A MOTORCYCLIST who recovered from a serious injury to be crowned a national champion has reflected on a momentous season of racing.

Harley Rushton spent months in rehabilitation after a crash in a 2018 race, but the Ingleton 24-year-old got right back on track and completed his spectacular comeback by becoming the 2019 National Classic Racing Motorcycle Clubs 350 Twins Champion.

It is the fourth time he has landed the crown, but this was perhaps Rushton's most prized title given the challenges he has had to overcome to earn that triumph.

The crash at Mallory Park, which ended his 2018 season prematurely, saw him flung from the bike which resulted in a dislocated shoulder and broken bone.

"These things happen in motorcycle racing though and are the dangers," he said.

" Dislocating my shoulder was excruciating pain until it was put back into place, even after that I was tender for weeks and months.

"I suppose you would after a crash comparable to been thrown off the roof of a car while going down the motorway." But after a painful recovery period, he was back on a bike in February and by the time the first race of the season came round he hit the ground running with three victories at the first meeting of the season.

More wins followed as his trusty Craven Honda 350 proved a reliable and potent machine, tended by the Craven Classic Racing Team of Ted Woof and Jon Sunter.

Rushton's final race of the season saw him return to Mallory Park, the scene of that horror crash.

He had already sealed the championship, but proved his dominance and exorcised the memories of that horror crash by chalking up three more victories.

“It was mission accomplished taking the 350 Twins championship this year after been so close last September," said Rushton.

"Knowing it has slipped through your grasp while I was sat in hospital spurred me on to try again this year and we managed it."

And after a period of reflection he is now looking forward to next season when he plans to be better prepared than ever.

He has thanked his team his family and sponsors for their help and hopes to repay their faith by reaching even greater heights in 2020.

Rushton would love to hear from any company or individual who would like to consider sponsoring him in his 2020 championship campaign, and they can contact him via email at HR70@hotmail.co.uk.