Newly-crowned Motorpoint British Supersport Champion Billy McConnell has admitted he was crying his eyes out on the final lap of Sunday’s second race at Brands Hatch as he knew he had finally won the big trophy.

McConnell only needed a top-ten finish after rival and Smith’s Triumph team-mate crashed out early doors so he rolled around in eighth place to take the crown which has been nearly a decade in the making.

"It's been a stressful last couple of rounds but to finally win the British Championship is brilliant and I was crying my eyes out on that final lap! I've come so close in recent years and it's probably why my results haven't been the greatest in the final races as I wanted it so bad,” said the Adelaide rider.

“With Graeme going out early, it took the pressure off my shoulders but it was probably one of the longest races of my life and I just brought the bike home. I've got a fantastic team behind me and we've been consistent over the 12 rounds whilst I've had a fantastic team-mate pushing me all year so I feel for Graeme.

“It's a shame he went out early and that little bit of extra luck that you need was on my side this weekend. I've been in the top three for the last five years so to win at last is amazing and very emotional."