THE dust was flying and the racing was intense as members of Caithness Autocross Club returned to action in spectacular style with a closed event at Thurso East over the weekend.

On Saturday, the two autocross specials driven by Gary Elder and Lenny Humphries took first and second places respectively with fastest times of 1.12.97 and 1.13.15.

On Sunday, fractions of a second separated the pair with Elder on 1.55.25 and Humphries on 1.55.32, giving Elder a notable double.

There was seven classes on both afternoons with the 1701cc unlimited being the biggest.

Gallery1

1 / 7

2 / 7

3 / 7

4 / 7

5 / 7

6 / 7

7 / 7

Third overall on the Saturday went to Golspie Sprint competitor George Coghill Jnr in a Ford Focus in a best time of 1.14.25. Ryan Sinclair (Clio) and Gordie Donn (Honda Civic) were fourth and fifth respectively (1.14.90 and 1.15.03).

On the rearranged Sunday track, David Durrand took overall third place in his Corsa in a time of 1.58.47. Donn was fourth (1.58.88) and Sinclair took fifth place with 1.59.19.

The Covid-19 restrictions meant no spectators were allowed to attend, with social distancing observed in line with Scottish Government guidance.

Autocross commentator Willie Mackay said: "With a perfect weather window, a fresh new track and a fantastic, enthusiastic two-day entry of 60 drivers, mechanics, marshals and officials, the scene at Towerhill was set for autocross racing at its best.

“Although closed to spectators, this well-organised event was full of high-speed competitive thrills, amazing but safe driving and sheer skill on a very hard and fast 500-yard track.”

He added: "It was great to see an outdoor, socially distanced, well-disciplined event taking place in the county after four months of these unprecedented times "

The venue was made available by the Anderson family.

• More sport

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.