 J Plato 161, 4 R Collard 132, 5 A Jordan 129, 6 M Jackson 127, 7 T Onslow-Cole 88, 8 D Newsham 80, 9 F Wrathall 71, 10 J Smith 71.

Meanwhile, Banbury’s Will Bratt won the most improved independent driver award after making an encouraging debut at Oulton Park.

The 24-year-old made up 20 places across the three races – more than any other driver in a privateer team – to take the accolade and win himself a set of Dunlop’s racing tyres.

He finished eighth in the opening race, before an error early in the second race saw him crash out on the Knickerbrook bend.

Bratt completed his day by finishing 11th in race three.