MATT Robinson has said he feels only pride despite missing out on claiming a maiden national title at the weekend.

The Northwich driver made sure he finished as runner-up to Liam Morley, a season-long front-runner, in the British Superkart Association’s F125 Open Championship following the season’s concluding round at Pembrey.

And considering he failed to score a single point until the campaign’s fourth race, the 23-year-old has plenty to celebrate.

He said: “It’s taken an incredible amount of time, effort and dedication to get there.”

Morley, who arrived in south Wales with a 23-point lead, underlined his dominance by taking a hat-trick of wins on Sunday.

Adverse weather heavily restricted time on the track to a handful of practice laps over the previous two days, leaving Robinson content to finish second in race one.

He recovered from an off on the opening lap of the second sprint, and again after he was collected by an already-spinning rival from an incident ahead, to cross the line fourth.

Mathematically at least, that kept alive a battle for the title until after the final race in which he was second behind Morley when the chequered flag fell.

He added: “That felt like a fair reflection of the season.”

Robinson recorded three race wins in 2018, including his first in the championship at Donington Park in June, and collected most points at two meetings.

Standings (after 13 rounds)

British Superkart Association

National Formula 125 Open Championship

1. Liam Morley 390pts

2. Matt Robinson 377

3. Andrew Connor 360