Mid Wales racing driver Ben Power celebrated his 28thbirthday with two race wins, in the UK National Legends Car Championship with MRF Tyres series at Brands Hatch, Kent.
He would have been in with a chance of three wins but slowed down when running second with a lap to go, thinking the race was over.
Power, from Guilsfield, near Welshpool, was in second place in the opening heat as he crossed the line after the ninth lap, but mistakenly slowed down, which allowed others to pass, and he ended up finishing 10th.
“That was stupid – I just miscounted,” he explained. “It all started really well but then I made an absolute idiot, April Fool’s move and finished a lap early when I was in second! I fought back with two wins after that, though, which were great.”
The next day’s races were plagued by rain and delays, but started well for Power, who took second place in heat one after a huge wheel-to-wheel battle with reigning champion John Mickel and Steve Whitelegg.
He then placed fifth in heat two, and was second in the final, two seconds behind race winner Will Gibson, to finish as the day’s overall winner on points.
“There are so many quick guys coming through now,” he said. “The series is more open than ever, so it’s great to be at the sharp end, and enjoying some competitive battles.”
The points championship now stands as follows: 1st Miles Rudman, 1480pts; 2nd Ben Power, 1410pts; 3rd John Mickel, 1405pts; 4th Steve Whitelegg, 1345pts; 5th Jack Parker, 1315pts; 6th Will Gibson, 1225pts.