SILVER End racing driver Toby Bearne was jubilant after taking his first trip to the topmost step of the podium in the Maximumgroup.net VAG Trophy.

The 21-year-old Team-HARD racer earned his first victory at Brands Hatch in the third round of the series that is regarded as a stepping stone for drivers looking to move into the British Touring Car Championship.

It came on the back of a solid qualifying session and an early move in the 18-lap race that allowed him to lead from the front and he was delighted to make it to the top step of the podium.

Bearne said: "The qualifying session was challenging for all the drivers as I worked to get temperature into my tyres and was halted by a number of yellow flags that disrupted the lap times.

"I did, however, manage to get my car on the second row of the 27-car grid for the race.

"It wasn't one of my best starts but I moved into first place coming out of Graham Hill bend on the first lap and from there led the race for the remaining 17 laps to take the chequered flag for my first Maximumgroup.net VAG Trophy win.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben Kattenhorn, the Team-HARD acting boss for the day, Charlie Russ my race engineer for preparing our winning car and of course (Team-HARD boss) Tony Gilham for his steadfast ongoing support."

n Bearne is offered a chance for people to join him for a Team-HARD VIP track day, with RICB Insurance Racing, at Brands Hatch on Tuesday, June 28.

Each person will get hot laps with a professional racing driver in one of the team's Ginetta G55 GT4 Cup Cars and one of their VW Golf GT1-R Cup Cars before taking to the track for two sessions in the VW Golf with a professional instructor.

The price is £499 per person, including refreshments, and anyone interested can contact Bearne on 07413 419919 or email bearnetenpin@aol.com