He missed out on the win by the closest of margins, a mere four thousandths of a second, from this year's champion Steve Brogan.


He also completed his British Superbike rides for Red Viper in 25th and 16th position to bring his 2008 season to a successful close.


In-form Hicky romped away to secure a front row start ahead of the final round of the Superstock championship and settled into third place in the opening laps. He remained behind Marshall Neill until lap seven when he made a beautiful pass at Paddock Hill Bend to move up into second place behind Brogan.


As the race progressed Hicky began to close the gap between himself and the leader and made a passing manoeuvre at Druids on the penultimate lap.


Although he had his wheel in front at the apex he had to run wide to negotiate the hairpin and Brogan regained his position.


His last chance to take the win was at Clearways on the approach to the chequered flag. But although the pair crossed the line together it was Brogan who got his tyre tread over the line first to seal the victory.


The margin was so small, the gap was undistinguishable to the eye but the timekeepers were able to separate the two.


Hickman had just under an hour to regain his composure before forming the grid for the final two legs of the 2008 British Superbike Championship where he again deputised for the injured Aaron Zanotti on the Red Viper Honda.


After qualifying the 21-year-old rider clinched 22nd place on the grid and a start from row six.


The gremlins seen in qualifying returned in the opening race and Hickman completed the 30 laps in 25th place. But after some hurried adjustments the bike handled much better and Hicky rode through to a strong 16th place, missing out on a points finish by less than half a second.


With 20 points gained on Sunday, Hickman consolidated his third place in the final standings in the Superstock championship with a 17-point advantage over Alistair Seeley who was third in the race on Sunday.