A drag bike race driver from Suffolk is delighted after becoming the first European competitor to win an XDA Championship in dragbike. 

Dale Leeks, from Elmsett, near Hadleigh, achieved a "dream" of his by claiming the Pro Extreme Champion title at the competition in the United States. 

The 40-year-old's feat meant he became the first person from Europe to win an XDA Championship. 

Dale Leeks, from ElmsettDale Leeks, from Elmsett (Image: Dale Leeks) "I have been racing a lot of years. Two years ago I went to America to have a go at it, and this year we achieved it," said Mr Leeks. 

"It's amazing. Absolutely amazing."

The motorbike which Mr Leeks uses is one of the fastest on the planet, covering the 1/8 mile track in 3.9 seconds. 

He built most of the bike in Suffolk and originally first raced at Santa Pod, a drag strip based in Bedfordshire.

Mr Leeks continued: "It's phenomenal really how quick they go." 

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Two years ago, Mr Leeks flew out to the United States to ride as a rookie in competition. 

He finished third in his first year, before conquering the competition against some of the world's best. 

"I was racing with some of my heroes out there," Mr Leeks, who runs his own business, said.

"These guys have been my heroes for years and to beat them and be on the top step is phenomenal.

"It's a fairy tale."

Mr Leeks was made to work for his victory, with the competition going right to the wire. 

He went into the last race meeting with a points lead, but his closest competitor, Rob Garcia, was still in with a chance. 

After the race which confirmed his win, Mr Leeks said he felt "ecstatic".

However, there has been no time for a rest or a holiday with Mr Leeks heading straight back to work running his own business.