The Adrian Blackwell Motorsports team put the frustrations of the early season behind them at Northampton International Raceway on Sunday as driver Adrian Blackwell raced to victory in the Grand National event, the last race of the meeting.

The Staines-based British Airways IT worker charged his way through the white tops in the early laps of the all-comers event.

After building up a commanding lead through the middle part of the race Blackwell took the chequered flag by 1.5 seconds from reigning National Points Champion Chris Bradbury.

Blackwell opened the meeting by taking the lead in heat one on the 1st lap.

During the next few laps he built up more than a straight-length lead but an unfortunate caution period just before halfway saw his advantage wiped out.

On the restart, Blackwell was bundled wide by Richard Bowyer, which also allowed through several of the red-top superstar drivers.

Clinging on to the tails of the passing train Blackwell consolidated his position and crossed the line in seventh to qualify directly for the meeting final.

Drawn at the back of the white grade for the World Championship Qualifier final Blackwell passed a couple of cars at the start only for the race to be red-flagged and completely restarted following a roll-over by Nigel Green.

On the second start, Blackwell again made good progress through his fellow whites and, after battling Norman Robinson for a few corners, he eventually passed him for the lead.

Robinson took exception to the pass and spun, Blackwell exiting turn four leaving him facing the oncoming traffic, which dived each side to avoid contact.

Blackwell reversed on to the infield with the momentum, re-fired the car, and rejoined the race at a convenient gap in the traffic.

The remainder of the race was uneventful save a restart just behind the leader following a late race caution, and Blackwell brought the Randall Motorsport car home 18th from the original 36 starters.

Blackwell said: “It is a relief to finally get not only a good race result in the new car, but actually a win.

“It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and that's almost as satisfying as my first ever win.

“I thought I was going to get the heat win to start the day until that caution came out. I've had that before, and there's nothing you can do about it.”