By ADAM LAZZARI A WISBECH driver has made history by winning the Banger Racing World Championships for the fourth time. Shane Cottrill won the title at Swaffham Raceway on Sunday to add to titles he won in 2003, 2004 and 2007. His achievement is all the m

By ADAM LAZZARI

A WISBECH driver has made history by winning the Banger Racing World Championships for the fourth time.

Shane Cottrill won the title at Swaffham Raceway on Sunday to add to titles he won in 2003, 2004 and 2007.

His achievement is all the more remarkable by the fact that he is just 23 and is targeting more trophies.

He said: "It's a rough sport and, because I was going into the final as the favourite I had 29 other nut cases out there trying to smash into me and take me out of the race.

"For some drivers, this is their main tactic. They were out to get me."

Mr Cottrill first made history by becoming the first driver to win back-to-back World Championship titles.

He had to battle his way through six qualifying rounds to make Sunday's final.

He started in pole position and maintained the lead throughout the 15-lap race.

Mr Cottrill said: "I have spent a lot of time and money doing my car up, so I didn't want it to get smashed up. I had to drive intelligently to keep my lead and stay out of trouble."

Shawn Mason, racing manager at Swaffham Raceway, said: "Shane put in an excellent performance on Sunday. He's a really nice lad and he fully deserves it.

"It's great news for Wisbech that the town has a four-time world champion."

Mr Cottrill's win saw him pocket �400 in prize money.

He started racing at the age of 16 and was brought up in a successful banger racing family.

His father Wayne won the world title in 1997.

Mr Cottrill's brother, Wayne jnr, 25 won the senior class banger racing world title in 2000 and 2003.

Mr Cottrill said: "I never expected to be winning world titles when I started racing. I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved.

"I'm now third in the National Points Championships and we're about midway through the season. I'm hoping I can push on and win this title as well.