Dad and lad's race role change.

FOLLOWING in dad's tyretreads -that's Yarm's Martin Addison.

After several years of helping his father Bill maintain and prepare his car in the Caterham Superlight Challenge, the boot has been on the other foot this year.

For Bill has been a key figure in the pits and workshop as Martin has enjoyed a successful debut season as a racer himself.

Martin, 26, finished fifth in the highly competitive Caterham Academy Championship, a series designed to help novice drivers get a first foot on the racing ladder.

The grids regularly attracted more than 30 cars and the highlight of his rookie season was a pair of third place finishes - one at Pembrey and one at Lydden Hill.

"Unfortunately I had a non-finish at Anglesey," said Martin, 27, an engineer with family firm Addison Plant Hire.

"A wheel came off on the last lap, and that cost me fourth place in the championship.

"But I've really enjoyed it. I'd done some sprints and hillclimbs in a Peugeot 106, but you get more time on the track when you're racing.

"I was mechanicing for my dad and helping to prepare his car, so I've been involved for a few years anyway.

"Now he's helping me and it's great to finally have my own car."

After completing his year in the Academy class, Martin will step up into the Roadsport Championship.

"The tyres are different, you can fit a rear anti-roll bar and make slight engine modifications," he explained.

"The power is the same, but you have more grip."

He does have one more race this year however - at Snetterton this weekend - which will gain him enough signatures to earn his national A licence.

Bill, 54, also of Yarm, has scaled down his own racing commitments in order to help his son.

He has already put his business interests first due to the current economic climate, although he has taken part in selected Superlight races this year and he teamed up with Martin for a two-driver, 40-minute Magnificent Seven race at Snetterton earlier this month, finishing an impressive eighth of 36 starters "I'd never been there before," said Martin, "and we were in my dad's car so I had to learn the track and the car.

"His car is twice as powerful as mine - it's a different animal.

"But we both enjoyed it and with a bit more time in the car I think we can do even better and maybe challenge for a podium."

Bill too is looking forward to teaming up with Addison Jnr again.

"We're looking for some longer races that use two drivers next year," he said.

Addison Snr also revealed he is considering an entry to the popular Darlington and District MC-organised Northern Saloon and Sports Car Championship next year as many of its rounds are at Croft.

Both Addisons have benefitted from the help of Crathornebased mechanic Ted Harston and are looking forward to continuing their arrangement next year.

CAPTION(S):

DOUBLE ACT: Martin (left) and Bill Addison Picture by IAN McINTYRE