The 15-year-old, competing for his new KRP (Keen Race Preparation) team, stunned everyone – including himself – by qualifying in pole, ahead of 40 other riders, at Thruxton.

That position was even secured despite a crash at 111mph during his third hot lap, one he walked away from unscathed.

However, the occasion got the better of him on the starting grid last Sunday and a jump start resulted in a subsequent ride-through penalty.

It meant the Bonnybridge youngster had to battle back through the chasing pack before ultimately finishing 14th overall.

"I was probably a bit too excited and anxious at the start, being in pole, and jumped the start so had a penalty imposed," Tim told Heraldsport. "It was the first time I had ever been on the front row of the grid.

"I had three laps to respond to that so just went for it, staying out in second, before finally going into the pits for the ride through.

"It was frustrating because, after taking pole, I felt really confident but ended up back on the track in 18th.

"The new bike is a lot better though, it handles really well and I have the pace to keep up with the leaders. Last season I didn't have the machine to do that but I can feel the difference now.

"So I just need to learn from my mistakes and concentrate on the next race, at Oulton Park. Hopefully, I can get on the front row again and claim a good finish."

At Thruxton, Hastings eventually moved through the traffic to cross the line, unofficially, in 10th.

Officially, however, it was claimed that he had passed his team-mate, Martin Glossop, when a safety car was on the circuit.

Although it transpired that the bikes' transponders, placed in two entirely different positions, crossed paths – not the front wheels – Hastings was hit by a five second penalty, meaning an overall finish of 14th.

But with KRP, by far the most successful 125cc four-man team in Britain during the last two years, the future is looking very bright indeed.

"They've been brilliant," said Hastings, a pupil at Denny High. "And it really feels like a big step up.

"KRP push you hard and want you to finish high up the field so we're all now looking forward to Oulton Park.

"It's a track the whole team should do well on."

Despite the highs and lows of last weekend, Hastings is determined to
take the positives from Thruxton.

And there's plenty of them, considering top 10 finishes was the initial target.

"I think things have changed a little now," he added.

"While it was disappointing overall, we came away from last weekend knowing we have the potential to win races, so it should be a great year."

Two points were gained in the British 125GP and 10 in the Academy Cup competition, which is designed to both reward and help develop the skills of young (under-16) riders who are taking part in the main championship.

Round three at Oulton Park takes place on May 3 to 5, one week before the re-arranged Brands Hatch (round one) meeting which was rained off in April.

sport@falkirkherald.co.uk