Leon Camier celebrates winning the British superbikes

Leon Camier was crowned the 2009 British superbikes champion at Silverstone on Sunday.

Camier (pictured) won a dramatic race one ahead of Airwaves Yamaha team-mate James Ellison to secure the title.

The Ashford rider said: "It's a dream come true to become British Superbike Champion. I have to thank everyone who has helped me get here.

"The first race was one of the hardest of the season for me. I was pushing so hard and there were some places where I was a bit out of control.

"I kept trying to make passes, but they weren't working out. Thankfully it all turned out okay in the end, it's an unbelievable feeling to know I've finally done it."

Ellison maintained second off the line in race one, while pole-sitter Camier got away in fifth.

Ellison took the lead on lap four and was soon joined by his team-mate. After a number of attempts, Camier finally took the lead on the penultimate lap for his 17th win of the season, and his maiden superbikes championship.

In a restarted race two, the newly-crowned champion made a rare mistake, going off track on lap four while trying to take the lead. He fought his way back from ninth up to second in a race Ellison won.