A DRIVER who had never taken to the wheel of a racing car until two years ago has won his first race.

James Appleby scored his maiden victory at Snetterton in the first of two races at the track for the Fiesta Championship late last month.

Driving a Ford Fiesta Zetec S, the 25-year-old followed up his win with a runners-up finish in the second contest to mark a wonderful weekend.

Harrogate-based Appleby and his father, Richard, run their car through Daniels Motorsport, and are hoping for similar success in the remaining six races of the campaign at Brands Hatch and Donington.

Appleby was fourth in the championship, driving a Class B Ford Fiesta Zetec, in his debut season in 2011 and he was ninth in his second year behind the wheel of a Class C Fiesta ST.

“Following two third place finishes at Silverstone in May we went to the Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk feeling confident,” said Appleby senior.

“To our delight James achieved his maiden race win in race one. We’ve been trying for almost three years and are over the moon with this win.”

Appleby is aiming to compete in the newly-announced Jack Sears Trophy in the British Touring Car Championship.