Aaron Steele's Chevrolet Camaro developed gearbox problems

Mechanical failure let down a charging Aaron Steele at the legendary Daytona International Speedway last weekend.

The Rochester driver was forced to retire with gearbox problems less than a quarter of the way into the Sunoco GRAND-AM 200 Challenge in Florida.

It brought an unsatisfactory end to the race for the 23-year-old, who had made a stunning start to climb 32 places in 12 laps.

Steele was philosophical about the retirement.

He said: “It was a great first lap and I was very happy with my progress.

“It’s annoying that I did all the hard work and then the car breaks, but that is motorsport. It doesn’t matter if you are at Daytona or Donington Park, this could happen anywhere.

“The Sunoco GRAND-AM 200 Challenge is a fantastic prize and to get this opportunity to come out and to do this.

“It is hard to contemplate until you get here.”

Steele had earned his big chance in the race, which acted as a support to the famous Daytona 24-hour race last weekend, by winning 14 out of 18 races in the F3 Cup last season.

He headed across the Atlantic with hopes of a top 10 finish to boost the chance of earning a drive in the States this season.

It looked optimistic following qualifying, where engine problems meant Steele could only clock the 54th fastest time in the mammoth 82-car field.

In difficult wet conditions he made a fantastic start, working through the field all the way up to 22nd place, when an issue with the Chevrolet Camaro’s gearbox ended his challenge.