LOCAL motor racer Callum Grant kicked off his season with two fourth-place finishes in the HSCC Historic Formula Ford Championship.

Competing in a new Merlyn Mk11/17 on the national circuit at Donington Park, the Bromley Cross driver was third in qualifying.

His chances in the first race were hit when his car developed a problem with overheating which caused a slight reduction of power and prevented any chance of overtaking the three racers in front of him.

Fourth position was seen as a solid outcome by his team under the circumstances.

The car's nose cone was replaced with one which would allow air to flow through to the engine more efficiently in the second race the following day.

Lining up fourth on the grid, which was determined from the previous day's result, the Bolton racer once again made a strong start and produced a consistent, mature drive to again cross the finish line in fourth.

The second round of races take place at Cadwell Park next month.