CONNOR Behan did not hide his delight after blowing wide open the race for the title in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship on Sunday.

The Northwich rider smashed the lap record at Brands Hatch on his way to a dominant maiden victory on board his Team Green Bristol Kawasaki, closing the gap to points leader Keith Farmer.

“I tried my hardest and it paid off,” said the 19-year-old afterwards.

Pole-sitter Behan led from lights-to-flag to cross the line more than two seconds ahead of Freddie Russo (AP Kawasaki) and Alex Olsen (Team HARIBO Starmix Triumph).

He kept cool even after the safety car was sent out onto the Kent circuit when Daniel Murphy tipped off Paddock Hill Bend on the third lap.

Behan added: “I can’t ask for any more than to win the race from pole position and set a new lap record.

“We just managed to get one perfect lap in qualifying and that boosted my confidence for the race. The bike ran well all the way through after that.”

Series favourite Farmer (Farmer Racing Yamaha) moved into contention following the restart, climbing to fourth position after bulldozing his way past Johnny Blackshaw on the penultimate lap.

His lead over Behan is cut to 26 points with five races left.

“Connor set a blinding pace; I couldn’t keep up with him,” admitted Russo.

The series resumes at Cadwell Park later this month.