Jon Barnes and James Gornall were able to celebrate success in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Brands Hatch as the Team Trimite Brookspeed pairing wrapped up the 2008 title.

The duo stormed to a fourth win of the season in the opening race of the weekend which ensured that they then went into race two knowing that only the Christians in Motorsport Ferrari could prevent them from lifting the crown.

Although Allan Simonsen quickly put the Ferrari into the lead of the second race, an alternator problem forced him to retire – which automatically handed the Trimite duo the title.

Having taken the lead of the race at the point, the pair had to settle for seventh place at the flag following an issue with a wheel and a damaged exhaust but it wasn't to reduce the delight at the finish as the title was secured.

“It is fantastic to have won the 2008 Avon Tyres British GT Championship, although I must admit that it hasn't sunk in at all yet!” Barnes admitted. "It feels a little strange to have the championship sealed up already, we are only halfway through July and still have two 120 minute races remaining at Silverstone and Donington.

“James and I have set ourselves the challenge of winning those final two races because we would love to end the season on a real high and with six race victories overall!"

"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has worked so hard to make this championship win possible, all of my family, friends, supporters and sponsors. This year has been tough and we have had problems both on and off the race track, but that makes me even more proud of what we have achieved."

"From a personal point of view, this is my fourth championship victory in four full seasons of racing. Although we have nothing sorted yet for 2009, rest assured that wherever I race, I will be going flat out to win my fifth championship!”