Romsey-based Chartered Surveyor Rob Austin, 43, finished an impressive second and fifth in the first double header of the 2005 John Cooper Challenge at Donington Park on Saturday and Sunday (April 2nd and 3rd).

Austin, now entering a second season behind the wheel of his works Mini, has been joined by another local and fellow member of Romsey Rugby Club, Eric Bailey - himself returning to competitive racing for the first time since his chariot racing days!

Round 1 got off to a flying start with Austin having qualified three tenths off pole and starting on the front row of the grid. However, the flying start was a little too close for comfort as fellow competitor Stephen Campbell flashed past the driver's side window on his roof and into the barriers!

From the restart Austin was involved in a battle for the lead with Barney Craggs and Gary Kounnis, using all of his skill and guile to hold his own in the fight. Tailed by Kounnis for most of the race, Austin took advantage of his pursuer's in-car camera to give maximum coverage to his local sponsors, Orchard Homes, Scotthall of Hampshire and Esporta, taking his car broadside through most of the corners around the circuit.

After a gruelling 20 minutes' racing Austin finished second, earning his first ever climb to the heights of the winner's podium. Bailey fought well to earn 10th spot and looked forward to Round 2.

For Austin, Sunday's second round was a different story. Again alongside Craggs on the front row of the grid the race got off to a clean start but it wasn't long before mayhem ensued. A spinning car and Austin's evasive action lost him two places and brought him into the sights of nemesis Mick "Bludgeoner" Beauchamp.

Whether what ensued could be described as jousting for position or just plain street-fighting it made an entertaining spectacle for the assembled crowd. Rumours that Austin was encouraged to pit in order to fit gang-mowers to the underside of his car, so often was he on the grass rather than tarmac, have yet to be confirmed.

But whatever his methods and however scenic the route he took, the Romsey man eventually finished in 5th position and in desperate need of a panel beater.

Bailey improved on his round 1 position by finishing 9th and earning the award for the most improved grid position-to-race result in Round 2.

With Rounds 3 and 4 coming up at Croft in early May, Austin lies third in the championship. Highlights of the races can be seen on Thursday and Friday evenings on Sky Sports with full details of race schedules, pictures and reports on Rob Austin's web site at www. robaustinracing.com