TONY Gilham has won his maiden race in the VW Cup with a thrilling victory at Brands Hatch.

The Swanley-based driver, lying fourth in the overall standings with four rounds remaining, also took third in the opening round at his home circuit.

His victory, by 0.290secs, came amid a catalogue of safety cars and changing of lead car with almost every lap of the prematurely ended race.

Adrian Dziurzynski started from the pole and led the early laps while Paul Taylor, second in the overall standings, starting from fifth and found his progress blocked by Dziurzynski, Gilham and Martyn Culley, as they dashed for Paddock Hill Bend.

Despite intense pressure Dziurzynski's Golf held the 2.8 Beetle Rsi of Gilham at bay until lap five when he lunged up the inside into Druids hairpin following the conclusion of a brief safety car period.

However, Dziurzynski wasn't beaten yet and on the seventh lap he re-passed Gilham for the lead and even managed to pull a slight advantage, only for his wretched luck to return a couple of laps later with the loss of fourth gear with Gilham taking advantage.

With four minutes still on the clock and three cars vying for victory, there was every prospect of a grandstand finish.

But it was not to be for the red flags flew after an accident and the results were declared after nine laps, Gilham the popular victor by the season's narrowest margin.

Gilham said: "We're absolutely ecstatic.

"The team worked non-stop all week and I cannot praise them enough.

"The shine was taken off the win because of the premature finish.

"It meant I missed out on the chequered flag and only had half a victory lap but even in that short space of time I lost my voice because I was going mad in the car.

"Having my first win on my home circuit as well was extra special and the crowd really got behind me."

He added: "We're getting so much exposure now on Sky and in the race DVDs.

"Our bright green car is easy to pick out and everyone likes an underdog.

"Compared to the big teams we're tiny and work on a shoe-string budget making the team extra-brilliant for their achievements."

Gilham, who also recorded a new lap record, said: "I am hoping for a top three finish but if those above us have the kind of luck we did at the start when we missed four races, then we could theoretically win."

The competition now moves onto Silverstone on September 23 and September 24 and then for the final rounds at Thruxton a week later.

If you want to get involved with sponsoring Tony and his team, call 07771 641732.