A businessman has clinched a motor racing title with two meetings of the season still left to run.

John Hutchinson, 39, was crowned the North West Formula Ford champion in Anglesey, on Saturday.

But it was not all plain sailing on the day. His Medina sports car was still running with a second-hand engine after a spectacular failure at Oulton Park a fortnight earlier.

Hutchinson, who runs the Dorchester Search and Selection recruitment agency, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, said: "It's a relief to have the title in the bag.

"I know everyone was expecting me to win, but that creates a sort of pressure so it's good to have it over and done with. Now I can enjoy the rest of the season, and look forward to next year."