Huntingdon racer Rupert Deeth is celebrating Mini Miglia Championship glory for the second time in four years.

The Hunts Post: Rupert Deeth on the top step of the podium after one of his victories at Snetterton. Picture: GARY MALKINRupert Deeth on the top step of the podium after one of his victories at Snetterton. Picture: GARY MALKIN (Image: Archant)

The 45 year-old won more than half of the races in the 2017 series as he regained a crown he last won in 2014.

He had finished as runner-up in the two seasons in between, but returned to the top of the standings in dominant fashion this year, adding eight pole positions and five new lap records to his long list of victories.

“I started racing back in the early-to-mid 1990s doing MG Metro Turbos and went on to Rover 216 GTIs,” said Deeth, a builder by trade.

“I came away from the sport and then took up racing again in recent years. I managed to win the championship in 2014 and was then runner-up the last two years.

“It was great to be able to win it again and dominate in the way I did. It might be a hobby, but it is serious stuff out on the track!

“It’s been a very good season. I’m very lucky to have a terrific sponsor in Mini Spares and a very meticulous team of engine builders at Race Techniques, down in Cheltenham.

“I’ll be defending the championship again next year and then will hopefully step up into the FIA Historic Mini Championship the following year.”

The Mini Miglia Championship is made up of seven rounds, each featuring two races.

Deeth began with a third place in the curtain-raiser at Castle Combe with the second scheduled race there being pushed back to the final round at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

A double-success at Snetterton followed before a third consecutive victory was claimed at Donington Park. A puncture meant Deeth could only manage 10th in the second race there, but he responded with a full set of honours in the fourth round at Silverstone, where his two triumphs were accompanied by two pole positions and the fastest lap.

A pair of podium finishes were gained at Brands Hatch before Deeth clinched the title in the penultimate round at Oulton Park when following up a second place in the opening race with victory in the second contest.

Two further successes followed in the three-race finale at Rockingham when only an electrical problem denied him a hat-trick.

Deeth won the title by 27 points from runner-up Aaron Smith. Dave Drew was a further 13 points back in third.