There is all to play for as the MSA British Hill Climb Championship reaches its crucial stages at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, near Worcester, this coming weekend with all the top drivers and cars in action. (20/21 Aug)
Five times former champion Scott Moran of Ludlow currently leads by 21 points – before some scores are dropped - in his all-conquering Gould GR61X, with Worcester driver and 2012 champion Trevor Willis in his OMS 28 racing car in close contact, while Scottish driver Wallace Menzies holds third place, with Richard Spedding and Dave Uren in fourth and fifth respectively.
Reigning British champion Alex Summers, from Tenbury Wells, is awaiting delivery of his new car, so he will be sharing the Gould GR55 racing car of Telford driver Graham Wynn for this event.
Scott, said: “This should be a really good weekend as Trevor is chasing me hard and Alex will be sharing Graham’s Gould GR55 which has the Cosworth HB engine and is the most powerful car in the paddock, ideal for a ‘power hill’ like Shelsley Walsh, so as one of his favourite venues, Alex should go well!
“I haven’t driven for over a month since the Channel Island events but the car is being prepared this week and I will be raring to go at the weekend.”
The Championship Challenge weekend also sees a large entry of cars in the Midland Hill Climb Championship with reigning champion and current leader Mike Turpin, of Hereford, competing in his Vauxhall VX220.
The ever-popular Paul Matty Sports Cars Lotus Championship reaches its penultimate round at Shelsley Walsh this weekend with sponsor’s wife June Matty leading the points in the handicap class with her Lotus 2022 FJ while David Hampton leads the main class with his Lotus 69 Atlantic.
Paul Matty, commented: “The weather forecast looks good so we are hoping for a great weekend as both of our front running drivers only have a slender 3-point lead, so competition within the ranks will be pretty fierce and we apologise now for our boistrous behaviour after the event!”
Eight cars are entered into the 500 Owners Association class while no fewer than 22 drivers are competing in the 1100cc racing car class and 15 cars are taking part in the classic racing section for pre-1971,1975 and pre-1985 cars.
The action starts with practice and qualifying from 9.15am on Saturday with two timed competition runs in programme order with full commentary on Sunday. There will be a run off for the fastest 12 cars registered for the British Championship at the end of both the morning and afternoon sessions on Sunday.
Advanced tickets are still available for both days £10 Saturday and £12 Sunday with tickets also being sold on the gate at £12 Saturday and £15 Sunday.
Further information can be obtained from www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk
