Kelvin Fletcher has discussed the challenges he’s faced as a professional racing driver in the last year.
The former Emmerdale actor, 34, made the drastic career change after leaving the ITV soap in 2016 after 20 years of playing Andy Sugden.
Taking to Instagram this week, Kelvin opened up about his disappointment after a “mechanical failure” crushed his chance of winning the British GT Championship.
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Kelvin shared one snap of his racing car and a pic of himself and fellow racer Martin Plowman.
He wrote: “Well, it wasn’t meant to be. A mechanical failure scuppered the lead we had in the race and eventually any chance of winning the championship.
“It’s been a challenging year with bad luck but the team have continued to push. With a class win, overall podium and flawless driving we finished 2nd in the championship.”
The actor continued: “I started racing in 2012 as a hobby and fast forward 6 years and I’ve raced in some of the biggest and most competitive championships in the country.
“I’ve been 100% committed and I continue to hold my own against my fellow competitors.”
He went on to thank Martin for being the “biggest single factor contributing to my development as a driver over these last two years”.
Kelvin added: “We have shown glimpses of what we can do as a team and this is just the beginning!”
Fans were quick to praise Kelvin with one person commenting: “Hard luck kelvin. I’m sure you guys will come back strong next year.”
Another said: “Just a legend! While you’re in it and competitive, keep pushing lad!”
Last year, Kelvin revealed he was swapping TV sets for racing tracks after leaving Emmerdale the previous year.
Speaking about his career change, Kelvin told the Mirror at the time: “It’s a dream come true. I was lucky because sponsors were willing to back me because of my profile.
“I’ve got a target on my head. I’m that guy off the TV so the eyes are on me a little bit more. I sometimes feel like I’ve got a harder job than most, but I’m progressing.”
And if the career change doesn’t go to plan, Kelvin admitted he would happily just be a stay-at-home dad.
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The star, who has a daughter called Marnie Molly, added: “If all else fails, if I don’t go any further with racing and I can’t get another acting job, I would happily be a stay-at-home dad.”
Kelvin has two-year-old Marnie with his wife Eliza.
The couple are now expecting their second child together after announcing the happy news in July.
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