WARREN Hughes made his American racing debut in the recent Sebring 12 Hour sportscar race in Florida.

The race, which is the opening round of the American Le Mans series, is used by many teams as preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hour race in June.

Driving a TVR Tuscan for the British "Team LNT", Sunderland racer Hughes formed part of a three-driver team along with Jonny Kane and team owner Lawrence Tomlinson. With qualifying cancelled due to thunderstorms, the grid was set from the previous day's practice times, which saw Hughes' TVR placed 13th in class.

Hughes' team-mate Kane started the race and drove a strong first stint which saw the TVR rise to seventh in the GT2 class, before handing the car over to Hughes in the first scheduled driver change. Hughes continued the strong charge but it was not long before trouble struck.

A collision in the early stages of the race had given the TVR's rear suspension a knock and on lap 18 of his stint, Hughes suffered a rear suspension failure. This forced the TVR into the pits for repairs and team owner Tomlinson had to take the wheel.

But on taking to the track, trouble returned. Toward the end of his run, Tomlinson felt the engine misfiring and pitted to investigate the problem. Kane took over again, but not for long as the car was eventually retired with a terminal engine problem.

"Obviously not to finish is disappointing but we did well during the time we had," said Hughes.

"There was no way we could challenge the front runners on pace this weekend because their cars are more developed than the TVR and a lot faster.

"However we were running strong and consistent and got as much out of our car as we could.

"I felt my own performance was strong and the training I've done at the Sunderland Health and Racket Club throughout the winter has been very worthwhile."

Hughes and his team-mates now turn their attention the first round of the British GT Championship at Donington in April.

This time Hughes faces his team-mates Kane and Tomlinson, who will share a sister car, whereas he will be joined by Patrick Pearce. This will be the line up for all the remaining British GT Championship races.

Hughes returns to partnering Kane and Tomlinson in the European Championship races, the first of which takes place at Spa in Belgium on April 17.

Published: 26/03/2005