Bill Richards takes two 'Fastest Mini in the World' podiums at Brands Hatch Mini Festival

Bill Richards started his 50th year of competition in fine style by claiming two second-place finishes at Brands Hatch on Sunday.

The veteran racer, 73, joined a strong field in two 'Fastest Mini in the World' events at the West Kingsdown circuit's 11th Mini Festival.

Richards, who splits his time between Brookland on Romney Marsh and the Isle of Wight, had not worked on his Maguire Mini Traveller since last year's running of the event.

But he qualified third of 16 starters and enjoyed a good fight with Ashan Silva in the first race, beating the Sri Lankan driver to the flag by two seconds.

Richards survived contact on the Brabham Straight in the second race to score the same result and is now planning extensive work to his two-litre machine, nicknamed 'Bessie'.

"She needs a complete overhaul - she's tired and everything is worn out - but she is doing well holding her own against a competitive field," Richards said.

"I will pick and choose which events I do this year, but I do want to do the Special Saloons series with the CSCC [Classic Sports Car Club].

"I should be retired - I'm 73 now - but this is my 50th year of competition and I don't want to stop yet."

Mini Spares-backed Richards, who was twice beaten by Mini Clubman driver Richard Billingham, ran a second car on Sunday for American competitor Don Racine.

He retired the eight-port Mini from race one after finding the gravel trap at Surtees but was the final finisher in the second encounter.

The car is usually used by Richards – a trackday instructor at Lydden Hill – for passenger rides in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Brands Hatch will host Festival Italia on Sunday, with racing from Ferraris and Alfa Romeos. Adult tickets cost £25 in advance or