Michael Winkworth has enjoyed plenty of success throughout his racing career, but being crowned this season’s Goodyear M7 S-Class Challenge champion was by far the most poignant.

Following the death of his father in January of this year, the West Row-based racer was unsure as to whether or not he wanted to get behind the wheel again.

His dad had been his biggest supporter, and Winkworth gave serious consideration to giving up the sport.

But he eventually opted to continue, and after last weekend’s campaign-ending meeting at Silverstone International, there were emotional scenes as the former Mildenhall schoolboy sealed top spot.

Winkworth said: “This year I didn’t even know if I wanted to race anymore after my dad passed away.

“He was the main part of my racing in more ways than one.

“This championship win meant more to me than any of the others I’ve won since I started racing as a kid.

“I’d just lost my dad, and both my children were there to see it with my family, so it was special.”

Winkworth signed off six points clear at the summit, despite missing a round earlier in the season.

He finished first on four occasions, second six times, third once, alongside recording two fourth-places.

And while winning the title was not the aim at the start of the year, it soon became a big ambition.

He added: “The plan was never to try and win the championship, especially after we missed a round earlier in the year. But midway through it, we found ourselves near the top on drop scores.

“It was just a hard-fought year in general. The pressure and stress I put on myself during the last few rounds without even knowing it was just because I wanted it so much, but it was worth it in the end.

“The last race became a championship decider, and I just needed to stay out of trouble and get on the podium, which thankfully I did.

“We’ve all worked so hard for this. The time and effort we’ve put into the car during the year has been second to none.

“I’m very lucky to have the people around me that I do. My dad’s best friend, Chris Allitt, helps me no end preparing the car for every round, and my brother Carl and Aaron Matzk give up their weekends to make sure the car is perfect for every race.”