Aaron Thompson was left beaming with pride when it came to his achievements in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship this season, despite the fact that he ultimately missed out on clinching the overall title.

In what proved to be a landmark season for the Essex racer, Thompson entered the final weekend of the year holding a three-point lead in the standings however mechanical woes sadly scuppered his chances of fighting for the title.

Despite being on the back-foot at Brands Hatch, Thompson did manage to bag his 12th win of the season – which in-turn set a new record for the most wins in a single season.

“Sadly it wasn’t to be for us this year but that’s how racing goes,” Thompson said. “Two years ago I was on the other side of that fence and not in a good place at all. Now here I am leaving the track third in the points but more importantly with my pride and integrity.

“We’ve set the record for the most wins and the most poles this year which is mega. We’ve won with broken suspension, no brakes and now with an engine that was pretty much ready to detonate.

“I’m so unbelievably proud of myself, the team and my family. I’m blessed to be in this situation, I really am.

“A bad day at the race track is always miles better than a good day at work – and that’s what I keep telling myself. My life is so fulfilled and it will never be defined by an empty cup.”

While Thompson is looking forward to having some down time over the off-season, the 27-year-old does have one eye on 2027 already.

He added: “I’m going nowhere! We’ve got unfinished business to attend to next year and I cannot wait!”