STOCK car ace Derek Fairhurst is gearing up to take the racing world by storm this weekend in Coventry.

Derek, 43, is through to the final of the BRISCA F.1 Stock Cars World Championships, after coming home early from holiday in Ibiza.

Derek, who comes from Harwood, didn't qualify for the semi-finals of the international event when he didn't amass enough points throughout the season, and he opted against racing in the "winner takes all" 'consolation' semi.

This race allowed the winner only to reach the final, and Derek raced after returning from his holidays early.

He explained: "I had booked a holiday with family and friends to Ibiza before I knew the date of this semi-final and decided to go away when the date was announced." Unfortunately, a bereavement brought Derek home early and he was back in Britain on Saturday, just a day before the race.

This didn't deter Derek who entered the Sunday race and romped home to book his place in the final.

Derek finished fourth last year in the same event and will hope to get into medal contention this year, but will have to start the race from the back.

Derek is just thankful for all the help he gets from his sponsors (Crunch Motor Salvage, Tranzparts and Wigan Indoor Carting), family and friends, who support him wherever he races.

"I am deeply grateful to everyone who backs me," said Derek "Hopefully I can give them something to cheer about in Coventry!"