ASTWOOD Bank's Andrew Tinsley is celebrating becoming British Superstock Champion 2003 after completing the final two rounds of the championship at Donnington Park on Sunday.

His chances of taking the title took a boost when championship leader Steve Brogan took a heavy tumble on Friday practice, suffering concussion, which led to a ban from the meeting.

This left Tinsley needing 29 points from the two races, equivalent to a 3rd and 4th position.

During Saturday's qualifying the Tin Man clinched pole position by one-thousandth of a second from team-mate Luke Quigley.

Tinsley said: "I was very nervous for the first race as overnight rain left the track damp and tyre choice was critical."

He opted for dry tyres and after an average start settled in fourth position before climbing to second behind Quigley. The result left Tinsley needing nine points - or seventh - from the second race but he decided against a cautious approach.

He said: "I decided to go for it as I hadn't won a race all year.

"It was great fun as three of us swapped places through the race, but in the end I won and took the championship.

"And team-mate Luke finished second in the race and took third in the championship.

"I'd like to thank my team Knotts/Buildbase Racing and sponsors Black Horse Finance, Hunter, Shell Oils, Bryant Homes, Iveco Trucks and Pirelli Tyres. Also thanks to my mechanics Iain (my brother) and Lawrence and my wife Blanche for all her support.

"The next step, hopefully, will see a step up to the British Superbike Championship in 2004."