TOMMY Hill said he did not realise he had won the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship until well after he had crossed the line.

That is understandable, though, when you consider the margin between he and rival, John Hopkins, at Brands Hatch today.

Hill, who rides for the Guisborough-based Swan Yamaha team, beat the Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki rider by 0.006 seconds, the pair crossing the line in the final of the weekend’s three races almost in unison.

That result meant Hill had secured the title he had longed for by just two points.

It was undoubtedly the greatest ending to a British Superbike race and would not have looked out of place on the world stage.

Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) had actually cruised over the line to win, but his achievement was all but forgotten in the celebrations that followed.

In a race full of drama, Hill and American Hopkins left the best action until last, swapping places five times as the line approached.

But cameras proved it was the Kent man who held the decisive advantage as the flag dropped.

“I am gobsmacked to have won,” said an emotional Hill afterwards. “I tried to stay as relaxed as possible, but the way the season is, it puts a lot of pressure on everybody.

“I didn’t realise I had beaten Hopper (John Hopkins) until I had got to Druids and the other riders started congratulating me and the fans were coming onto the track.

“It has been a long season and has come down to the final race. Everybody wanted a Showdown and that is what we gave them today.”

Hill said he had given everything on the final lap and was emotionally and physically drained.

“At the moment I need someone to punch or kick me to bring me back down to reality,” he said.

“I enjoyed every moment of the season and I just need to relax now with my friends, family and team to celebrate the championship I have been trying so hard far for over the last couple of years.”

Swan Yamaha boss, Shaun Muir, said the team’s goal had been achieved.

“It has been a long hard season, but we have delivered everything we set out to do at the start of the year,” he said. “We made life difficult at some points along the way and this weekend didn’t start well. That set Tommy back a bit and it took him until today to get his confidence back.

“We know he couldn’t have pushed any harder than he did today. The whole team will be celebrating tonight. I would also like to say a big thanks to Michael Laverty because he also played his part in the last race.

“At the end of the day it is a great result for the team to win their first British Superbike title.”