TEENAGE motocross rider Ellie Sleightholm is just champion.

The 15-year-old Easingwold School pupil has won the girls National Big Wheel 85 Championship in the 85cc class in Warwick.

Huby-based Sleightholm won the title in convincing style to follow up an impressive debut performance in the SYMX (South Yorkshire Motocross) Championship.

With one round of the competition remaining, the youngster is already guaranteed runner-up spot in the rider rankings.

Dad Mark, a motocross rider for many years, said: “She won her class at a national competition so she is a national champion.

“She won it by four or five points over the two days of the competition. She won the first race and also got two seconds.

“On the second day, she played it safe and had two third places.

“There are not many girls in local competitions, but there were a lot riding in Warwick.”

He added: “Ellie has raced before this season but it is her first year in the SYMX Championship.

“She has always ridden bikes but started taking it seriously over the last couple of years.

“If they enjoy it and want to do it, you’ve got to back them.”