Saunders and Rayson shine in the season finale

Saunders blasted to a new personal best in his Eric Sturdza Reynick on Saturday, exceeding the level of performance that even a ‘Nationals’ run-off had previously been able to rouse in him.

His 27.77sec. time was a mere one-hundredth improvement on his previous mark but it certainly stood out in a regular Guernsey Kart and Motor Club fixture, and he promptly backed it up with a second sub-28sec. run.

If Saunders could be considered ‘King of the Hill’, then Emma Rayson was most definitely the queen.

In-form Rayson significantly improved her best and will enter next season hoping to become the second Guernseywoman ever under the half-minute barrier at ‘Valdees’.

Just further afield, a big new record in the quads added to the memorability of the season finale.

Saunders started proceedings with two mid-28sec. runs, on par with his previous form this season, but then came the breakthrough third run.

Starting sharp and keeping his pace to the very end, he removed the best part of half-a-second from his own Racing Cars 1101-1600 class mark.

He followed up with a 27.95 before signing off happy after five runs of a possible seven.

‘The weather’s fantastic, the hill’s in really good condition, and it’s just been a really good day,’ said Saunders.

‘Outside the run-offs, this is the first time [I’ve been sub-28], so to do two and to take the record is great.

‘It’s a good way to finish the season.’

Recent Alderney hill climb winner Tim Torode took second fastest in marginally under 30sec., but even this barely set him clear of top woman driver Rayson.

She powered her one-litre race car to a fast 30.31 and will from next season be looking to emulate the barrier-breaking achievement of Sarah Gaudion.

‘I had three days of good running in Alderney and it’s just carrying the speed forward and bringing it to this hill climb,’ said Rayson.

‘There’s still room for improvement – I made a few mistakes, even on the quicker runs. 29 is getting tantalisingly close.’

In the quads, Chris Law again put in an impressive performance on his Yamaha Banshee and clocked 32.02 in the first timed run.

This improved his class mark by nearly a second and despite no progress from there, Law consistently peppered the 32sec. range with a solid series.

Among the motorbikes, Jerseyman Ollie Holmes reigned supreme with a fast 33.65 time on his ‘450’.

Locals Ben Carre, Anthony Poynder and Leigh Digard produced times in the 34s.