AFTER being forced to give up the sport as a result of having to undergo spinal surgery, a now fully-fit Stephen Irvine makes a welcome return to sprint action this weekend at Anglesey Race Circuit.

The son of former Burnley footballer Willie Irvine, he missed the whole of last year having a series of operations to repair wear and tear damage to his back sustained during his Army service years.

It came soon after he had won the 2009 MGCC Northern Hill & Sprint Championship and finished first in his class in the Luffield National Championship.

With doubts about his being able to compete on future events he reluctantly sold his double-championship winning MGB GT, resigned to the possibility that his racing career could be over.

Fortunately his worst fears weren’t founded and having acquired a MG ZR160 he hopes to rediscover his winning ways when he debuts the new car on the opening round of the 2011 MGCC Luffield Cars Champion-ship.

Irvine, from Worsthorne, isn’t overly confident of his chances but remains excited at the prospect of getting back into race action.

He said: “Being front-wheel drive, the ZR will be a bit of change from the B GT but it looks like it’s going to be a bit of fun.

“I still have a need for speed so I’ve been cycling and swimming to help get my fitness back and now I’m ready.”

He needs to be as the championship provides a tough schedule with a mix of track and hillclimb events.

Backing for Irvine comes from Mini-sport of Padiham and Burnley-based GBB (UK) Ltd, a leading independent firm of Consulting Forensic Collision Investigators and Engineers.

GBB Director Matthew Stansfield said “Stephen is a former employee of ours and we are happy to sponsor him again having previously supported him during his successful hill climb championship season in 2009.

“I and other members of our team hope to attend one or two events during the summer and wish him every success.”

Irvine hopes GBB’s continued support could be a lucky omen and with his car now looking resplendent with the firm’s decals he said: “If it goes as fast as it looks I’ll do alright!”

Added local interest comes in the shape of Irvine’s friend and neighbour Gary Dawes who takes the wheel of the Minisport prepared BMW Mini Cooper usually rallied by his brother Ian.

This weekend’s meeting is co-hosted by Lancashire & Cheshire Car Club and the MG Car Club and spectators are charged £5 admission on both Saturday and Sunday with practice starting at 10am each day.