The Alfreton rider’s win was more than enough to seal overall glory with a race to spare.

As heavy mist gradually rose on Friday morning, the Northamptonshire circuit was left clear for the weekend’s action to commence.

Fitzpatrick was out of the blocks sharply and swiftly made his way to the top of the time sheets.

Then came a sharp reminder that the championship was far from decided.

Fitzpatrick lost his front end going into Luffield, and hastily followed his machine into the gravel trap.

Luckily, the damage was minimal and chief technician James Withey made sure man and machine were ready for the afternoon session.

With his confidence knocked a little, Fitzpatrick returned for the second session.

Throughout the session Fitzpatrick worked on the set-up of his machine, trying to improve the stability under braking.

He ended the session 10th fastest and fastest in the Cup.

The team again spent Saturday’s first qualifying session experimenting with different settings.

Fitzpatrick posted the 12th fastest time, the fastest in the Cup, and was confident that he could improve on that in the second session.

In glorious sunshine on Saturday afternoon, it was Fitzpatrick who shone.

He posted the ninth fastest time overall, which was the fastest of the Cup competitors and left him 12 places further up the grid than his nearest rival.

In the race, Fitzpatrick only had eyes for one thing - the title. He knew he had the pace to mix it at the front, but he had to make sure he didn’t get tangled up in someone else’s battle and risk not finishing.

A cautious start saw him demoted a couple of places in the early exchanges.

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After two laps behind the safety car, due to an accident further back in the field, Fitzpatrick settled.

With his pit board telling him of his advantage over his nearest Cup rival, he eased further.

Fitzpatrick brought his BLDS Couriers Yamaha home in 14th, winning the Cup race and with it the Cup Championship.

The triumph is an impressive accomplishment for Fitzpatrick and his modest team and is a richly deserved reward for all of their hard work and support.

Fitzpatrick is in action for the last time this season as he heads to Brands Hatch for the final round in two weeks time.

With the pressure off, he will be out to enjoy himself and hopefully fight it out with the factory supported riders as he looks to impress ready for next season.