The 15-year-old is already on course for silverware as leader – by 16 points – of the ACU Academy Cup, a corresponding competition for under-16s.

However, 'Twister' is also gunning for glory in the main event as he sits in third, just two points behind second and 16 off Matthew Hoyle in first.

Hastings, who lives in Bonnybridge, kept up the momentum with a third consecutive podium at his home circuit of Knockhill earlier this month. Onboard his number 50 Team KRP Honda, the Larbert High pupil finished third overall and second in the cup.

The meeting didn't get off to the best of starts, though, as a minor technical problem left him stranded on the circuit, meaning he missed almost the entire first free practise session. Yet, with the problem fixed, Hastings then topped the time sheets with a remarkable 54.176 secs – the fastest time of the entire weekend.

Despite a wet second qualifying session, Hastings was in pole position with only two minutes remaining but was forced to retire and watch on as he slipped down the leader board into eighth. But, after a re-start, the 15-lap race saw Twister get off to a flyer, completing the opening circuit in third.

By lap four he was in second and a three way battle between his KRP team mate Martin Glossop and Hoyle ensued.

And, although never separated by more than half a second, it was in the closing stages, when they started encountering backmarkers, that the result was decided.

On the penultimate lap, Hastings was momentarily baulked and couldn't close the resulting gap meaning a third place finish and SEVENTH consecutive cup podium in the process.

Tim's dad Tony told Heraldsport: "This year has been a surprise to us all and Tim is far exceeding our expectations.

"Considering we were aiming for a top 10 finish overall, it is remarkable that he is in third place and leading the cup as well. We now go to Cadwell for round nine with an open mind and will see if the
16-point gap can be closed further but, either way, Tim's confidence is sky high at the moment."