MARK Wakefield’s car needed a new gearbox overnight during the weekend’s Power Maxed MINI Challenge UK opener at Donington Park, but he recovered to score a pair of top-four finishes.

The Weaverham racer limped to 13th in Saturday’s opener after his clutch failed on the start-line.

However he narrowly missed out on a podium position in the series’ Cooper Class the following day after finishing fourth twice, the second time after starting from pole position.

Afterwards the 17-year-old thanked Horseshoe Garage, from Kingsley, and Mintech Spares UK for their help preparing his machine for race-day.

"We wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for their help," said Nigel Wakefield, Mark's dad.

"It was great to salvage something on Sunday after a hard time on Saturday.

"We ran out of time to get a quick lap on a drying circuit during qualifying, then he felt the clutch go on the start-line in the first race.

"Mark lost a couple of laps, but did a great job to get the car to the finish."

The teenager will be back in action again for the second round at Brands Hatch next month.