CHAMPION Gordon Shedden has described his third British Touring Car Championship as being “more emotional” than either of his previous victories.

The West Fife star became the first driver since Fabrizio Giovanardi in 2008 to win back-to-back titles after a dramatic final round on Sunday at Brands Hatch that saw him pip previous leader Sam Tordoff by just two points in the standings.

‘Flash’ went into the weekend 11 points adrift of Tordoff and they were two of eight drivers who were in contention to win the coveted prize – an unprecedented number in the championship’s history.

From seventh on the starting grid, Shedden carved his way through to finish fifth in race one before pulling off some opportunistic passes as he battled to his ninth podium of the season in race two.

That narrowed the gap on Tordoff to two points going into the final race of the season and, knowing he had to finish ahead of his rival to clinch the title, the Knockhill-based star produced one of the drives of his career.

In front of a 45,000 crowd, the duo were tussling for third place but 37-year-old Shedden made his move on lap seven, hauling his Honda Civic Type R down the inside of Tordoff to send champagne corks popping.

Reflecting on his achievement this week, an elated Shedden told Press Sport: “It’s been unexpected and a bit nuts but I’m absolutely delighted. It feels totally different to last year because this time I was going into it as the hunter instead of being hunted, so I was more chilled out and relaxed.

“It was brilliant and probably more emotional than last year, which was so surreal in terms of starting at the back of the grid and coming through to win. It’s unbelievable and an incredible feeling.”

Shedden, Knockhill’s business development manager, was welcomed back to West Fife with balloons, cards and confetti and when asked if he enjoyed a celebration after the race, he laughed: “I was absolutely knackered! It started last Tuesday, going down south to do a lot of PR stuff, so it was pretty full on. A few of the mechanics let their hair down and I think they were still a wee bit hungover on Tuesday! They deserve it. All the team here have gone to town with balloons and confetti but they live it with me so it’s great.

“We’re already thinking about next year and how we can make the car go faster as we aim to retain the title again.”