Racing driver Stratton Mackay picked up the plaudits after a fine showing in his second appearance in the Sports 2000 Championship.

Shoebury-based Mackay got the chance to drive at Snetterton, Norfolk, when Team So racer Tim Matthews found a race car owner willing to allow the Essex driver to hire his motor for a nominal fee.

Despite a number of setbacks Mackay lived up to Matthew's expectations by driving a fine race to earn the Team So man's praise.

"For Stratton to have climbed from 31st to 13th overall and fourth in class was impressive anyway," said Matthews.

"But to have done this in a car missing top gear, to have included a spin in the race, and to think that this is only his first race this year and his third ever, the result is simply awesome."

Mackay's first session in the Royale S2000 saw him finish claiming he liked the car.

But the second session saw Mackay lose all his gears and unable to complete any laps.

His mechanics replaced the clutch but Mackay was forced to start at the back of the grid because he has missed the second qualifying session.

The first start was red-flagged when a car stalled on the grid and from the restart made progress up the field, despite losing top gear.

Mackay overtook six cars on the first lap and picked off others until he spun at the chicane and threw away much of his good work. But he recovered to settle for fourth in the historic class and 13th overall.

Published Friday July 30, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo