CRESSING race ace Tyrone Stansfield was quick to pay tribute to his support team after becoming the new birelART UK Junior Karting champion.

The Alec Hunter Academy pupil headed into the final round of the 2017 competition at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire leading the way but knew he had to put in a good show to wrap up the title.

In the end, he had no worries as Stansfield secured two races wins and a third place over the weekend to finish 24 points clear at the top of the leaderboard and become the UK champion.

The Cressing youngster said: "I was ecstatic - I had won 24 points clear and a top step on the podium.

"I wanted to finish on a high and I most certainly did.

"There are lots of people to thank; firstly my parents, mum does all the usual stuff a mum does and also does the data analysis and recording, while Dad always tries to ensure that I have the kart under me that I can win with.

"He was working so late on Saturday night in the awning (at Whilton Mill) to give me the kart I had on my final race weekend and I can’t thank him enough.

"He was up against a full race mechanic with my championship rival, so it proved in the paddock, that dad and lad teams can be very successful."

Stansfield also thanked his sponsors K & B Tatam, G & B Finch, Kingwell Environmental and BODYFIT4TRAINING as well as his school, Alec Hunter, for the support they had given him this year.

It was a triumphant final round to the season that gave Stansfield the title in Northamptonshire.

Having qualified in pole position, he showed his intent with a dominant display in the heat race to widen the gap between himself and his nearest rival, however, things didn't quite go to plan in the following pre-final race.

Stansfield crossed the line in first place, but was demoted to third after being judged to have crowded out another kart and headed into the final knowing he needed to finish 14th or higher to be crowned champion.

A fantastic start took him up from third to second, before a move took the Cressing youngster into a lead which he held to the chequered flag as he took the title in style.

It also signalled a move up for Stansfield as he prepares to take his karting career forward further next year.

He added: "That was my last race in juniors as, my kart has been sold and moving up next year into the 125cc Super Elite class.

"More challenges await, but I am more than ready for them."