The biggest weekend of saloon stock car racing in Europe for 30 years was held at the Norfolk Arena last weekend.

The 2l Stock Car British Championship is the longest running in the formula, with this its 45th running for a trophy first competed for back in 1968 at Wimbledon.

The weekend was also tinged with sadness and remembrance as this race 12 months ago at Mildenhall saw Steve Newman die while competing.

Thousands of people attended to see the biggest entry of saloon stock cars for over 30 years with 84 cars in action. As well as the top names from all over England, there were strong showings from Scotland, Ireland and mainland Europe – while Freddie Kinsella jetted in from Australia.

And local stars Lee and Jamie Sampson did not disappoint.

Qualifying saw Lee Sampson win a competitive 36-car heat. Brother Jamie then emulated Lee's performance, before finishing second and fourth in his other heats – seeing him qualify on the outside front row with Kinsella on pole. Jamie qualified on the fourth row while other west Norfolk drivers to make the 36-car grid included Willie Skoyles (Heachem, row seven) plus Craig Banwell and Scott Aldridge (King's Lynn) on row 17.

Lee did not get the best start and dropped to fourth. A lap later brother Jamie had also got passed Lee but then Lee started to force his way back. By lap four he was fourth again.

With Aldous mixing it with backmarkers, Lee seized his chance with an ultimately race-winning manoeuvre to slam Aldous into the wall.

Lee scythed his way through the field to win the championship by a comfortable margin. Brother Jamie was involved in scrapes but drove well to make it a Sampson one-two.

Banwell went from the back of the grid to finish in eighth.

There was more success for Team Sampson in the Steve Newman Memorial when Jamie came home in third and as top yellow grade performer took home a new stock car.

There was also plenty to cheer in the 1300cc stocks as 16-year-old Austen Freestone performed well, winning both heats as well as the race.