MALVERN'S Clinton Dorrell commenced the 2004 Sports Racing & GT Challenge perfectly at Silverstone by securing his maiden win.

Clinton couldn't have asked for a better way to start his second season in the series with his GD Cobra. He now heads the Challenge, which has competitors with considerable experience and many years of Cobra racing under their belts.

Qualifying for the race was in wet conditions and saw ITV F1 commentator Tony Jardin on Pole position with F1 McLaren Mercedes aerodynamicist Adrian Newey on grid two. Clinton's regular race rival Mark Jordan lined up on grid three, while Clinton started from fifth.

By the time the event took to the circuit, the track was dry and the sun shining. Jordan took an early lead from the Jaguars of Jardin and Newey, but by the time they completed lap one, Dorrell was up to 2nd. Over the next few laps, Clint reduced an early-established lead Jordan had secured and was preparing to make his move for the lead, but saw Jordan's Cobra retire in front of him with cooling problems.

Dorrell went on to take his first win in the class to the delight of his local entourage. Round Two of the Challenge is at Croft on April 17 and 18.

Clinton would like to thank his sponsors Tengtools, Granwax Products, Enhance Digital & Dorrell Flooring for their continued support.

ANOTHER local driver who took a top spot at Silverstone was 20-year-old RAF technician Dave Cameron and what was amazing about his victory was that it was the first ever time he had raced a car.

Driving in the Monoposto Championship in a 600cc Honda Jedi Mk 4, Dave arrived at the track having never raced before and having never even sat in the car before.

Dave went out for qualifying on a greasy track but soon gained confidence and at the end put in a decent lap to take fifth place on the grid. A quick change to wet tyres when the heavens opened just prior to the race and Dave was away.

By the time the race was stopped by the red flags on the first lap, Dave had moved into first place and following the restart he was soon up to fourth and went past two of the leaders when they touched and spun. He followed the leader for a lap and then surged past him on the straight and was over ten seconds ahead when the race was stopped again, due to an accident, and he was awarded first place.

Dave said: "This was a good result for me because I was driving against some very good drivers and better cars. I am looking forward to racing again, back at Silverstone, on April 3. It should be fun."