WILLIS: THE WIZARD OF BOULEY BAY
Image - Paul Lawrence
Why do you love the place and why has it been a happy hunting ground?
“I think it suits my car first and foremost. My car is at a power disadvantage against the latest cars from Gould, and Bouley Bay is somewhere where you need a good chassis, good acceleration and not all about top end speed or sheer grunt, as it’s relatively low speed to other hills. You need experience with this hill to get on the pace and commit for those vital tenths. It is one of the most technical – you have to carry speed and also brake while steering and setting up the car for a corner whilst going through another.
Where did the love affair begin with Bouley Bay?
“I always wanted to win a round – never thought I could though. I remember in 2007 I qualified well and was about to warm up the tyres and the late, great Roy Lane leant into the cockpit and said. ‘You could win this’ – that was all I needed it seemed, as I took my first run off win in Jersey minutes later and with that special memory of Roy as well – it will always be a place and moment dear to my heart.
Can we talk about 2016? Do you remember it all unfolding in those 34 and a bit seconds?
“I held the record and Wallace (Menzies) then took it from me – so that gave me a bit of fire in the belly as I really wanted it back. The record run was really on the edge. I do remember it vividly – even nine years on. I came into Radio Corner way too hot, and way too late on the brakes. When I did brake, the car rotated very quickly and actually got me pointing perfectly for the climb up to the top bend. I came out of Radio in a gear too high as well, but I think the slower exit was made up by a quick entry. Apart from that corner – it was near perfect everywhere. There is more time to be had, for sure.”
Image - Paul Lawrence
It’s been one of the longest standing records on the calendar. Can we see times tumble in 2025?
“Can the record go? Of course it can. Technology is always evolving. Cars are getting more sophisticated, more powerful and more importantly more efficient at putting that power into the road. Tyres are getting grippier and I think there is a big group of drivers now all very closely matched and that spurs you on because if you see a quick time – it shows the conditions are right for everyone.”
There is more in the tank for Trevor. The OMS driver is just two podiums away from equalling hill climb master Roy Lane on the rostrum count on the most southerly trip in the British Isles. You can also bet your bottom dollar he would love to win the final run off of the day – the 100th British round to be held on the island. Another impressive milestone to add to his ever growing collection.
