Rick O’Connell is another new name joining the Racing Hondas grid in 2025.

The 47-year-old from Exeter will compete in Class A in a Honda Civic EG, built by fellow racer James Allen’s Garage 24 concern.

“You won’t miss me – the car is pink, or ruby stone red to be precise!” laughed O’Connell, MD of an e-commerce business.

“I raced in Time Attack in 2024 (he finished third in the 4WD class in a Mitsubishi evo) but watched Racing Hondas and got the bug for some door-handle-to-doorhandle stuff so here I am.

“James and Garage 24 know how to build a great car; it’s a fresh build and, when it’s all completed, will have a six-speed H-pattern box and a K24 engine.”

Joining the Time Attack scene fully in 2024 marked the realisation of a long-time ambition to take part in competitive motorsport.

“Up until that point I’d been a track day enthusiast for about 20 years.

“The whole Time Attack scene was a great way to finally get going in the sport – the race days create such a great atmosphere.

“After a year of going up against the clock in Time Attack, though, I’m looking forward now to learning a new type of race craft in Racing Hondas.

“The aim of the game is to stay out of trouble and have fun, plus I’m sure I’ll learn a trick or two James and co.”