STEPHEN Irvine slashed over three seconds off the class record when he contested the Lancashire Automobile Club sprint meeting at the Three Sisters, Wigan.

The result gave Irvine, from Worsthorne, maxiumum points in the MG Luffield Speed Championship, and extended his lead in the class for group three cars.

“It was my first time at Three Sisters using a two-lap format, and we had a great day,” said Irvine, who drives a self-prepared MGBGT.

“I went out behind the safety car before practice and watched his lines, which gave me a few tips.

“We also had a problem with tyre pressures during the morning practice, but once we sorted that out, the car ran on rails. The two-lap format works well at the Three Sisters and gives drivers a chance to get into a good rythym.”

Such was Irvine’s superiority at the track, he not only won his class - for 1501cc – 2400cc cars – he also beat every other MG.

Next round of the championship is at Loton Park, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, on Sunday, August 23.

l Stephen Irvine, who is supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association, would like to thank his mum and dad, Willie and Rita, and wife Gaynor for their support, and also Daniel Harper and Rob Waddington at Minisport of Padiham.

Thanks also to sponsor Brian Henderson of GBBUK Ltd, Forensic Collision Investigation and Research, based at Burnley Wharf.