HEREFORD'S Lea Wood is hoping for another solid meeting for his rookie MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) driver at Donington Park this weekend.

Wood has decided to sit out this year's season, instead taking a managerial role at Houseman Racing.

Stewart Lines, from Sutton Coldfield, is now the main driver at the St Owen Street-based firm and finished 25th, 21st and 17th in the three races of the opening weekend at Brands Hatch.

But Wood believes the 51-year-old can achieve a top-10 finish once he has got used to the Toyota Avensis car.

"He has never driven the car before but he did very well at Brands Hatch and finished all three races," said Wood.

"We go to Donington Park this weekend and we are hoping for a good showing.

"He does like the circuit so we are hoping for him to have another three clean races."

Lines only started testing the car about four weeks ago and despite being an experienced driver, has never competed in the BTCC before.

Wood said he met him through a contact in motor racing.

"I knew Stewart was interested in driving the car, so I decided to sit out this year and take a managerial role," said Wood.

"We did the testing about four weeks ago, so it was very last minute.

"This is his first year, so he is a bit of a rookie, but has been racing for years.

"He has done the Clio Cup and still races in the Volkswagen Cup."