BRITISH motocross racing champion Tommy Searle celebrated his latest victory after being supported by a Cricklade van dealership.

Big Van World offered their help to Tommy when he needed sponsorship to contest the last four rounds of the 2019 British Championship - which he went on to win.

Company boss Michael Austen is a big fan of motocross and used to compete in the sport. He said: “I’ve always loved the motocross racing scene.

“I first met Tommy about 10 years ago through the Grand Prix racing circuit and have enjoyed watching his career flourish over the years.

"For the last four years, we’ve given him a van for himself and his bikes but this year, when he parted amicably with a previous sponsor, we stepped in to support his domestic championship. We are so thrilled he went on to lift the British trophy.”

Tommy, now 30, started riding at the age of five when he received his first motorbike as a Christmas present. He began his racing career in 2006 aged 17 and is now ranked 20th globally.

He said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to have the support of Big Van World and to have found in Michael Austen someone who shares my passion for bikes and racing.

“Motocross is a tough sport and during my 13-year racing career I’ve had many successes as well as some injuries and setbacks. Overall, 2019 has been a great year and I’m proud to be British champion.”

Michael Austen also supports James Dunn, based in Wiltshire who competes in the EMX250 championships, and Max Anstie from Newbury who is currently ranked 12th in the world in the MXGP 2019.

Michael added: “I’ve always had a huge passion for the sport. I still follow the Grand Prix all over the world – I’ve also been sponsoring the DRT Kawasaki team, run by Steve Dixon, for almost 10 years."

Steve Dixon said: “We appreciate the support and passion of Michael and Big Van World over the years. Our sport needs that kind of sponsorship, we value seeing Michael turning up at events globally and we are humbled by his commitment to us.”

Big Van World, based at Chelworth Park, is the UK’s largest used van supermarket.