UP and coming motorcycle racer Craig Jones roared to his first ever victory at his 'home' circuit of Oulton Park - despite never racing there before.

The Greenbank rider pushed his bike to the limit to take victory in a thrilling Aprilla RS125 Challenge race in front of family and friends at the famous Cheshire circuit.

Although he may only live just down the road, it's the first time he's every raced at the circuit.

Dad Steve said: "It was a brilliant performance and he did really well. He clocked the fastest lap of the race and despite falling back went on to fly around the course and take the win.

"Everyone was saying that this was his home circuit but he doesn't know it that well at all. It was his first time here this weekend but it was great that everyone could be here to watch him win.

"I think the crowd was behind him as well and gave him a great reception on his victory lap."

Jones qualified in fourth place but was soon pressuring the race leaders from the green light.

A mistake half way through the race allowed the field to overtake him but the set-back didn't put him off.

He continued to battle through the field and set a fastest time of 1min 27.5secs on his final lap to take the chequered flag in first place.

"I think he really enjoyed the experience as well," added Steve. "He got up on the platform and even made a speech thanking the crowd, his sponsors and everybody.

"He's definitely maturing, both as a racer and a young man."

Mid Cheshire's other interests in the race - Winsford's Ben Garner and Frodsham's Howard Mainwaring - didn't share Craig's good fortune at Oulton Park.

Garner was disqualified before the race had begun for irregularities with his bike.

Mainwaring put in an excellent performance and provisionally finished in third spot but was also disqualified for engine irregularities.

The win leaves Jones in fourth place in the championship and only eight points behind the second place rider.

He'll next be in action at Cadwell Park at the end of August when he'll be hoping to extend his winning streak.

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