Archie Hamilton (23, Basingstoke) drove as part of the 24 Hour Le Mans Ram Racing Team this weekend, finishing 12th in the GTEAm class. The race is renowned for its high attrition rate and a gearbox problem threatened to end the Archie’s chances of finishing but the trio of drivers and the team of mechanics and engineers persevered and successfully took the chequered flag at 3pm this afternoon.

Archie drove for over nine hours, taking the car from third up to second in his first double stint. The gearbox problem meant an extended pit stop that cost the team around 15 laps and a realistic chance of finishing on the podium.

Archie was driving a Ferrari 458 Italia with Johnny Mowlem and Mark Patterson.

Archie Hamilton:

“The car felt really good and I had a really solid run in second place. Managing traffic was the most challenging part of the race because of the different classes but I didn’t take risks to make sure we could finish the race. All the LMP1 Audis and Porsches were battling for position so it was important to stay out of the way. We were starting to lay down some really good times on the soft tyres and starting to feel that we were making progress. To finish the race is something that was important to the team as it’s their first Le Mans. We’ve achieved that so I’m happy to have been part of that. A big thanks to all the team for all the hard work they have put in this week. My grandfather won on his third attempt so I’m hoping that it will be third time lucky for me too and next year will be the one.”