SHIPTON Bellinger tyre-fitter James Blake swapped the forecourt for the fast lane after he was chosen to showcase his skills to drivers of the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton race track.

James, a tyre technician with HiQ, worked trackside at the weekend changing tyres for Matt Neal, Jason Plato, Colin Turkington, and all the stars of Britain's premier motor racing series.

James joined the Dunlop Motorsport team after bosses at HiQ recognised his speedy skills, which have impressed hundreds of customers in the Andover area.

The fast fitter said he took some racing skills back to his day job, after a brilliant experience with the Dunlop Motorsport team.

He said: "It's a dream come true to have changed tyres for Honda, Vauxhall, SEAT, BMW, and all the teams in the touring car championship.

"I have now seen the motorsport boys in action and I hope I can bring some speed and quality back to HiQ Salisbury.

"It was lovely to get this opportunity.

"I am a huge fan of the competition, and to be so close and involved in the action was just amazing."

HiQ are sponsors of the British Touring Car Championship and as part of the relationship, the company can invite one fast fitter to go to each circuit.