Jackson toasts Superstock success.

Lee Jackson is toasting his success after being crowned Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Champion after a hard-fought title showdown at Brands Hatch.

The Krystal Racing rider brought his Yamaha home in second place after an action-packed 16-lap race at the famous GP circuit at the Kent track.

"I still can't believe it, it really is a dream come true," said the 30-year-old Lincoln-based rider. "Even now looking at the championship trophy I don't think it's sunk in yet. I've won my first big title and it's the most amazing feeling in the world."

Jackson had gone into Sunday's race leading the chase by nine points over TAS Suzuki's Adrian Coates and 11 ahead of Paul Young. After showing great form during Friday and Saturday's practice sessions, he pulled out the fastest time in qualifying to secure pole, alongside a dangerous-looking Coates.

At the green light it was his rival who made the better start and with fast charges from other riders, Coates looked to have the advantage of staying two places ahead of Lee as the laps rolled by. In lap six Jackson was squeezed down to fifth while Coates remained second, and it began to look like the title was gone.

But as the race wore on several riders fell, including Guy Sanders and Ian Hutchinson who were chasing the top spot, promoting Lee back up to third just one spot behind Coates. Jackson had only to stay where he was to secure the title. But Coates was determined to push, his race ending in disaster at the start of lap 14 as he lost control into Paddock Hill Bend and flew off the bike into the gravel.

And with Young way down the order, Jackson did not even need to finish the race to secure the title. Nevertheless he kept on the pace and brought the machine back in second place to the cheers and tears of the family-run Krystal Racing outfit. The race was won by Comptech Graves rider Craig Fitzpatrick with Astro Kawasaki's Peter Hickman third.

"I was behind Coatesy and I could see how hard he was pushing, it was only a matter or time before it went wrong and I knew that," admitted Jackson. "I was happy to sit it out, as long as I was right behind him I knew the championship was mine. There was no way I was risking overcooking it, I would've sat there all afternoon. I did have something left in reserve if I'd needed it, there was no way anyone else was going home with that title.

"It's been a brilliant year for me. We did have a difficult patch mid season but we all worked through it. The team have been amazing, and I have to thank Tony, Sue and Carl as well as everyone else, my brother Gary for putting in so much time on the bike, my mum and dad, everyone really. I'm proud to be champion and I couldn't have done any of this without them."

Team manager Tony Astle praised his rider: "Lee was always going to do well and he's been amazing this year. He's pushed when he's had to push and rode with his head when he's needed to. He's done a great job.

"I'm delighted with this result, not just for me but for everyone who is involved with Krystal Racing. This title is for every single one of them and it means so much to us all."