RACING at 170mph just 12 inches from a concrete wall is part of the thrill for one Redditch man taking part in the British version of NASCAR.

Mike Luck, of Winyates Green, has already taken part in his first race in front of 30,000 racing mad fans in the aptly named Days Of Thunder event.

And after finishing 10th out of 17 finishers at the purpose-built Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, the 46-year-old company director is hungry for more.

He said: "The racing is not without its risks, and high speed accidents are a real possibility.

"You have to accept that a trip into the wall is the price you pay for a mistake," said Mike. "Racing at 170mph, 12 inches from a concrete wall certainly focuses the mind," he added.

But Luck is no stranger to danger after racing in a variety of saloon and open sports cars since 1978.

Luck said: "I was presented with the opportunity to take part in Days of Thunder about four weeks before the first race, although the team was faced with a big job to get the car ready, I didn't hesitate in jumping at the chance to have a go."

Luck had to complete a compulsory 'rookie training' course in the 5.7-litre V8 Chevrolet engine cars, at the circuit before he qualified to enter his first race.

But after that the driver can now look forward to competing in ten more races until the end of the championship.

Luck was delayed in his first race due to a clutch problem, although that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

On lap three there was a multiple pile up that would have certainly included the Redditch rookie.

Race two was completed without any problems which included a compulsory pit stop.

The next race is on June 6th where Luck is hoping to improve his current championship standing of 10th.

He said: "The public are encouraged to visit the Paddock to see the cars in the pit garages and I look forward to meeting anyone from Redditch who can make it."

The Advertiser will be following Luck throughout the season.