FRANCIS Williamson's hopes of landing the national MRO Powerbike championship were literally blown off course.

High winds put paid to the final round at Brands Hatch and the Hamble aerospace engineer reluctantly had to concede defeat by just eight points to Sam Corke.

Williamson was one of three experienced riders asked by the clerk of the course at Brands to do three laps to determine the viability of racing.

He was in no doubt that, in the gusty wind, it was too dangerous to race and, after a second scouting lap with Steve Marks just before racing was due to start, conditions were no better and the meeting was postponed.

It meant that Williamson finished second to Corke in Powerbike series.

"It's disappointing that we couldn't settle it, but at least I had the satisfaction of winning five straight races which was more than any other rider in the series," said Williamson. "And I did actually miss two rounds of the championship."

Williamson is hoping to back on board the competitive Hanson Brick-sponsored Yamaha again next year.