PHIL Blackmore experienced something of a crisis at Oulton Park, but came through with flying colours.

The Billington rider's bike continually stalled on the starting grid in the penultimate round of the Derby Phoenix Novice Championship - but he still managed to finish number one.

It proved to be an eventful weekend for the 34-year-old, whose previous outing at Anglesey saw his engine blow up.

And because the bike was at Lancaster being fixed, Blackmore was forced to miss the testing session for the race, leaving him last.

Add to that a problem with the clutch, and he was in a spot of bother before a wheel had even turned.

He said: "I hadn't been on the bike and I didn't know if it was going to be alright. I did the first practice in the morning and it wasn't 100 per cent. The clutch wasn't right and every time I tried to start it up, I stalled."

In the all-comers heat, Blackmore started 34th, but, even after stalling again at the start, he battled his way to ninth, qualifying for the A final.

In the qualifier for the novice race, it was a similar story as the bike stalled at the start again.

And so it was in the final, although Blackmore admitted he even surprised himself to finish first novice.

He added: "I thought I had no chance once it stalled again. I thought I'd never get through the pack and there were a few instances when I was banging into people and rubbing shoulders with other riders.

"To walk away with first at the end of the day is absolutely outstanding."

Unfortunately, the clutch problem saw Blackmore miss the A final.

He has, however, managed to secure sponsorship for next season in the shape of Kenley's Transport Group in Darwen, with directors Andrew and Lesley Walker travelling to Oulton Park at the weekend to support him.

The final round is at Cadlow Park on September 22 and 23. Blackmore must win both the qualified and the final to have a shout at the title in his debut season.