LEA Wood took a step closer to overall glory in the Pickup Racing Championship after clinching two second place finishes in the latest round at Thruxton.

Despite missing out on race victories by the narrowest of margins in both races the Hereford driver gave his overall title dreams a huge boost.

With Wood and defending Champion Scott Bourne only 0.617 secs apart after the first qualifying session, there was already a strong pointer to just how close the racing would be.

Wood started the first race from fifth on the grid, with Bourne just in front, and by the fourth lap had raced into the lead.

Bourne made his challenge closing down the gap to Wood’s lead to 0.520 secs.

The race was on and Bourne began to pile the pressure on, which initially Wood repelled.

"He was getting really close and then I got a wiggle on exiting Goodwood and he got me,” said Wood.

"I was right on him on the last lap at the chicane and was hoping to try the cut back, but he slowed it down and cut me off."

So it was second place by 0.170 secs, but both were over seven seconds clear of third placed Willis, with Wood also taking the points for fastest lap.

Starting the second race from fifth again, he was able to close in on Bourne once more.

Bourne was battling to take second from David O’Regan when Wood moved in. He was through on lap three, with Wood following a lap later, to resume their duel.

As in race one only Mark Willis lay between them and a duel for the win.

“Mark had just gone off from the start, but Scott and I worked together and soon caught him again," said Wood.

The pair both got through on lap seven and ran almost side by side for rest of the race contesting the victory.

“I tried one move on the penultimate lap, then dropped away a bit to wind myself up for the final challenge," added Wood.

"I tried the outside but he hung me out and crossed the line so close again.”

Wood has the lead in the Championship, which is back in action at Donington Park on July 21 and 22.