Luca Hopkins stormed to his first race win of the season as he beat Ben Jolliffe over the line – denying him of the title which went to Marley Mackenzie.
The final race of the year turned out to be a hard fought and dramatic battle between four riders at the front, who all took their turn leading.
Mackenzie, who has led the championship all year, was running down in p10 until the final few laps when he moved up to p8 while his title rival Ben Jolliffe was mixing it at the front.
With the lead constantly changing in the closing laps, Jolliffe was running second as the final lap began. As they hit the Loop for the final time, he passed leader Hopkins to hit the front but went a bit wide at the final turn and Hopkins got through to take the win with Jolliffe second, Lewis Mullen third, Laken Payne fourth and Arnie Carr fifth.
Mackenzie, meanwhile, eventually crossed the line seventh to put him equal on final points with Jolliffe. However, with more race wins over the season, he was crowned champion.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Mackenzie. “There’s been a few tough rounds this year and then this weekend we had a difficult start, resulting in us just getting it at the very end.
“I kept it interesting and gave people a good show and this season has been one to remember. I remember watching racing as a kid and hoping one day it would be me – and today I’ve done it.”
1pMobile National Junior Sportbike Championship, Final race result:
1. Luca Hopkins (Team SBR powered by DKS Drilling)
2. Ben Jolliffe (Dunsley Heat Racing) +0.135s
3. Lewis Mullen (DJ Racing) +0.317s
4. Laken Payne (LP 41 Racing) +0.538s
5. Arnie Carr (ATP Motorsport) +0.634s
Final championship positions:
1. Marley Mackenzie 315 – champion
2. Ben Jolliffe 315
3. Luca Hopkins 312
4. Laken Payne 300
5. Lewis Mullen 228