Guy Higgs from Gloucester-based Ajec Racing ended his debut race season as the Class B runner-up in the 2009 Castle Combe Saloon Car Championship.

Despite not competing in the final round because of technical gremlins with his BMW M3, his impressive run of four victories in a row, and two fastest laps, earlier in the season were still enough to secure second place in the Championship.

Meanwhile his boss at Ajec Racing, Laurie Kilby, gave a 400 bhp customer-spec Mitsubishi Evo VIII its race debut in preparation for it running in the new AAA Saloon Cup in 2010. And in keeping with the spirit of the new race series he actually drove the road legal car to the track, raced it twice, and then drove it home again!

He entered the car in the annual Castle Combe Saloon Car Challenge and qualified in 16th place, following a very wet practice session. He ended the first race in 7th place. For the second race a reversed grid/ handicap system meant he started 20th on the grid, but worked his way up to finish 6th overall.

“I had no real problems with the car at all; it’s a very easy car to drive and it’s ideal for a beginner because it’s so forgiving, and great fun,” explained the 37-year old driver. Over the winter the car will receive a few improvements to the power and brakes and be put on a diet to prepare it for the opening round of the AAA Saloon Cup at Castle Combe next Easter. Ajec Racing are launching and sponsoring the new race series which takes place at Castle Combe, Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Oulton Park, and will be entering several cars for customers during the 2010 season.

Angus Gorringe made his racing debut in the Saloon Car Challenge behind the wheel of his Ajec built and run BMW M3, as he wanted to gain some race experience before entering a full season next year.

“It was very wet for the practice session and I was sliding everywhere,” complained the new racer. “There was no grip and the car was wheel-spinning in 3rd gear in a straight line.” Despite a frustrating practice session he qualified in 27th place for the first round.

Angus ended his first ever race in 18th place. “Somebody spun right in front of me and I had to dive across the grass to avoid them and that left me right at the back of the pack,” he explained. Having recovered from his near miss he made up some lost ground and overtook half a dozen rivals before he finally saw the chequered flag.

With one race under his belt he faired a lot better in the dry second leg, ending up 4th overall - an impressive result for only his second race, especially considering the experienced drivers he was racing against. “I really enjoyed it,” confirmed the property developer, “ And I’m really looking forward to a lot more racing next year.”