DESPITE making it six out of six podium placings, Lee Dunham just missed out on retaining his AMCA MX1 British Championship crown during a thrilling three-way shoot-out at the final round held at Hawkstone Park.

Another strong and typically consistent 3-2-3 scorecard left the Dursley MX Club rider just 17 points behind new champion Lee Payne in the standings, with Clinton Barrs finishing a further 13 points adrift.

In moto one Dunham blasted up the start straight, pushing a perfect holeshot, but with the new track layout he missed his breaking point and overshot the first turn, allowing ten riders through.

Although he was down in the pack on the first few turns, Dunham passed people left right and centre to move up the leaderboard and into a top five position.

The track was very rough at this point and although it was effecting a lot of riders Dunham used his experience and pushed on through into third position by the chequered flag.

Dunham made an impressive holeshot in the second race, leading everyone up the start straight by four bike lengths.

Halfway around the first lap Barrs jumped past Dunham but later made a mistake, which caused Dunham to swerve and allow Payne past.

In the next lap Barrs fell on a tight left hand turn and allowed Dunham and Payne to battle it out.

Increasing the speed for the whole moto, Dunham caught Payne mid-race onwards, but back markers and mistakes didn't allow him to get close enough to put a move on Payne for the win.

Not having the best of starts, Dunham was in tenth around the first lap of moto three.

Dunham quickly moved into third position, but by this time the leading pair of Barrs and Richard Cannnings were too far in front to put any serious pressure on and challenge for the lead.

After finishing second overall in the final round, Dunham said: "I rode really well and felt comfortable on the bike so I'm happy.

"In my opinion the track wasn't to the usual standard preparation wise but it was the same for everyone.

"I'm not disappointed not to win, or unlucky not to win. Myself, Payney, and Barrsy have put on a great battle all year, we all gave it our all and have all been really consistent at each meeting.

"I want to say thanks to all those that believed in me, the ones that stick by me, the ones that help and support me at every meeting and finally a big well done to Lee Payne on a great achievement."