One-time Formula Palmer Audi champion Tarling wins Historic FF1600

Tarling was once one of the youngest ever single-seater race winners in Britain, alongside then team-mate Justin Wilson in Formula Vauxhall Junior.

Now aged 38 and contesting the Historic Formula Ford 1600 Championship in the category's 50th anniversary season, Tarling had to pull out all the stops to win the second race at Silverstone on Sunday.

A touch of wheels spun him down to sixth in the opening race and only victory in the final round was enough to claim the crown.

Back in 1995, 16-year-old Tarling made his car racing debut in the FVJ Winter Series after the MSA changed licence rules to allow 16-year-olds to race cars.

Four years later Tarling won the Formula Palmer Audi title against the talents of Richard Lyons, Damien Faulkner and Tim Mullen but his career then stalled through a lack of necessary finance.

After 15 years out of the sport, now with two young children and a business that regularly takes him to Japan, Tarling is racing again.

He is the youngest part of the package. His Jamun T2 is 46 years old and his engineer, FF1600 guru Dave Morgan, has 43 years experience in the category.

On his way to the title, Tarling had to overcome a fierce challenge from youngsters Michael O'Brien and Callum Grant and sealed the crown by a single point.

"I've learn that you have to keep plugging away and don't ever give up," said Tarling. "And don't overdo it, either, because it is easy to get carried away.

"After the first race at Silverstone on Sunday I knew I absolutely had to win race two.

"It has been a fantastic season. Everyone in the championship is so friendly and happy.

"There is a group camaraderie which is missing from a lot of other championships and series. The whole thing keeps together because of that and it makes the racing good as well.

"You give a bit and you take a bit. People give way when they should give way instead of ramming you off the track."