SUMMERS AND RYDER BATTLE IT OUT

17th July, 2024

The sun shone down on Bouley Bay once again as the Jersey Motorcycle & Light Car Club held their third hill climb at the famous north coast venue. This time comprising rounds 15 and 16 of the British Hillclimb Championship, spectators were treated to some fantastic action as drivers from across the UK came together to tackle the demanding course in their purpose built single seater racing cars. 

The format of the day was set to be 2 practice and 4 official runs with 2 of the official runs earning championship points. Early on, reigning champion Wallace Menzies showed good pace as one of the first drivers to go under the 40 second mark. When it mattered the most it was outright Bouley Bay record holder Trevor Willis taking winning honours in the first championship runoff with a time of 37.23 seconds and securing himself 10 important points for round 15. Not far behind was both Matthew Ryder and Alex Summers who rounded off the podium positions respectively.

Image - Daniel Drakes

The second championship runoff saw Alex Summers, fresh from his appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed the previous week, take the victory with an impressive time of 37.10 seconds. Completing round 16's podium another 2nd position on the day for Matthew Ryder with 3rd place this time going to Wallace Menzies. Guernseyman Nick Saunders put in a very impressive performance, placing 5th and 7th amongst much larger capacity machines.

The only record to fall on the day was claimed by Stewart Barrow and his Lotus Elise, he lowered his own best time from the previous event in May to a new time of 48.92 seconds. 

The popular 351-500cc motorcycle class saw 15 riders tussling for best time of the day. Matthew Le Brun took the top spot on his Husqvarna 450 with the ever consistent Adam Vibert not far behind aboard his KTM. 

(words by Ryan Hidrio)