Craig is king of the Castle

This was Craig’s first win in this formula and he unbelievably took the chequered flag more than one lap ahead of the second placed driver, his Lola T88/89 sports car competing well against the more modern aerodynamic machines on the really fast circuit.

Craig had opted not to share the one hour race with another driver meaning that he would have to pit, refuel and take the mandatory four-minute break before returning to complete the race.

A strategy formed between his dad and himself earlier that day whereby Craig would run the car as long as possible before pitting did work a treat on the day.

Craig qualified third early on Sunday morning having never been on the track. However, due to a change in programme the actual race was brought forward only allowing some 30 minutes before the car was due back out on the track for the main race.

As the red lights went out Craig was into second place by the first bend, the pole car steadily pulled away and after half an hour was seven seconds ahead.

Craig settled into some consistent lap times with some excellent overtaking as he became more familiar with the circuit, the planned strategy was put to the test when the earlier leader returned to the track with the second driver on board.

After 40 minutes Craig pitted, refuelled and prepared to re-enter the car after the mandatory break, re-joining 3.5 seconds in front and again producing seriously consistent laps to take the chequered flag after 48 laps.

His father was there to wave him across the finish line.

A lap of honour was taken with the second and third placed drivers in the rear of the Castle Combe parade vehicle.

Craig is due to race again at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Saturday, September 3.

Thanks go to Barking Mad, local pet care specialists, for their continued support.