Rising Tasmanian motor racing driver Charlie Parker has powered his way to his first championship, in his debut season of competitive racing.
The 17-year-old Launceston grandson of Tassie great Greg Crick, has been a revelation in the competitive Hyundai category, leading for most of the series.
Heading into the final round at Baskerville Raceway, rivals Campbell Logan and Callum Bishop still had a chance of snatching the title.
But the young Tasmanian held his nerve.
Qualifying third for Saturday's first race, Parker finished second to secure enough points to clinch the championship.
"It's just amazing to win the Hyundai Championship in my first year of racing, and to have my granddad with me all the way makes it extra special and something I will never forget," he said.
"Of course I couldn't have achieved any of it without unbelievable support from my amazing team of supporters.
"It's just a massive team effort and I'm so proud to have achieved what we have this year."
Crick, who has worked tirelessly preparing the car and running the team, couldn't be prouder of what his grandson has achieved.
"Charlie has done an amazing job this year, being so young and to cope with the pressures of leading the championship and then being so competitive in the races is very impressive," said the inaugural Targa Tasmania winner.
"I'm so proud of him, he's coming along very well as a driver and he's never going to forget this moment, nor will I, it's a great result."
