JAMES Shanes wrote his name into the record books as he became the youngest winner of the ACU British Masters Solo Grasstrack Championship at Merley Hall Farm in Corfe Mullen.

Puddletown’s Shanes, just 18 years of age and making his second appearance in the competition, started the day well with a fine win in his opening ride ahead of longtrack star Richard Hall.

The teenager, along with former Premier League speedway rider James Wright, remained unbeaten throughout the qualifying heats and semis to go into the sudden death final as joint top scorer.

Shanes, a former Thomas Hardye School pupil, made a good start in the final and, although pushed hard by defending champion Andrew Appleton, held his nerve to claim his first Masters title.

Appleton had to settle for second with Wright coming home in third place.

“I am over the moon,” said Shanes afterwards. “It’s a dream come true and to win on my home track with so many of my family and friends to support me makes it so much sweeter.

“It’s a perfect end to what has been an almost perfect year for me.”

Before the Wimborne Motor Cycle Club event, Shanes had won an FIM gold medal with Team GB’s Longtrack squad, an individual FIM silver medal and a Sand Racing British Championship.