Colchester driver David Graves is celebrating his best season on the track yet.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester driver David Graves in action. Picture: GIRD ARTColchester driver David Graves in action. Picture: GIRD ART (Image: GRIDART)

Graves finished third in the Toyo Tires Production BMW Championship (PBMWC) – his best performance since joining the national competition in 2013.

The 33-year-old actually finished joint second on championship points out of 38 competitors, but was awarded third place overall based on the number of race wins.

His white BMW 320i competed 14 times over seven weekends at tracks across the country, including the Brands Hatch Grand Prix layout and the UK home of Formula One, Silverstone.

He took pole position twice and secured eight podium finishes, marking his best results since graduating from the ovals to start circuit racing.

Graves said: “This year has been a massive step forward for me as a driver, as well as the team. We’ve worked hard and stayed focused, putting in hundreds of hours in the workshop and tracks.

“I’m thrilled that I was able to reward their hard work with good results each weekend and securing third in the championship is the icing on the cake.

“The car has been faultless, but my success is also down to my team and sponsors Lucas Oil, MTEC Brakes and Gaz Shocks.

“They really are the best team any driver could have behind them and am so grateful for their support. Now the hard work starts again to get ready for 2018!”

Graves, who sports number 33 on his car, now also heads his own race team, Graves Motorsport. The family-run business supports 14 drivers across PBMWC and TTRS, including David’s brother Karl, who competes in a bright orange BMW 1 Series.

And racing has always been a family affair for the Graves, with race support including parents, Peter and Kaye, cousin, Jon, brother-in-law, James and sister-in-law Gemma as well as his wife Vicki.

Growing-up, Graves and his dad took part in several international 4x4 off-road challenges while Karl won a number of moto-cross races.

Graves will look to improve on third place next season, when the championship starts again in spring 2018.