This Is Jersey

OVER one hundred competitors will line up for the second Rabeys Commercial Vehicles Hillclimb of 2007 at Bouley Bay on Liberation Day tomorrow.

With 11 current record holders returning to the hill there will be fierce competition from those who will want to make their own mark and capture the records from their current holders.

The second speed event of the year will welcome nine Guernsey competitors who will be travelling over to try and upset the locals, get amongst them and possibly take class wins.

Oliver Holmes, the fastest man up Bouley Bay on two wheels, is back in the 500 cc class for which he holds the record and will hopefully be back on form after his injury last year.

He will have to push hard as there are several competitors who could push him down the pecking order in the ultra competitive bike class.

Chris Le Bonniec is back in a rally car at Bouley Bay after last year’s spell in a Ralt Racing car which Andrew Allenet will pilot up the hill for the first time.

Le Bonniec will be looking to entertain the crowd and lower the record in the unlimited rally car class in his Group A Ford Escort Cosworth.

The rally car classes are always spectacular with the best viewing spot being radio corner where you can witness spectacular action with the cars sliding out of the tight hairpin trying to put the power down as they ascent to the top corner.

Jeremy Baudains will be giving it maximum attack as he was only a few tenths away from Le Bonniec’s record last time out and with the track conditions potentially better than the first hillclimb he has a great chance of taking the honours.

Martin Keith, the leader of the Florida Pools sprint and hilllclimb championship, will be looking to keep his lead when he leaves the event but will have to watch out for friend and rival Dave Truscott who will be going for his first 45 second run.

With a variety of vehicles including karts, bikes, historic machinery, sports and racing cars, and a quad bike - if the weather is good records and personal best times are there to be taken as those who are committed enough push themselves and their machinery to the limits.

Practice runs start at 10 am with official timed runs to follow throughout the day.

Spectator admission £3 for adults including race programme, accompanied children under 16 and car parking are free.

Article posted on 8th May, 2007 - 12.00am