A DISBELIEVING Ross Walker went through a rollercoaster of emotions before finally being able to celebrate the proudest moment of his fledging career so far.

The 17-year-old from Lincoln was declared the winner of the British 125GP race at Mallory Park on Sunday, but that only tells half the story of a dramatic day in the Leicestershire sunshine.

Walker crossed the finish line in second place – still by far the best result of his season – before fearing he had been disqualified after being suspected of overtaking under a safety car.

However, after he was found not guilty following a post-race investigation, he was promoted to first place when Fraser Rogers was thrown out of the race for overtaking the safety car.

Rogers' disqualification allowed Walker to celebrate his best result on the national stage of British 125GP racing.

It also promoted fellow Lincoln rider Leebob Jackson to fifth place – third in the ACU Academy Cup – his best finish of the season, too.

But it was Walker who wore the biggest smile on Sunday evening.

"I got a good start and was fourth or fifth," recalled the former Mary Knox Centre pupil. "The people in front of me pulled away a bit, but then I just thought 'I've got to do it'. I caught James Lodge, got past him, then I caught and passed Deane Browne and was third when the safety car came out.

"Fraser Rogers and Rob Guiver went past and I was behind the safety car and didn't know what to do.

"I carried on going round and the safety car waved us past. Then it came out again and because Fraser went past the safety car, I got the win.

"I would have been happy with second place anyway. I've been happy with my pace all weekend because I was second in first practice, but I can't believe I've won.

"That is the highlight of my career so far, I can't really explain it. It's a lot more credible to win a British Championship race."

Walker's previous best result this season was 13th at Cadwell Park. So what has turned Walker from midfield runner to race winner?

Answer: A test session on a Superstock 600 bike.

"The last bike I rode before this meeting was a 600 around here (Mallory)," added Walker, who is hoping to graduate to the British Superstock 600 series in 2011.

"That's helped me a lot because I've realised how easy the 125 is to ride compared to a 600.

"A 600 is more difficult to ride, it's heavier and a lot faster."

The only disappointment for Walker was that he didn't get chance to celebrate on the top step of the podium.

"Hopefully they'll do another presentation at the next meeting, but I don't know what's going to happen," he added. "So far, they've just said they'll sort it out at the next meeting."

The post-race controversy also saw Jackson miss out on his rightful place on the podium.

The North Kesteven School pupil crossed the finish line fourth in the ACU Academy Cup – sixth overall – but the disqualification of Cup rival Rogers saw him promoted to third.

"It was a good race. I didn't get the best of starts and was getting held up," said Jackson. "But when the safety car came out I was able to get into the top six."

It represented the 14-year-old's best result in his rookie season in the class, a year which has seen him improve with every race.

"I'm gelling with the bike more and it helps when you know the circuit. It's been a good weekend," he added.