RAMPISHAM motor-racing maestro Dan Mackintosh claimed fifth spot in his first appearance at the Carl Hamer Trophy at Silverstone.

The Dorset dynamo was unable to secure the necessary funding to enter a full championship series this year but has competed in several high-profile races driving a Porsche Cayman and an Audi R8 GT-4, giving him valuable track time and race craft.

He has now also qualified for his ARDS Instructors licence and teaches at Thruxton most when he is not racing.

In November, he was invited to drive in the prestigious Walter Hayes meeting at Silverstone.

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This is the finale of the single-seat Formula Ford FF1600 season and attracts the best drivers from around the world with over 150 entries.

Mackintosh was asked to race in the Carl Hamer Trophy, a special category for early Formula Fords built before 1982, driving a Merlyn MK4-20A.

Having not seen or sat in the car before practice day, Mackintosh was quickly on the pace despite very changeable conditions.

Getting the car set up for the wet track proved difficult but a late change to the suspension setting just before qualifying helped him achieve seventh on the grid for the race.

After a delay due to a torrential downpour, Mackintosh made a good start and moved up to fifth on the first lap pursued by some very fast and experienced veterans.

Mackintosh moved to fourth with three laps left but lost momentum coming out of the final corner after avoiding a spinning back-marker and was pipped for fourth on the line by 0.2s, nevertheless a fine drive.

To sponsor Mackintosh, please contact his team via: danmackracing1@outlook.com