Build
As the British Hillclimb Championship moved to Loton Park in Shropshire for rounds eleven and twelve, rain swept in over the western half of the UK making driving conditions a challenge for all competitors. For OMS driver Trevor Willis the track conditions played to his driving strengths.
Known for his car control and bravery in the wet, Trevor qualified for both BHC run offs in the V8 powered OMS 28. His morning class run time was only good enough for sixth fastest qualifying position. Trevor was unhappy with his tyre choice and for the run off decided to run on full wets, whilst championship rival Scott Moran changed to slicks all round.
The tyre choice paid off; Trevor was the only runner to drop below 52 seconds. His run time of 51.94s took the win from Scott 52.15s and Wil Hall in third place on 52.33 seconds.
Although the rain stopped the track never dried out fully and in the afternoon class run times improved but still fell short of those normally achieved by the fastest drivers. Again Trevor qualified for the top twelve run off, this time in second place behind Scott who was fastest qualifier.
In the run off Wallace Menzies set the benchmark time with his 47.11s climb, that Trevor would see before leaving the line. Digging deep he launched the 3.2litre OMS off the line, the distinctive sound of the launch control ringing in the paddock. Trevor’s time to the Triangle split was 18.74s, three hundredths slower than Menzies. On the second half of the hill the car's agility allowed him to claw back time, crossing the line on 46.15s nearly a full second faster than Wallace.
With only Scott to run, would Trevor be able to hold on to the lead and fastest time of day. Scott's Triangle split time was 18.54s two tenths faster than Willis and the powerful NME engine would have more speed up Cedar Straight to outperform the OMS. Scott crossed the finish line and the clock stopped on 46.30 seconds, fifteen hundredths adrift of Trevor.
Fastest Time of Day and a second BHC run off win of the day went to Trevor. Today's points tally will build a greater margin in the results table between second placed Willis and Menzies who lies in third, as the championship moves into rounds 13 and 14 at Doune Hillclimb in Scotland this coming weekend.
Following the meeting Trevor commented that today's wins were his 49th and 50th British Hillclimb Championship Run Off wins. This places him amongst a handful of drivers in the history of the championship to have scored 50 or more run off wins. Congratulations on this achievement Trevor.
OMS 28 RPE V8 Trevor Willis: Photo Tim Wilson
To view unofficial times click here and to view the British and Hillclimb Leaders Championship table click here.
Date: 12/06/2016 | Author: L.Owen