Sixteen-year-old Vic Bilkey is making a name for himself in the world of hot rods.

In the Lightning Rods British Championship qualifiers at Arena Essex's Purfleet raceway, Bilkey won two races to earn pole position for the final.

And he led the chase for the title for 22 of the 40 laps before spinning on oil deposited on the track by back markers.

This let in experienced Hertfordshire man Del Atkins for victory.

But Bilkey, son of a famous racing father and a recent recruit from the world of ministox, earned high praise for his performances against far more experienced drivers.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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