An Evesham College student has been helping a motorsport team win British racing championships.

Daniel Hawkes-Reed, 17, has been putting his skills to use after race team Hybrid Tune invited him to join their squad as a technician for the final races of the Mini Challenge UK, part of the British Touring Car Championship.

The team secured Directors Cup and Rookie Champions honours with Daniel’s help at the final two race days, first at Donnington Park in Derby before the finale at Brands Hatch, in Kent.

Daniel said: “It was a really good experience and I’m hoping to get more opportunities to work with the Hybrid Tune team next season.

“When I was invited to Donington Park to support the team as a technician I was very excited as it was the first time I’d been given a chance to do anything like this.

“I helped out in the pits with fitting tyres, air filters and bonnets, which gave me a chance to use the skills I have developed at college in a real-world setting. They liked what I brought to the team and invited me back for the Brands Hatch race.

“One of the drivers won the Directors Cup and another won the Rookie Champions title, so it was great to be involved in that.”

Originally from Bishop’s Cleeve, Daniel is currently studying Level Two Light Vehicle Management and Principles at the college on Davies Road.

He added: “I help my dad out in his business with fitting accessories to Aston Martins and that, alongside the course at the college, is helping to develop my skills.

“The course has definitely given me a better understanding of everything about vehicles, and it will hopefully help me to get ahead in a motorsport career.”

Maria Marshall, industry placement coordinator at Evesham College, said: “This is a fantastic example of a student going out there and getting the right experience to support employment following the completion of their course.

“Daniel will have gained invaluable knowledge from this experience and it has certainly given him the confidence to pursue more opportunities in motorsport.”