A 14-year-old boy from Leiston fought off torrential rain over the weekend to finish in the top 20 at the British Superbike Championship.

Fred McMullan faced the top riders in his class at Donington Park over the weekend, and was one of the youngest riders within the British Superbike (BSB) HEL Junior Supersport.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fred McMullan after his first race at Donington Park.Fred McMullan after his first race at Donington Park. (Image: BD Racing)

The youngster headed out onto the Donington GP Circuit for the first time in free practice on Friday morning, having only competed on the Donington National Circuit the year before.

He worked hard during qualifying and this was rewarded with a lap time of 1:51.553, 1.215 seconds faster than free practice and well within the cut off lap time.

Fred qualified in 34th place and managed to finish his first race in 19th place — a huge achievement.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fred McMullan, from Leiston, riding in his second race at Donington Park.Fred McMullan, from Leiston, riding in his second race at Donington Park. (Image: Gavin Elliott @GavElliott)

He went on to claim 33rd place in race two, 29th in his third race and 25th in the final race.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fred McMullan, 14 years old from Leiston, faced the top riders in his class at Donington Park over the weekend.Fred McMullan, 14 years old from Leiston, faced the top riders in his class at Donington Park over the weekend. (Image: BD Racing)

BD Racing said Fred "knuckled down and persevered" through the challenging conditions, even working his way up to the 17th spot during race one.

Ian Soilleux, BD Racing's team manager, said: “Considering Fred’s experience and age we are extremely proud of his, and the team's achievements this weekend. We shall continue working with Fred and we look forward to our next round at Brands Hatch GP with BMCRC (BEMSEE) on the weekend of July 17 and 18."

East Anglian Daily Times: Fred McMullan with his BD Racing team.Fred McMullan with his BD Racing team. (Image: BD Racing)

Fred said he was "very pleased" with the results he achieved over the weekend in his debut at the British Superbike Championship.

"It still feels very surreal that I finished in the top 20 in a British Championship," said the teenager.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fred McMullan riding at Donington Park to debut at the World Superbikes.Fred McMullan riding at Donington Park to debut at the World Superbikes. (Image: Gavin Elliott @GavElliott)

"I can’t thank everyone enough for this fantastic opportunity, especially Ian and all at the team of BD Racing.

"My appreciation also goes to all my followers, supporters and especially my sponsors without whom this opportunity would not have been possible."

East Anglian Daily Times: Fred McMullan during his third race, where he finished 29th.Fred McMullan during his third race, where he finished 29th. (Image: Gavin Elliott @GavElliott)