Best of British at Shelsley Walsh

Under sunny skies, Alex Summers picked up where he left off last year with Best Time of Day with 23.15 seconds in a thrilling Top 12 Run Off for the Avon Tyres British Hill Climb Championship at June Shelsley. Following his win earlier in the day on a slightly damp track it had dried just enough under the trees in the Esses to warrant the top drivers to set some very quick times and that they did with eventually just 0.07 seconds covering the top three of Summers, reigning British Champion Wallace Menzies and Sean Gould. Summers said after the day, “It’s such a privilege to race against these guys as it’s so close and awesome to be so nip and tuck between us all especially with the cars that are so different but everybody is doing such a great job, it’s such a privilege. Did he think he would win the Run Off twice? “You have to believe you can do it. You don’t know until you leave Top Ess if it really is good, but once you’re there you can breathe out and let the engine do its work.” Outright Shelsley record holder Martin Groves was trackside to see the latest 2021 hill climb cars flat out against the clock from the start line. “It’s certainly still spectacular that’s for sure. These guys are going incredibly quickly and it’s good to see the level of completion is as intense as it was when I was driving so it looks to be a great year.” The fastest lady was Nicola Menzies with 26.08 seconds on Sunday afternoon in the Gould GR55B she shares with David Uren. Nicola was a second ahead of Lindsay Summers. With a brilliant class win in the Formula Ford class, the Midland Hill Climb Championship Man of the Meeting was Tom Weaver after only driving Shelsley competitively for the very first time last year. The cheer upon the announcement being made was certainly a big one! Other stand out drives came from Adam Greenen in the Empire EVO to go flat through both Kennel and Crossing to hit 115mph on Ess Approach for a 25.25…and all in an 1100cc car. Breath taking. All of the action is online to re-watch if you wish through our YouTube channel. Spectators were trackside to enjoy the action as well as many who had never been before. “I’ve just returned from my first visit to the venue and I have to report what an excellent place. Shame about the morning’s weather but brightened up well. Some mighty quick cars and committed drivers. I’ll certainly be returning.” Said James H. Phil D said, “Shame about this morning’s weather but it brightened up well. Some mighty quick cars and committed drivers. Will certainly be returning.”

Pictures from Shelsley Walsh Instagram, Rob MacDonald, Tom Gay, Dennis Wood, Stuart Wing and Ian Dowding.