Tyler Preece is crowned National Junior Special Autograss Champion

Hereford Academy School pupil Tyler Preece,14, has only been racing for two years but saw off 64 competitors from across the country and Ireland to clinch the title hosted over two days by the South Wales Autograss League at Red Roses, Carmarthenshire.

Prior to the two-day race meeting taking place Grasschat had ranked Tyler to finish in eighth position with the older and more experienced drivers ranking higher.

Preece, who is a member of Cwmdu Autograss Club finished first in all of his three heats and second in his semi-final.

His results secured him a place in the final to compete against seven other drivers.

Preece led the race from start to finish over eight laps to win the prestigious crown.

Second place went to a junior from York Autograss while third and fourth places were won by two juniors from autograss clubs in Ireland.

Next Preece is eyeing success in the British Autograss Series of which there are five rounds to compete in and the final positions are decided on points accumulated over four out of five meetings.

The Hereford racer has only competed in two of the opening three rounds but is currently lying in fourth position on points, with those ahead of him having competed in all three rounds.

Preece was the highest point scorer in round two which was hosted by his home club, Cwmdu, in June.

Rounds four and five will take place at the beginning and end of September and will be hosted by the Yorkshire Dales Club and Border Counties Club.

Preece would like to thanks everyone who has supported and helped him achieve Junior Special Champion. In particular, his dad Phill Preece, mum Julie Eckersall; SC Autos; Berrisford Chasis & Components and JPR Tuning.

Sadly, for the youngster, his biggest fan, grandad Roger Eckersall who would go and watch his grandson race whenever he could and would always be cheering him on from the side-lines, passed away in April this year.