DARTFORD'S Harry Crawley pulled off a superb double triumph by beating both the reigning British and world champions in the second round of the 2010 Euro max challenge at Wackersdorf in Germany.

Having to learn the track from scratch, combined with clutch issues, left the Hawley-based karter a lowly 26th in qualifying among the 43-strong field and being swiped out in two of his three heat races left him under pressure.

However, sixth position in heat three saw the 13-year-old progress safely through to the pre-final, in which he went on to produce a magnificent charge through the spray that saw him gain no fewer than 20 positions.

Crawley cleared off into the distance in the grand final, coming home eight seconds ahead of his nearest rival to snatch the championship lead in treacherous conditions which saw several rivals heading for the barriers.

The Wilmington Grammar pupil said: “I was very confident because it was wet and I had been really quick in the rain during practice, so I was definitely up for it.

“I got up to tenth at the start and then got my head down and caught the leading pack.

“By the penultimate lap I was in the lead and managed to hold on. I had been hoping to finish in the top five, so I was chuffed to win.

“I really hadn’t been expecting it given where I had started. It was probably one of the best races I’ve ever driven.”

Crawley added: “There was some pressure to begin with in the grand final and for the first half of the race I had to really push but when I saw I had pulled out quite a good gap, I relaxed a bit.

“I was ecstatic when I crossed the finishing line.

“It’s my first major win in Europe and overrides everything I’ve achieved before.

“Euro max is one of the hardest championships in the world and I’ve won in only my second meeting.

“Now I really want to stay inside the top three to get through to the world finals at the end of the season.”

For more information on Crawley’s progress, visit harrycrawley.co.uk