George Gamble shines in Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship debut at local circuit Donington Park

George Gamble took a phenomenal podium in his first day of racing in the UK’s premier motorsport series, reports Paul Horton.

Taking part in his debut Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at local circuit Donington Park, the 25-year-old had a fantastic start to the new season, taking third place in race two of the weekend.

Gamble, of Epperstone, was driving for Ciceley Motorsport and had the support of experienced campaigner Adam Morgan in their pair of Car Gods-backed #42 BMW 330e M Sports.

The big day for Gamble had finally arrived on Sunday and, with all races live on ITV4, it was one of the biggest occasions of his career.

Race one saw him on row three, fifth on the grid after qualifying.

Gamble was up to P4 by the second lap, though on lap five he was overtaken by Jake Hill and, a lap later, Gordon Shedden and team-mate Morgan raced ahead, putting him in seventh.

For the rest of the race, he fended off other competition and set a fastest lap of 1.09:493secs.

After the race, Hill was disqualified for failing the ride height checks, promoting Gamble to sixth.

Race two saw him go even better, and a fast get away as the lights went out saw him finish the first lap in P2.

Having lost his position on lap ten, Gamble kept the pressure on the two front runners to cross the line to take a podium spot.

The final race saw him finish 20th.

“ I didn’t think it could get much better after the first race,” said Gamble.

“I thought that was a brilliant, solid start.

“But I got off the line so well into second and just went for it.

“Luckily, I had my team-mate behind me so I didn’t have anyone hassling me too much.

“But it’s brilliant — what a great start to the season.

“The good thing is, I’ve had two good results, so I can kind of go for it in race three.

“The pressure of those first two races is off so I’m chuffed to bits with a solid start like that.”

Motorsport journalist Horton said: “I was totally blown away by his performance over the weekend, with a new hybrid era, new car and new team, he has driven as if he has been in the series for years.”

The next round is held at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on May 14.