THAME’S Neil Scarborough has become a national champion after he won the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship in Hampshire, despite a last-day collision.

Scarborough and co-pilot John Wilson failed to finish at the Lymington Grand Prix of the Sea after their Grandstand Motor Sports outfit came off second best in a collision with 150 Class rivals, Aztec Racing.

But the duo’s imperious record this season that saw them deliver seven victories in ten races had already guaranteed them the title.

Scarborough said: “It’s a big honour. I’m thrilled and very proud to become the first champion of this new class.

“It’s going to take a while to sink in, but half of our engine is lying at the bottom of the Solent so no one can take this achievement away from us.”

After winning their maiden title, the pair have not ruled out making the move up to the 300 Class despite £10,000 worth of damage to their engine.

Scarborough said: “It’s difficult balancing a passion for powerboating with a family and a business but this means the world to both of us.”

Neil Scarborough and co-pilot John Wilson in action before their crash at Lymington which left half their engine at the bottom of the Solent