WESTHOUGHTON'S Peter Burchill had a good return to racing when he finished second and was named driver of the day in the opening round of the MG Car Club Cockshoot Cup.

Burchill, from Westhoughton, had not raced for over 18 months – having spent six months in hospital during that time.

Before this year's Cockshoot Cup, his last competitive action came at the end of the 2013 season when he finished third in the same competition.

Now Burchill is back behind the wheel and looking to build on that success and move up the podium in the competition, which includes a series of races on circuits around the UK, including Silverstone and Donnington.

Burchill said: “All of the cars have been developed more in my year out and I will put a major effort in to get back to the front of the grid.”

In the opening race at Mallory Park in Leicestershire last month, Burchill finished second after a tussle behind eventual winner Paul Clackett, who was clear by 30 seconds.

In the competition, all cars must be MG’s and Burchill was driving a V6 engine saloon car which has been customised by his own team, Vulcan Racing.

Burchill is team owner as well as driver with a strong commitment to the sport.

With around 30 cars making up the grid at Mallory Park, Clackett was top of the class as he qualified in pole position and would not give up his position for the rest of the race.

Second-placed Ian Winstanley was forced to retire early on in the race giving Burchill the opportunity to reach the podium.

He managed to force himself into second, and in doing so he also picked up the driver-of-the-race and driver-of-the-day awards.

The next round of the Cockshoot Cup takes place at Donington Park on May 31.