What a drag . . . racer Russell scoots his way to title

Russell, of of Lathe Road, Whiston, scored 186 points to win the street-legal class in the UK Straightliners competition. for the second year running.

The events, which consist of a quarter-mile drag race, take place at airfields all over the country.

Russell’s 1960s scooter beat much newer machines to take the title.

“It was a standard off-the-shelf Lambretta from the time but it’s had work on the engine, carburettor, exhaust and clutch,” he said.

“Racing is about pushing the tolerances of the vehicle to get the best speeds. I’ve been lucky to not have any major problems at the events.

“You’re always going to get little bits and bobs that need attention while you’re there, that’s part and parcel of any motor sport.”