Support praised after weather frustrates national hillclimb round
Persistent and often heavy rainfall ensured that Saturday’s National Hill Climb would not emulate the record-breaking shows of the two preceding years.
The annual showdown at Le Val des Terres proved a damp squib in that respect, with Alex Summers’ 32.89sec. on the second of two British Hill-Climb Championship run-offs standing as the fastest official time of the day.
There was never any pressure on Wallace Menzies’ record of 26.47 from last year.
But Guernsey Motorcycle and Car Club president Ian Le Page balanced some evident frustrations with a few clear positives from the event, which was well-supported by spectators and competitors.
‘It was a bit of an unfortunate one, really, with the weather, and we did have a few issues with the equipment,’ he said.
‘A frustrating day, but in all, it was actually a good day.
‘The UK competitors all said they enjoyed it and all say they are looking forward to coming back next year, when hopefully the sun is shining.’
The practice runs saw dry conditions, with Guernsey hero Nick Saunders among the fortunate few posting times well under the 30sec. barrier.
But the rain then came in intervals and Saunders got caught out, failing to qualify for the first top 12 run-off, where Summers and his DJ Firestorm topped the table in 32.96.
Will Hall and his mighty four-litre Gould GR59 followed in 33.53, but Guernsey brothers Paul and Ian Le Messurier did well to sneak in and place 10th and 11th respectively in their more humble sports libres.
Summers then completed the double by edging the second run-off in 32.89, edging Trevor Willis (33.00) and Hall (33.09).
Saunders managed eighth with a 36.15 as Paul Le Messurier claimed 11th.
‘Ian and Paul were up there, which was good, and with Paul getting into the second run-off with Nick, it’s great for Guernsey again,’ Le Page added.
‘Thanks to the locals for the support.
‘It was raining, but the grandstand was full pretty much all day.’
Thankfully, the event had finished just before the heavens really opened.
Those on two wheels had clocked some fast – and official – times in the dry.
Colin de Jersey put down a sterling first run of 34.22 on his Husqvarna FS, edging fellow veteran Leigh Digard by 0.37sec. for motorcycle honours.
Jez Mann also took the opportunity to lower his own scooter record from 39.40 to 39.33.
