KIDDERMINSTER racing driver Nathan Freke has been crowned the Shuttle/Times and News' Sports Personality of 2009 after winning a thrilling vote.

The 27-year-old edged out Kidderminster Victoria CC batsman Craig Wood and Samurai Judo Club's Sarah Biles to take the title.

Freke, who won the Ginetta G50 Championship last year, ended with 39 per cent of the vote, followed by Biles on 32 and Wood with 23.

Disabled swimming star Claire Cashmore ended with five per cent, while Stourport archer Steve Harvey had less than one per cent.