DANIEL Buxton definitely isn't afraid of the dark after finishing third in the first ever night race in the Fiesta Zetec Challenge.

The Cuddington night owl made up for a disappointing qualifying session to cut through the pack to take a well deserved third place at Snetterton.

The 21-year-old had started in 11th but was soon making his rivals jump as he flew round the Essex circuit.

Things were going bump in the night as drivers struggled to keep on the track at the darkened sections of the circuit.

While many hesitated and drove cautiously, Buxton burned rubber and was up into second place with two laps remaining.

A lack of concentration on the final lap saw him shoot wide on a corner and lose second place, but his performance earned him the driver of the day award and a place on the podium.

He said: "Racing in the dark was an absolutely amazing experience. Snetterton has some really fast corners and most of these were pitch black.

"I'd started in 11th and had nothing to lose while I think a few of the other drivers were scared of the dark. I was just taking three at a time and I was able to get up into a good position.

"I was glad to get on that podium and have a drink of champagne after the race though. It was really intense but at the same time very exciting."

Team mate Neal Gordon took first place which puts him ahead of third placed Buxton by 10 points on 62. David Gibson continues to lead the championship with 71 points despite only finishing ninth.

Norley's Joanna Clarke was also in action in the Formula Ford Slick 50 championship.

She finished sixth in the First Division category and overall 17th in the two tier race.

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