Well folks, almost exactly a year since my high speed crash on the Oulton Park race circuit, in my 2CV – which you can see here in YouTube if you missed it!

I was back behind the wheel of a race car this weekend at Castle Combe. I was driving this works Honda Accord, one of just six built by Honda for the British Touring Car Champtionship at a cost of £250,000 each. I know, it don’t look like much car for the money, but it’s what’s inside… or rather, what is not inside…! No radio, no aircon, no satnav, only one seat… but boy, does it go! The car was raced originally by former Top Gear co-host, Tiff Needell. Then my friend Andre Severs bought it last year, for a bargain price, and we are now sharing the costs for the Britcar Season.

It was a nervous moment, getting out on the track and mixing it with some seriously competitive Ferraris and other racing saloons and sports cars. My main aim was (1) not to crash again and (2) not to blow up the engine – which we did in practice for Snetterton two months ago! I’m happy to say I succeded on both parts, driving half of the 90 minute race, with Andre driving the other half. We finished 17 out of 22, but would have been about 10 if I hadn’t had to come in with a seized fan (of the mechanical variety) and lose several minutes in the pits. I was also thrilled to be approached by several fans who had spotted the subtle product placement on the rear window…

Oulton Park Race
Subtle product placement…

Oulton Park Race
Getting ready. Always a nervous moment….

Oulton Park Race

PJ trying to keep his nose in front….

Oulton Park Race
PJ getting lap time from his team mates at Sams Boyz

Oulton Park Race
I hope all the drivers behind me made a note of the book title!

Oulton Park Race
Big sigh of relief as I bring her back in one piece…

Oulton Park Race
What’s that in there then???

Oulton Park Race
I thought that geezer wrote books, not wrote off cars….

Oulton Park Race
Wot no satnav?