FORMULA One Stock Car racer Derek Fairhurst started his 2003 race season with success in the Live Action Arena at Birmingham's NEC.

The Bolton hot rod performed well to record top three finishes and a second place in the Mintex Brakes Cup and finished the weekend with victory in the Teng Tools Challenge.

The capacity crowd were cheering Derek on as he pushed the former world champion, Frankie Wainman Snr, wide to take the win.

Derek said: "I'm highly delighted to have won the Teng Tools challenge, the indoor track is very tight and takes a bit of getting used to. I hope the start of the season goes well because I want to qualify again for the World Championship this year."

Fairhurst will be looking to qualify for September's World Championship - the biggest event in the Stock Car Racing calendar.