ROYSTON S Ryan Lewis sports car career got off to a fine start on Saturday when he finished third in his class in the American Le Mans Series race at Mid-Ohio. The talented driver had qualified for his first Intersport Lola AER in fourth place, but mov

ROYSTON'S Ryan Lewis' sports car career got off to a fine start on Saturday when he finished third in his class in the American Le Mans Series race at Mid-Ohio.

The talented driver had qualified for his first Intersport Lola AER in fourth place, but moved up a spot when the team's other car developed a problem and had to start from the pit lane.

Lewis got off to a clean start, and lapped consistently in the top 10 before coming in for fresh tyres and fuel after 40 minutes.

He had a spin just over an hour into the race, but gathered his composure and continued on his way before pitting after one hour and 20 minutes to hand over in third place to his team-mate, John Faulkner.

As this was Lewis' first sportscar race, it was the first time he has had to share his car, but he took it all in his stride and is already looking forward to his next race which takes place at Road America in three weeks' time.

He said: "It was very busy out there, but I was quite happy with my final position place.

"I wish I could have been a little quicker but it was very busy.

"There are a lot of cars out there that you have to worry about, but once you get into a rhythm everyone knows who's going to do what.

"I'm still learning a lot, but it was a good weekend.