MICHAEL Blackburn continued an impressive start to a new season when he celebrated a pair of class wins at his home circuit.

The Winsford driver was best of the bunch in his category during the Electrovape.co.uk XR Challenge second round at Oulton Park last weekend.

He edged a race-long battle with Andrew Lennie, also in an Escort XR3i, in the opening sprint after the duo traded places for the duration of eight laps.

Northwich Guardian:

Michael Blackburn behind the wheel of his Ford Escort XR3i during the Electrovape.co.uk XR Challenge's latest round at Oulton Park. Picture: Mike Lyne (MJL-Photos)

The 49-year-old was also third overall.

He repeated the trick later the same day, after running second on track for three laps, to extend his lead at the top of the Class B standings after four races.

The series resumes at the Little Budworth circuit next month.

Report by Mike Lyne