BATHED in early summer sun, the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in Northamptonshire invited all the Porsche Club racers from around the country for what was a great day’s racing.

With 37 cars entering the circuit for the 25-minute qualifying period, the pressure was on for Egerton racer Tom Bradshaw as he weaved his way around the slower competitors to put in a fast lap that would ultimately put his Hartech Cayman S race car in a very respectable second position on the grid for race one.

The confidence gained from that initial outing continued into the first race of the day as Bradshaw immediately put pressure on the pace-setter, Mark Sumpter, who took pole in a more powerful 911.

Entering Copse Corner for the first time, the stage was set for a thrilling race.

A steady pace was the aim of the game as it was important to bring the car home for race two but opportunities presented themselves during the race that Bradshaw pounced upon.

Although missing a gear during the middle part of the race, which dropped him back a couple of places, Bradshaw got his head down and ensured he was ready to capitalise on the misfortune of others as they faulted, eventually crossing the finish line in second place overall.

After a fantastic first race that was the talk of the Porsche paddock, it was soon time for the second at the end of the day.

Starting in fifth place for another action-packed battle, Bradshaw made a storming start to move up the order to second position.

Further into the race he soon found he was catching Sumpter who was leading the race once more.

Bradshaw chipped away at Sumpter’s lead until the two drivers were entering the closing stages of the race and, with just five minutes remaining, the two drivers negotiated the Brooklands corner side by side.

Sumpter ran wide but Bradshaw held his line which resulted in the leader locking up and sliding onto the grass.

Although Sumpter tried to regain control, the damage was done and he could not avoid a collision with the Boxster of Porsche Centre Cardiff which in turn spun out of control.

Bradshaw tried to avoid the spinning Boxster but it made contact with his car in dramatic fashion.

That spelled a disappointing end to the race for Bradshaw as his car sustained substantial damage to the rear suspension.