SOUTHAMPTON-based GNS Racing’s Sam Lowes heads to Silverstone this weekend with a wild card entry for the World Supersport round, now confidently leading the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship with a healthy lead.

His advantage was extended after as he finished second at Snetterton.

The 19-year-old challenged for the lead throughout but eventually settled for second and 20 points to substantially extend his lead to 35 points at the top of the championship table with five rounds to go including the eighth round at Brands Hatch on Sunday-week.

Having qualified in a strong second place, Lowes made an excellent start and immediately slotted in to second place at the completion of the first lap behind Graeme Gowland.

He stayed there for the next two laps until championship rival James Westmoreland overhauled him but no sooner had he done so than Westmore-land crashed out at the chicane thus handing the title initiative back to Sam.

Gowland wasn’t to be denied his debut win of the year though and he soon drafted back past Sam and was able to hold on until the chequered flag.

For second team member Paul Jordan, there was disappointment as he was forced to retire on the 16th lap while comfortably leading the Cup competition.

GNS team owner Gary Stubbington said: “We were so near to a double victory today and the race again showed how far we’ve come as a team.”