A motor-racing driver from Welwyn Garden City got back in the saddle as he returned to action following serious damage to his car.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Weleyn Garden City's David Kempton returned to racing at the Castle Combe circuit.Weleyn Garden City's David Kempton returned to racing at the Castle Combe circuit. (Image: Archant)

David Kempton took to the Castle Combe circuit in Wiltshire for round one of the BMWCCR series.

It was the 50-year-old’s first race in a car that had to have a new shell and be rebuilt from scratch.

And the return was hampered by the wet weather although when he finally got onto the track he produced two fine performances.

He said: “After torrential rain over the three days prior to the race, there was a long delay to qualifying while the excess water was pumped off the circuit.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Weleyn Garden City's David Kempton returned to racing at the Castle Combe circuit.Weleyn Garden City's David Kempton returned to racing at the Castle Combe circuit. (Image: Archant)

“This was the car’s first time out on track and we only had three laps of qualifying behind a safety car and then draw our grid positions out of a hat. I’ve been racing 25 years and this is the first time this has happened.”

Kempton drew grid position six for the first of the two races to be held.

But despite the wet track he made a great start and soon got up to third.

However, after a long battle throughout, he was eventually caught and passed on the last corner, dropping him to fourth at the chequered flag.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Weleyn Garden City's David Kempton returned to racing at the Castle Combe circuit.Weleyn Garden City's David Kempton returned to racing at the Castle Combe circuit. (Image: Archant)

Conditions were much drier for race two and another good start elevated Kempton to second, a position he maintained for the remainder of the race.

Kempton was delighted with the result, saying: “I had fuel surge issues and intermittent loss of power through fast corners, which hampered me but I still got fastest lap and a new lap record.

“If the team get these teething issues resolved, we will be very close to a win.

“But to be honest this is the first race straight out of the box, so I need to be pleased.

“I just want to thank my sponsors from Welwyn Garden City, AA Woods, Orton Lifts and Escalators and Chapman Ventilation, for supporting me this season.”

The series now moves on to Snetterton in Norfolk.

Kempton added: “We will have a few upgrades to help with downforce, a new style designed rear wing and front bumper, which will make the car far quicker.

“Now we know what we are working with, there is a lot of time to find in this car and I’m looking forward to it.”