Portsmouth-based Naval officer Lt John Welsh showed his motor racing skill for the first time in earnest on the tarmac of Castle Combe circuit in Wiltshire.

John carved his way through the field in his £8,000 Formula 2000 car, capable of speeds upward of 150mph.

Unfortunately, a problem with the gearbox on the first lap meant that the nine cars behind him on the starting grid had already raced past him.

So finishing the ten-lap contest in 21st place, 11 minutes or so later – the race leader zoomed around the 1.85-mile circuit in 1m 6s – was a first-rate performance.

Certainly the junior officer is surprised by his ambition and skill behind the wheel, fuelled by a desire to keep up the honour of the Royal Navy.

“I overtook two people straight away but got stuck in first gear. Within seconds I was right at the back,” said John.

“I felt really embarrassed. I was racing for the Royal Navy – and you cannot have the Royal Navy coming last.”

John’s racing ambition was highlighted in the July edition of Navy New.

The car is owned by the officer, who works on the staff of NTE(TTD) in Portsmouth which works out the training required to operate new kit for the RN. But Naval recruiters saw the value in the vehicle – hence the Royal Navy livery.

From 30th place, the lieutenant slammed the pedal to the floor and began to regain some Service pride.

“One guy spun off, another’s engine blew up, another also spun off,” he said.

“Apparently some of the manoeuvres I was making were dangerous. But racing by its nature is dangerous. And when you are out there you don’t think that anything will go wrong.

“I started in 21st place and finished in 21st place, but the race experience I gained was excellent.”

Unfortunately, John’s RN career has put a temporary hold on his racing activities for this season – a staff course has put him out of action until next spring.