Michael Henderson, of Chevington Moor, near Felton, has won his first MSA British Autocross Championship crown.

And in dramatic fashion, the 26-year-old electrician snatched the title in the competition's final round, grabbing the gong by just one point.

The driving ace, who got his hands on the British accolade after a stunning sixth round winning drive at Morpeth's Causey Park Farm on Sunday, August 24, beamed: "I am over the moon to have won the championship. It is brilliant."

Michael, a member of Cramlington District Motor Club, racked up a total of 68 points out of a possible 70 to scoop the British award.

But despite his impressive tally – including three first place finishes and two runners-up spots in the previous rounds – the championship, the first in more than a decade, still went to the wire.

But Michael kept his nerve in the title decider, romping to his fourth win of the championship, grabbing maximum points – 20 for the winner instead of the usual 10 – and the title.

Michael, a former King Edward VI High School pupil, said: "At the beginning of the season people were saying that Jimmy Wood or Glenn Guthrie were going to win the championship. I didn't expect to be anywhere near the top so I am overwhelmed to have won it. And to win it on home soil is even better."

He added: "In the final round I just wanted to get over the finish line. I drove the car like I stole it on the last race because the points were all the same going into the final round."

Michael's achievement is all the more impressive considering he was driving a Vauxhall Nova 1400cc.

He said: "I was racing against bigger cars like a VR6 Golf. That is a lot more powerful. For a lower powered car to win the championship is phenomenal."

Michael will pick up his British championship prize in January. The award ceremony, taking place at London's Pall Mall, is dubbed the Oscars of the racing community and he will rub shoulders with top drivers from the British Touring Car Championship, including Jason Plato.

And he is aiming to crown 2008 with a double-dose of title-winning glory.

The British champ is eyeing up victory in the Association of North East and Cumbria Car Clubs (ANECCC) championship.

He is currently in second place with just three races left to go.

Michael said: "It would be great to win it and end my season on a high.

And he added: "I would just like to say a big thank-you to everyone who helped organise the British Championships especially Dave Wellden who put a lot of effort into putting the championships back on.

"I would also like to thank my father, David Henderson, for all his support and teaching me to drive and my sponsors LJ Blewitt Plant Hire, Swarland and the Stags Heads public house in Felton."


Michael's route to British championship success
Braintree, Essex
May 10, Round One: 1st. 10 points.
May 11, Round Two: 2nd. 9 points.

Sugworthy, North Devon
July 19, Round Three: 1st.