BOLTON racer Callum Grant had a successful meeting at Oulton Park during the 2019 Historic Sports Car Club Gold Cup.

The action started on the Saturday as Grant went out for general practice in the Delta Formula Ford 2000, however he found a problem with the car meaning an engine change was needed before qualifying.

After a sterling effort by all the team members involved, Grant went out for qualifying for the Formula Ford 2000 race.

However, again the Delta developed further problems and as a result, the team decided to pull the entry and finish for the weekend. Or so they thought.

The HSCC organisers were keen for Grant to demonstrate his race skills on his local track and as a result, offered the team the opportunity to switch into the familiar Historic Formula Ford 1600 races on the Monday.

The offer was duly accepted and sparked what could only be described as a dominant display on the track.

With the disappointment of Saturday behind him, and a bonus of a day off on the Sunday, Grant was in a relaxed and buoyant mood for the Formula Ford 1600 qualifying on the Monday morning.

With 22 racers on the grid, the qualifying period was packed as soon as the cars were released.

Grant got his head down from the outset and pushed his Merlyn MK20 on every lap.

After the 20-minute period, he claimed pole position for both races in the afternoon and found himself nearly half a second ahead of second-placed racer, Pierre Livingstone.

Bathed in stunning sunshine, the 2.69-mile Oulton Park circuit was in perfect condition for the first race.

As the lights went out, second-placed racer, Livingstone, got a slightly better start but by turn one Grant emerged as the leader of the pack.

This gave him the challenge he thrives on and provided a race that was a treat for the spectators.

Grant and Livingstone battled hard for top spot over the next 20 minutes.

On lap three, Livingstone managed to slide past Grant into first place but his delight was shortlived as Grant regained first position before the end of lap four.

The Bolton racer then took control, ensuring Livingstone was not able to pass him again and he had to settle for second as Grant claimed his first win of the day.

With starting positions for race two determined from the finishing positions of race one, Grant once again had the pleasure of starting the race from pole.

He found himself in second position by the first corner however, as Livingstone managed a stronger start from the lights.

Grant only saw this as a challenge, though, and knuckled down in what turned into another thrilling 20-minute race.

The spectators were treated to a great fight for the victory that saw Grant take first place back by the end of lap two and, with a clear track in front of him, he pushed his Merlyn to the limit and claimed his second win and a second fastest lap of the weekend.

Grant is already planning for next year with his schedule set to include both Formula Ford events in the UK as well as races in Europe in a newly-purchased F5000 racer.