NORTH-EAST karting star Tristram Oman has beaten some of the world's leading drivers to clinch the title in the prestigious European Mojo Rotax Challenge.

The 24-year-old, who lives near Stockton, came second in the final of Round Three at the A1 Speedworld circuit in Austria on Sunday, fighting his way through the field from sixth on the grid.

With two victories under his belt from previous rounds in France and Britain, the result means the South Shields-born driver has done enough to secure the championship for HRS Motorsport, currently based at the Warden Law karting circuit, near Sunderland.

"It would have been great to take the title with another win but I knew second was probably going to be good enough so there was no point taking too many risks," said Oman, who is also the current leader of the British Super One Senior Rotax series.

"Starting from final from sixth after failing to finish one of the earlier heats meant we were facing a big challenge but it's a twisty circuit with a few overtaking opportunities; I'm delighted I was able to take my chances when they came - and then hang on."

Oman's wasn't the only success for HRS, with Junior Max driver Ben Cooper dominating his class, with straight victories in all his heats as well as the final, giving him the chance of a championship win of his own.

"These results are fantastic for HRS and puts the team at the forefront of British karting," said Oman. "We already have a European title, and we're in with the chance of another British championship.

"British motor sport leads the world but our success proves the north-east is doing its bit."

Oman began his karting career at 15 and was quickly competing locally in Pro-karts before moving up to the 100cc series.

* Amanda Whitaker produced a great display of competitiveness at the inaugural Silverstone Classic race meeting last weekend.

Racing in the 'Derek Bell Trophy' on Saturday, Whitaker from Newton Aycliffe, drove her 1976 Chevron Formula Atlantic car to victory - nearly a lap ahead of her nearest competitor and ahead of nearly half the field of the much faster Formula 5000 cars.

She said: "Although I was unable to keep up with them on the straights, I was quicker in the corners and I'd like to think some track knowledge also helped."

Published: 03/08/2005