ESCORT Cosworth racer Brian O'Connor has moved a step closer to the lead of the Modified Ford Championship.

A podium finish at Cadwell Park - his second in a row - has moved the Blackburn businessman into second place in the series, with two-thirds of the season to go.

"It's early days yet, but I'm very happy with the progress we're making with the new car," said Brian.

Qualifying within a second of pole position, Brian made a storming start for the 10-lap race, only to get badly held up on the very first corner.

He explained: "Everyone went barrelling into the first bend and the leader lost control of his car.

"His car went sideways across the track and everyone stood on the brakes to avoid a huge pile-up. The whole field bunched up until the leader sorted himself out and we could start racing again.

"I had a fantastic four-way battle for second place with Bob Ross, Craig Raynor and Brian Long for the remainder of the race."

The championship moves to France next month for round four at Croix-en-Ternois.

The gap in the calendar will allow Brian and his team from PAE Motorsport and Leyland Autodrome to iron out teething troubles with the car.

He said: " We have had problems with the engine's electronic management system, which means it is down 150bhp on what it should be producing. Once we have got that sorted, we should really be flying."

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