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Jeremy Ryan

Co Antrim teen pays tribute to family after clinching British title

Co Antrim rider James McManus paid tribute to his family as he reflected on an "amazing year" after clinching the British Junior Supersport championship.

The teenage star did enough to preserve his lead at Brands Hatch as the series drew to a close at the weekend.

McManus finished seventh in Saturday's penultimate race of the season after it was stopped due to a non-serious red flag incident.

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That meant the 18-year-old went into Sunday's final race with an unassailable lead.

“It’s been an amazing year from start to finish," McManus said.

"I’ve learnt so much this year and I can’t thank my team, completely motorbikes and everybody involved, without them none of this would of been possible.

"Also a massive thanks to my Mum and Dad for all they do to help us go racing, and to my brother Eugene, thank you for pushing me to be better and faster, the list of thanks goes on and on but just thank you to everybody who helps me go racing, and here’s to next year.”

James McManus celebrates with his team (Bonnie Lane Photographics)

The Completely Motorbikes/Affinity Sports Academy rider finished the season with an incredible nine podiums including five race victories.

He collected nine points in Saturday's red-flagged race, and with his championship challengers unable to score sufficient points McManus was able to wrap up the title with a race to go.

McManus lined up on the grid in ninth position for the final race of the season on Sunday. He sported the number 1 plate rather than his usual 14 for the final race of the season and started to work his way through the field form the first lap.

By the end of lap four he was running fifth and had set his fastest lap of the race so far. A couple of laps later and he had carved his way into third position before moving into second.

He then ran wide dropping to fourth and then shortly after a small mistake at Druids saw him low side out of the race.

McManus missed out on a podium in the final race of the year but that could not put a dampener on what has been a terrific season.

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