Irwin'sBritishtitle joy

2017 British MX1 Champion Graeme Irwin celebrates with Buildbase Honda team mates.

The 24-year-old was confirmed as winner of this year’s 2017 Maxxis ACU British MX1 Motocross Championship with a weekend double at Preston Docks.

Sunday’s meeting marked his fourth consecutive double and not only secured the British silverware but also placed Irwin in the record books as the first competitor from Northern Ireland to hold the coveted honour since Gordon Crockard.

Irwin described his post-presentation feeling as “awesome, fantastic, amazing” and paid special tribute to the support provided by family, friends and colleagues.

“This year everything’s just clicked,” said Irwin. “I’ve been given the tools to do the job and I can’t thank everybody enough.

“My wife, my whole family, the team, all my sponsors, it’s amazing.”

Irwin will join Doagh’s Martin Barr at the Michelin Masters around Foxhills in a fortnight.

Barr’s Preston Docks appearance ended in frustration within the MX2 class as he entered the event sitting second in the Championship race but struggled and left having clocked up two fourth-place positions.

For a full reportpictures and reaction from the Preston Docks meeting - plus the area’s motorsport scene - turn to page 47.