Moss powers his Hillman Imp to Cotswold glory

Cotswold Clouds Classic Trial By Duncan Stephens Organiser: Stroud & District Motor Club When: February 3 Where: Stroud Starters: 78

Ian Moss won the incredibly slippery Cotswold Clouds Classic Trial on Sunday. With snow covering the ground, conditions were extremely tough for the early outright purpose-built specials. The snow turned to ice before natural conditions prevailed for the saloon cars.

Sam Holmes took the early lead, being one of only five cars to climb out the top. The long straight climb of the Wicked Juniper section allowed Matt Facey to use all the power of his supercharged BMW to take the lead, but his driveshaft broke one section later.

Moss’s high revving Imp also excelled there with a superb climb only bettered by the Ford T special of David Golightly.

Keith Sanders returned after a year off and drove superbly to win the sportscar class from Aaron Haizelden. Paul Merson, who narrowly lost the title last year on the final round, upheld special honours in sixth tying with the oldest car of the entry, the MG J2 of Bill Bennett. Bennett was the best club member. Rick Neale collected kitcar honours in eighth, with Rich Hayward again driving the door handles off his Ford Escort to complete the top 10.

Results

1 Ian Moss (Hillman Imp) 9 points; 2 Matt Facey (BMW 318); 3 Sam Holmes (VW Beetle); 4 Keith Sanders (Reliant SS1); 5 Aaron Haizelden (Reliant SS1); 6 Paul Merson (Shopland Special); 7 Bill Bennett (MG J2); 8 Rick Neale (Dutton Melos); 9 David Golightly (Ford Special); 10 Rich Hayward (Ford Escort).