John has stars ( and stripes ) in his eyes

John Mickel, who lives near Cottesmore, is preparing to compete in this year's National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Craftsman Truck Series in the US by using the club's fitness centre.

Each gruelling 180-lap race lasts up to three hours, with drivers reaching average speeds of 180 miles per hour.

Thirty-six-year-old John said: "It's essential to be fit to cope with the physical demands of the race '“ you need strength and stamina.

"I'm making the most of all the excellent fitness centre facilities to help get me into shape. I use weights and do cardio-vascular training in the gym, while the steam room and Jacuzzi are helping me to acclimatise, as it can be over 100 degrees in Florida and Texas in July, while the swimming pool is great for all-round fitness.

For full story see Sporting Odds, West Sussex Gazette January 9