Ryan Lewis was crowned Visma Software Formula Palmer Audi Champion with a dominant victory in the final round at Castle Combe today. Starting from the front row, the 19 year-old leapt into the lead on the first lap and thereafter romped to his third win of the season to win by 20 points from Adam Smith.

“What can I say,” said a delighted Ryan at the end. “Before the start I didn't have a plan really but knew I could settle for second to Adam and still take the title. But to be honest I didn't want to win it finishing second to him, I wanted to win the race to stamp my authority on things and it went perfectly. I didn't make a great start, better than Adam though, although I didn't know just how bad his was until we'd got into the first corner and I could see it was just Jonathan (Kennard) ahead. I thought if I can get by him early on then Adam would have to get him and then me and that if I managed to get a break it would be really hard for him to catch me.”

“In the closing stages I was really worried. Almost to the point of paranoia because I kept thinking there was something wrong with the car, that I had a puncture or something, I just so wanted that win and was worried I was going to lose it. But the car was great and I'm really happy with the way I drove. It was a good win, my third in the series this year, and well, to be honest it hasn't really sunk in yet that I've won the championship.”

Results for Round 12

1. RYAN LEWIS 22:08.573
2. Jonathan Kennard 22:12.081
3. Ryan Hooker 22:12.933
4. Stephen Young 22:14.359
5. Stuart Prior 22:19.031
6. Paul Warren 22:20.750

Final Championship positions after 12 rounds

1. RYAN LEWIS 213
2. Adam Smith 193
3. Ryan Hooker 182
4. Stephen Young 158
5. Paul Warren 146
6. Jonathan Kennard 139

Ref: ml00035 14 September 2003

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Website: www.ryanlewisracing.co.uk