DAVE Holden has won the Wirral 100 Championship.

But it was a painful experience for the veteran racer from Great Harwood, who almost missed the final event of the season at Oulton Park through injury.

Holden, who clinched his ninth Sidecar Ace of Aintree title at the start of the month, had taken part in the festival of sidecars at Mallory Park a week prior to the grand finale and ended up crashing out.

He said: "I had a blow out on the passenger wheel and I really hurt my ribs.

"At the time, I was travelling at over 100 miles-per-hour and it was a bit frightening because I was stuck under the car.

"I didn't really want to do the festival this year. I wanted to save myself for the last race in the Championship. But everybody kept ringing me up and they twisted my arm to take part.

"I could easily have ended up missed the last race at Oulton Park altogether."

However, leading by 10 points going into the weekend, all he needed was to finish in the top six.

And, riding his Windle Chassis, powered by a Suzuki GSXR1000cc engine, he managed to finish fourth in the qualifying and fourth in the final of the competition, which is held at Oulton Park and the remodelled Anglesey circuit throughout the course of the year.

He added: "It was worrying, but I was really chuffed at the end.

"It was a great achievement to get the two fourth places and, to be honest, I don't think I could've done any better without killing myself."

Holden, who had earlier this month clinched his ninth Sidecar Ace of Aintree title, would like to thank his sponsors CMS MOT and Motor Repairs at Whitebirk, Blackburn Van Hire, Silkoline Oils and THG Motorbodies.