BRITISH HILLCLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP MORAN TO THE FORE AS LOCAL MAN WARWICK SHINES

whether I can do it. In this car at this hill, it’s all about the middle of the run.”

Harewood star Richard Spedding thrust the tiny GWR Raptor to fastest qualifying time. Moran had taken only fourth best as the cars came to the start of the opening showdown.

First away was Paul Le Messurier in the Lemtech co-built with brother Ian. He set a decent time which former Val des Terres run-off winner Chris Guille could not surpass and another Guernsey driver Nick Saunders spun out after Terres House gate.

Moran set such a pace after qualifying fourth that Menzies, Warwick and Spedding could not match him. Willis had only qualified sixth fastest and a pair of fifths meant no repeat of his Bouley success.

In the final encounter, Warwick was fastest qualifier but Moran, running immediately before, set a winning time. However, two second places for the Guernsey Airport fireman was great reward and he rose to 11th place in the standings after only two events, albeit temporarily as these will be his only point-scoring runs. Given the time and budget he could achieve so much more.

There were more points for Alex Summers as he moved back into the top 10. With a couple of interesting guest drives on the horizon he may yet retain a ‘number’.

Neither of the drivers of the factory Gould had competed on either island for some time. Eynon Price had not driven in Guernsey for five years, while Sean Gould’s last appearance was in 1988. They took some time to establish their pace but could be happy to be well-sited in the top 10 overall.

By his high standards, Wallace Menzies might consider two fourths below par, but his current third overall must be assured.

Moran now has a 21-point gap over Willis, who will be looking to claw back most of that amount at Wiscombe Park as Moran will be absent.