SALOON car driver John Batchelor has marked his European debut with a racing hat-trick.

For the Blackburn-based businessman collected a first and second, and fastest lap in the two-day BRSCC meeting Croix-en-Ternois, France.

And the two podium placings have moved Batchelor and his distinctive Ewood Park-sponsored Fiesta XR2i into third overall in the Super Road Saloon Championship.

"It was a great result for the team, even if was beyond my expectations," said a delighted Batchelor.

"We've never raced at Croix before, and to be honest, practice didn't go that well and we had to start from well down the grid.

"But the circuit is made up of a tight and twisty section linked by a long straight, and the power of the XR2i meant we could pull away from our rivals."

"The car feels really good now, and I'm confident that having achieved our best result of the season, there's more success to come."

Next appearance for the team is at Oulton Park on July 24.

Sponsoring John Batchelor are Blackburn Rovers FC; Columbia Motors, Rishton; East Lancs Box Company; Greyhound Ford, Redcap Trailers, Greg Smith, Burnley.

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