COLWALL Green engineer Edward Mason has taken his first victory in his own 2CV car at the 17th annual 24-hour race at Snetterton, in Norfolk, over the weekend.

The bank holiday weather arrived four hours before the start of the race, at 4pm on Sunday afternoon and didn't stop until the chequered flag 24 hours later. It will be written up as 2007 - The Wet One as the endurance event became a true test of driver skill, pitting man and machine against the elements and the other 34 competitors including top flight international drivers.

Completing 647 laps in the race car number 50 - ECAS - The Return, pulled out a clear nine-lap lead clear of the second placed car, driving an impressive 1,262 miles before the chequered flag.

Edward and his the co-drivers, Phil Myatt and Richard dalton, both of Stoke, and Gary Byatt from Stevenage, have not raced together for several years, but decided to put a team together before Christmas and have been getting ready since.

Edward said: "We have built five engines, and completely redesigned the front suspension of the car in preparation for the race.

"We knew that the secret is to not break down and have worked extensively on designing out known weaknesses from previous races.

"Our strategy worked as the car ran like a swiss watch for the full 24 hours, the only issue we had was some water in the carburettor towards the end of the race and we were able to drive round the problem without loosing too much time."

At the trophy presentation word had got out that it was Edward's 44th birthday on that day, which may have explained the over enthusiastic celebrations as he crossed the line, and the assembled 200 drivers, team managers and mechanics raised their glasses after a memorable chorus of happy birthday.

While Edward has to thank a long list of individuals, companies, family and friends for their support during the extensive preparations for the race, a special thanks must go to Northallerton Engineering Services for the engines and help with car set up as well as ECAS, the Citroen parts specialist who can be found on www.2cvparts.com If anyone would like to know more about racing 2CV's there is a well-prepared website at www.2cvracing.org.uk.