Sam's Reliant is a Rockin' Robin!

Sam Begley, 21, came second in the Robin Reliant racing world final last Sunday.

He reached the final after winning three qualifiers.

The race, at Mildenhall racetrack in Suffolk, was watched by a crowd of over 4,000.

That didn't faze Sam, who kept his cool to claim runner-up spot after an incident-packed race

He said: "I was on the fifth row of the grid at the start of the race, so I thought I had quite a good chance."

Sam has been driving cars at his home at Higher Parkhill Farm in Barrowford since he was ten-years-old.

As well as Robin Reliants, he has been racing 'bangers' for the past two years.

The high speed Reliant Robin races are notorious for crashes, rollovers and shunts.

These souped-up wolves in sheep's clothing are light years away from the sedate mini-cars which were so popular in their heyday.

"There were 41 rollovers in the race. Luckily I didn't have any. I was leading the race for seven laps, then a car rolled over in front of me.

"I had to go round it to avoid a collision and the eventual winner got through on my inside.

"Obviously I went there to win, but I am pleased with second. I want to go back next year and win the world title but a lot of luck as well as skill is involved."

Sam is already making plans for next year's race: "I am looking for sponsorship from anyone who can help me with costs.

"Travel, cars, spares and repairs all cost money, so anyone who could help would be doing me a huge favour."

Motor enthusiasts have been racing Robin Reliants in Britain for the past two years.

They are not as stable as four wheeled cars and more likely to roll over during the races.

However, their fibreglass body means that they are more durable than ordinary cars and easier to repair.

As well as Robin Reliants, tractors, caravans and motor homes compete at Mildenhall. The races are often shown live on Sky Sports.