Tristan Cliffe, from Mulbarton, is now the 2010 Monoposto 2000 Champion after the final two races of the season held at Silverstone in Northamptonshire.

The Norfolk driver had a slender points lead going into the weekend's races, but Jeremy Timms from Stroud was also in contention for the title.

Cliffe, 29, said: 'I'm absolutely delighted. It's been a very long season, and both Jeremy and I have had our fair share of misfortune, but he's been a pleasure to race against.

'I was so close to giving up in August but I'm so glad I didn't.'

Timms showed his intent with a very fast time to set pole position during damp qualifying for race one, Cliffe joining him on the front row of the grid, and it was Timms who led.

On the end of the second lap, Cliffe made his move and passed Timms through Woodcote Corner and then established a lead he was never to relinquish. Backmarkers squabbling between themselves caused the gap to close when the leaders came round to lap them, but once they had been passed, Cliffe established a two-second gap which he would maintain to the chequered flag.

The finishing order was Cliffe, Timms and Richard Purcell. Cliffe now had a 12-point advantage, but with up to 16 points available, Timms could still take the title if Cliffe had a problem.

Qualifying for the second race in perfect racing conditions saw Cliffe post a stunning 56.3-second lap, with Timms taking second.

Cliffe knew that to claim the championship, all he needed to do was finish the race in a good position.

So when Timms took the lead Cliffe shadowed him. Several times Cliffe challenged for the lead before backing off, and when the race was red-flagged on the 11th lap due to an incident involving Kevin Mason and Richard Purcell, it was Timms who was declared the winner with Cliffe second and Nick Anstruther taking third.

This was sufficient to clinch the title by eight points.

Cliffe said: 'I'd like to extend my thanks to my team, Omicron Motorsport for providing me with this car, and to my father Martin and sister-in-law Emma, and girlfriend Laura for their help and support over the season. We have tried to use as many companies based in Norfolk as possible, and I would also like to thank them for their help over the past year.'

Cliffe hopes to defend his title in 2011, but now needs to look for sponsorship from local businesses.