Herefordshire racing ace fulfils his dream to become British title-holder

4:39pm Thursday 20th November 2008

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A HEREFORDSHIRE racing driver is the 2008 British Speed Hill Climb Champion.

Scott Moran, aged 32, from Orleton, clinched the title with a record breaking run in Wiltshire, leaving three national events still to go.

Scott’s father Roger, himself champion in 1997, shares the purpose-built Gould GR61X single-seater racing car and managed to take fourth position this season. Both are long time members of Hagley Car Club, which runs the speed hill climb events at Loton Park, near Shrewsbury. They both also regularly compete at the famous Shelsley Walsh venue.

Powered by a V8 Nicholson McLaren engine, which produces more than 600 bhp, the lightweight top class car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in two seconds and managed to record a top speed of 155 mph at Gurston Down, the narrow course where Scott sealed the championship win.

With 34 rounds of the Nicholson McLaren British Speed Hill Climb Championship, staged in England, Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands, Scott won a total of 14 events and set new fastest-time hill records at three venues, including Loton Park.

Scott, a director in the family Motorhome business at Ludlow Business Park said: “Dad is the mastermind of our team and together with his input and the support of my sister Marie and our great Ludlow staff, it gave me the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and win this dream title.”

Fellow director Marie commented: “With his very smooth driving style and a constant healthy rivalry with dad, it’s great to have another champion in the family!

“Therefore we are all very, very proud of our Scotty,” she added.

Scott will officially receive his prestigious award in London later this year, at a lavish ceremony attended by Formula One and other national championship winners from all sections of British motor sport.