Ahead of hitting Le Val des Terres on Saturday, two rounds of the British Hillclimb Championship took place at Bouley Bay using an adjusted Tuesday date so competitors could sail between the islands the following day.
Yet a combination of weather and mechanical problems with the DFDS boat ruled out many top UK competitors, while Guernsey’s Scott and Emma Rayson had hoped to travel via St Malo but also suffered from a cancellation.
Although some determined competitors managed to make it over in time with their vehicles, the overall number of championship-registered drivers racing in Jersey dropped to 13. Car issues for several competitors added to the overall feeling of misfortune.
That did not nullify Brehaut’s achievement in the second championship run-off, where he not only finished sixth but did so in a notably quick 38.87sec.
‘Really pleased to get down to the time I did, given it’s only my second visit,’ he said.
The Empire Wraith driver is excelling this year, including winning twice at Le Val des Terres, but his pre-event best for Jersey’s flagship hill climb stood at 41.47 from May.
‘It’s a shame some of the UK competitors didn’t make it due to travel issues,’ he added.
‘Look forward to Saturday’s event now and trying to get into the run-offs.’
Seasoned star Saunders had shown his own capabilities by leading a Guernsey six-seven in the opening run-off.
But, in posting 39.78, he finished a mere hundredth clear of Brehaut.
Current Val des Terres record-holder Wallace Menzies set the standard with winning times of 36.52 in the first run-off and 36.93 in the second, while Jersey talent Michael Salmon edged the Channel Islands bragging rights with two fifth-place finishes.
Brehaut’s results have put him 14th in the national standings, despite not having contested any other rounds, with Saunders 17th.
Both Raysons settled for a day out as foot passengers via Islands Unlimited amid what Scott called ‘unfortunate circumstances’.
‘We were keen to go there and because we were not racing, we both missed out on some National Hill Climb points – particularly Emma,’ he said.
‘She’s going for the highest-placed ladies’ trophy with Nicola [Menzies], who was there and she picked up points.’
Guernsey’s event is set to avoid any significant knock-ons from the Jersey travel issues and feature 13 domestic and 12 UK drivers who have registered for the championship, competing within a 90-strong field. Preview to follow.
