Sponsored by Leeds-based Rala Metals, the 56-year-old snatched sixth place in the fiercely contested Historic Sports Car Club Formula Ford 1600 Championship which had more than 50 drivers scoring points during the season, including several young lions looking towards Formula 1 careers.

The achievement was all the more remarkable considering the season included four no-scoring races with engine problems, and one race driven with a freshly broken rib after a testing shunt.

Both final races featured a huge slip-streaming pack of up to ten cars with positions changing several times a lap. John had to use all his experience to be in the best position possible when the flag fell.

Rala managing director Steve Lavocah said: "After Oulton Park, when we did not even start because of engine problems, we thought we had no chance of a top six finish in the championship. But all the team worked hard and never gave up. With this fantastic result Rala will definitely be back next season looking to win."

As the commentator at Donington said in the post-race interview: "The old chap's back!"