Thornhill stock car driver Craig Hodgson back with a bang at Warton Raceway

Hodgson began well with victory in heat one at the Carnforth track in Lancaster. He was second in heat two to qualify well for the final, which he then won.

In the finale Grand National event Craig raced well again, finishing second after starting a full lap down.

The success brought cheer to the Thornhill racer after he considered quitting the sport following the sudden death of his girlfriend Sheena Conway.

He explained: “In 2018 I lost my girlfriend from an accidental overdose, of morphine after a hip operation that went wrong. For the pain she took morphine and sadly passed away at the side of me in bed, after taking a bit too much.

“She was a massive supporter of my racing career and went to every meeting with me, she was very liked around the race tracks, my life was racing. A few month after this I went out to race and it just wasn’t the same with Sheena not being there, so I put my racing gear up for sale.

“After a few days I took the post down and grieved the loss of a wonderful woman, then covid came. It’s been four years since Sheena passed away and I needed to get back out racing to keep my head busy and not think so much. I’m out there racing for Sheena and hopefully make her proud.”

Craig added: “A lot of work went into the car for me to race so I thank everyone who’s helped and thank all my sponsors, I couldn’t do it without them.”

Dewsbury Heroes set to be celebrated after National Lottery funding confirmed for Rugby League project