I’d never intended going to Anglesey, but as my slender lead in Class 1 was so under threat from Nick Chan and Alistair Gibbins I just had to go!  Class 1 was the only one still to be decided, so it was arranged that we should run last so that our colleagues in the other classes could watch the unfolding battle.  To make me even more nervous Alistair, Nick and I were to be the very last to go out as the class leaders.  I didn’t go with high expectations, particularly as I was the only one of the leading three not to have driven the track before.

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I’ve already waxed lyrical about the many great places we’ve visited this year, and Anglesey was no exception.  Matthew, Lisa and I walked the damp National circuit on Saturday morning and the views were breathtaking, particularly the view of the sea after rounding Peel corner – this was to be my only chance to take it in!

First practice was all over the place, despite my resolve to take it easy, but I got a 72.65 – OK for a first go.  My second was better, 70.37 seconds and third quickest, but Alan Johnson had done a 68.95, with Alistair getting 69.34.  They were ahead of me, but I didn’t feel too far back.

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The first timed run came before lunch and I was surprised to be quickest with a 66.36, though Alistair was only just over a tenth behind me.  Time for lunch and a prayer for rain while I was in front!

The rain didn’t come, but my second timed run went well – a bit quicker at 65.87, but both Alistair and Nick had spins and I was managing to eke out my lead.  One more to do.  Deep breath.

The last run felt great.  I got off the line well, managed to carry more speed through School and braked later for Rocket.  Peel was good, and I breathed a sigh of relief to exit the awkward and off-camber Seaman’s corner safely.  Just needed to brake later for the final hairpin.  The speed came off just in time and I drifted over the line knowing it had been quicker.  I waited to see the clock – 64.65 seconds.  With trepidation I cruised back to the paddock to find that Alistair had gone quicker than before with a 65.83.  Nick was marginally slower, so I’d secured the win ahead of Alistair in second and Alan in third.

I’d never considered the scores all day, but on learning my time Alistair said he thought it was enough to secure the championship.  After a nervous few moments while Al consulted his whizzo computer simulation it emerged that I’d done it – Class 1 champ, and I’d not even realised it was possible on the first day!

The Sunday was a different matter now.  I could just enjoy it, though I’d not been out of the top three in any event this year and didn’t want to spoil my record.

My first runs were dire – almost slowest in practice, with a spin on the second one.  The first timed run wasn’t much better with a spin at Rocket.  After lunch I gave myself a good talking too and tried, successfully this time, to keep on the black stuff – 110.76, behind Alistair and Nick on 109.95 and 110.02.

The next run saw me in the lead with a 108.15, and I went into the last run hopeful of another win.  I got a 107.77 on a run which felt really good, but Nick just pipped me with a 107.6.  Alistair was third with a 108.22.  It was a close finish, typical of the whole season.

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When I entered the competition this season I’d hoped for a top three place in the championship, but never dared to hope for a class win.  The year has been fabulous and I have enjoyed every venue enormously.  As ever, the best thing about this championship has been the friendship of all of my Class 1 chums.  Super-competitive wind-up merchants to a man, but unfailingly supportive of one another, I feel privileged to have been in their company throughout the year.  Special mention must go to Nick and Alistair – I enjoyed the combat greatly, but know they’ll be keen to show me a clean pair of heels in 2010!

Class 1 champ and about to be a grandad for the first time.  2009’s turned out to be a year to remember!