BINGLEY rally driver Sam Bilham secured the DMACK Fiesta ST Trophy at the Nicky Grist Stages after taking his fifth win of the series.

Bilham and co-driver Cameron Fair needed only a podium result at the event but took victory to seal the championship with two rounds remaining.

The 2300 Club John Easson Award winner has dominated the series this season, maintaining an unbeaten record through each of the five rounds he has contested.

The Calvert Construction & Reis Motorsport Insurance-backed Fiesta pilot will now receive an exciting prize drive, yet to be announced by the championship organisers.

The Nicky Grist Stages offered 44 miles of all-gravel action in classic Welsh forests surrounding the Epynt Military Ranges and Bilham knew exactly what he needed to do to secure the title.

A podium spot would be enough for the 21-year-old and, taking no risks, he opened proceedings with the second Fiesta runner through the opening two stages.

However, drama struck on the third test when the gear selector fell apart, leaving Bilham with only fourth gear midway through the stage.

Not only did the speedster manage to nurse the car through the remainder of the test, but through the next as well before the team could effect repairs on the Fiesta.

Despite losing a chunk of time, Bilham found himself back in front after the retirement of rival Alasdair Currie.

There he would stay for the remaining four stages to cross the finish of the final test as 2017 Fiesta ST Trophy champion, while securing the BTRDA N3 title to boot.

"It's a fantastic feeling to have finally won the championship after last year's close call," said Bilham.

"On paper, it looks like we had it all our own way this year, but the competition has been really tough out there and the pace has been incredible at times.

"I learnt a lot from last season and we played the long game, pushing only when we needed to and backing off when we didn't.

"The car has been perfect too thanks to the efforts of the team, who have been great, as has Cameron. It's great to have him alongside me and share the win with."

On his future plans, Bilham added: "It's always hard to progress in this sport and budget is the biggest obstacle with that.

"We understand the prize drive for winning is a pretty impressive one, so hopefully we can put that to good use.

"I'm overjoyed to win this title and reward all our backers for putting their faith in me. It's been a great year."

In the other categories of the Ravenol BTRDA Rally Series, Bilham moves into second place of the Silver Star Championship, third in the Production Cup and heads the Junior Driver Award.

* SAM Bilham is supported by 2300 Club John Easson Award, Calvert Construction, Reis Motorsport Insurance, The Garage at Stanley Mills, Northern Life Magazine and Gareth Hooper Motorsport Services.