NEWPORT racing driver Rory Collingbourne enjoyed a sensational first visit to Chang International Circuit in Thailand, claiming a pair of fantastic podium finishes in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia.

Collingbourne, 19 and his Australian Leipert Motorsport teammate Ben Gersekowski secured third place in round three before improving to second in round four.

Building on the top-four outright finish he achieved on his debut in the Super Trofeo last month at Sepang in Malaysia, the Veloce Sports-managed racer starred in Thailand and now goes into the third event of the season second in the championship.

While the results speak for themselves, the second event of the year wasn’t straightforward for Collingbourne by any means.

Struck down with food poisoning on practice day, he also headed out to a race weekend for the first time without either of his parents due to his mum, Fay, being admitted to hospital last week.

“I do want to dedicate this weekend, and our amazing results, to my mum,” said Collingbourne.

“My dad stayed at home to look after her so I was a lone ranger on a mission.

“I’m so happy to bring home second and third place trophies for them both.

“I wanted to make sure I was traveling home with at least one trophy after being so close in Sepang last month.

“My mindset was clear, I wanted to stay in the championship top three, and we managed that, and more, by improving to second place which is absolutely fantastic.”

He added: “I’m so happy with the team and my co-driver Ben, we had a brilliant all-round performance and the results show that.

“It wasn’t an easy weekend by any means with the food poisoning. It’s never great doing a race run in practice, having to pit to be sick, and then jumping back in the car for a qualifying stint. Everything worked out in the end though.”

Speaking on behalf of Veloce Sports, Rupert Svendsen-Cook said: “Rory continues to develop and show remarkable progress in GT racing.

“It’s very easy to forget his background before he graduated to the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, so to score a double podium on just his second weekend in the series is a fantastic achievement.

“We will keep pushing on now to Suzuka.”

Next on the motor racing schedule for Collingbourne will be a visit to Suzuka in Japan over the weekend of June 24-25 for rounds five and six of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia.