RACE ace Mark Tyrrell has retained the GP125 Revolution Championship title.

Tyrrell defended his title at Mallory Park on his Chapman-Tyrrell Racing GP125 RS Honda in the final round of the East Midland Racing Association motorcycle road racing competition.

“Winning the title was difficult last year but defending it was even harder because you are the champion. It’s like having a target on your back because everyone wants to beat you,” he said.

“But it feels great to win it and we will probably look at doing something else next year. I am considering doing something in the 250 class next year.

“We used to run 125 and 250 at events but it was a bit of a stretch because I am in charge of the spanner and also get on the bike.

“I do have people whose input is valuable but I do all the preparation on the bike.”

The day’s races at Mallory Park consisted of a full grid of GP125s Formula 125s and a Moto 3 (250) bike race in perfect weather conditions.

Tyrrell, who competes for the Tyrrell Racing (Evesham) team, was nursing an old knee injury but qualified in second place on the grid behind Nigel Palmer, a non-point scorer.

He was second in the first race of two after slowing down to replace a pipe which had been pulled out. He achieved full championship points after the best lap time and a top speed of 86.37 3mph.

Tyrrell finished in third place and clinched the championship after taking full points in the next round, Previously, the round at Mallory Park was curtailed after a heavy storm prior to the practise session.

Standing water on the circuit meant racing was cancelled but Tyrrell still retained the overall lead in the GP125 championship standings.

Tyrrell was first bitten by the motorbike bug in 1984.

“I have always been involved in motorbikes and racing,” said Tyrrell.

“It’s a huge shame that young people in today’s society probably don’t have as much desire, as my generation, to take part in outdoor activities.

“I am 51 years old now and I am still messing around with bikes and I am loving it.

“When I used to come out of school, the first thing I did was head down to the motorbike shop to look at the machines.”

Meanwhile, the Evesham racing ace also achieved four wins and three fastest laps in round five at Darleymoor with the Darleymoor Road Racing Club.