SWINDON’S Max Cook took a brilliant double win at Oulton Park last weekend to be crowned 2022 Pirelli National Junior Superstock champion.

Cook has been in outstanding form on his Uggly & Co by Binch Pro Yamaha, racking up eight wins and an unassailable 240 points so far this season.

Having taken the double victory and lap record back in May, Cook was keen to get back into that groove utilising the same set-up and race lines. On the last lap of the practice session he felt settled and pushed to the top of the time sheet.

Unfortunately, championship rival Louis Valleley was involved in an incident that resulted in a head injury. On safety grounds, due to showing signs of a concussion, Valleley was deemed unfit to take part in the rest of the weekend racing and will also be forced to miss out on the next round at Donington.

With Valleley injured, Dan Brooks and Franco Bourne were the only two riders capable of bridging the championship gap to Cook.

Starting from pole position in the first race of the weekend, Cook only briefly conceded the lead to Franco Bourne before moving back into first place on lap two and staying ahead from there to complete a convincing win, with Bourne in second and Seth Crump third.

That success opened the door to a potential title-winning display in the second race around the undulating Cheshire circuit, and Cook did not disappoint.

This time it was an even more resounding victory, with the youngster leading from start to finish and eventually crossing the line more than three seconds ahead of Bourne, with Sam Laffins completing the podium places.

It all added up to Cook being declared British champion, with three races to spare.

Speaking after sealing his second win of the weekend, Cook said: “I’m speechless, to be fair. A lot of people said I could play it safe but that’s not how it works for me.

“I wanted to do this the right way and be a true champion – by winning the race as well as being crowned champion.”

The title is the latest addition to Cook’s impressive CV, which also includes winning the 2017 British Moto3 Championship along with spells in the Junior World Championships and the Red Bull Rookies MotoGP Cup.