Glenrothes driver Kyle Irvine really was the best of British

Kyle Irvine from Glenrothe does as it was his first major title win.

Thechampionship was back at the Racewall and treated the fans to an action packed weekend’s of racing.

Local racer Irvine had his car well prepared for the showpiece event and a sign of things to come would arrive when he set one of the fastest lap times during practice.

All the big names in the sport were there including World Champion Simon Welton, European Champion Eddie Darby, Irish Champion Anthony McIvor, Scottish Champion Luke Grief, English Champion, Sid Madgwick and the defending British Champion Lee Sampson in a strong 40 car field.

I had a rough game plan for the race,” said Irvine.

“It was the first time that I had a pole position for a championship race – it was weird.”

“I remember getting into my car and got the usual words from my dad but he was leaving everything to me.

“I could feel the atmosphere building up – it always does at a big meeting at the Racewall – but I tried to concentrate on what I had to do at the start.”

After the warm up laps, the green flag dropped with Irvine hitting the front ahead of Shevill Jnr and Grief.

Irvine had his hands full with Shevill Jnr pushing and then on lap six the lead changed hands.

Within a couple of laps Irvine was back in front only for the lead to change hands in a thrilling race.

“‘Deano’ managed to catch me and he sent me wide,” said Irvine

“I think I was down to third by the time I got back in line.

“I wasn’t too worried as I knew that my car was quick and just had to settle down.

“I remember spinning Eddie Darby and then closed up on Deano. I pushed him wide to get back into the lead and then had to slow as the yellows appeared.”

On the restart Irvine managed to open up a couple of car lengths over Mayes who was under pressure from Grief before dropping to third.

With five to go Irvine had a comfortable lead over Grief with Parker diving through on the inside to grab third.

The noise level had been increasing as the laps dwindled and to a real Cowdenbeath roar Irvine crossed the finish line to become the 2016 British Champion.

“With five to go I began to think that I could win and when the last lap board came out I had a nice gap,” said Irvine

“When the chequer appeared it was a brilliant feeling and I could hear the fans cheering over the noise of my car. I remember driving into the lay by and clambering onto the roof.

“My legs were like jelly and when I climbed down I was mobbed. When I saw my dad sauntering up I gave him a big hug. It was very emotional being presented with the trophy especially with the top drivers that I had beaten and who were on the rostrum with me. The victory lap was something else – the reception was overwhelming.”

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