THERE were celebrations all round when Jake Roberts, of New Hedges, won the prestigious title of Class 7 National Champion at the 2015 National Autograss Championships.

The event, held near Hereford, saw competitors from all over the UK and Ireland compete for the highly regarded title. It proved to be a huge event with thousands of spectators attending.

Roberts, 21, became the youngest person in autograss history to take the win in the super saloon class. He began racing at just 13 in a Junior Special, his highest accolade being third at the Junior Nationals.

At 16, he moved straight into the fast-paced Class 7 Super Saloons and made an instant impact. His consistency suggested a big win was imminent in his mini pickup shell with two 1340cc Suzuki Hayabusa engines in the back, built by John Gay at XCWorx.

The car is prepared by Jake, his dad Mike of Rumbleway Service Station, which sponsors Jake, and his uncle, a former champion in Bruce Campbell. Given the standard of the car and Jake’s form, he was one of the favourites ahead of the nationals - and he fought through the three heats in second, third, and fourth.

This put him joint eighth, and with eight places up for grabs in the final it meant there was a run-off between him and two other cars - which Jake duly won to secure a place in his first ever national final.

The final was made up of the top cars and drivers in the country, including favourite Craig Bagley.

Bagley had a poor start and it was Jake who emerged from the top bend as the leader.

Over the next eight laps, Jake kept a cool head and stayed as the leader until he passed the chequered flags.

He will now be concentrating on the British Autograss Series, where he currently lies fifth.