SCOTT Moran went right to the top of national hill climbing when he captured the most prestigious course record at Shelsley Walsh.

The Herefordshire racing driver broke the existing 23.75 seconds record four times at last Sunday's meeting and the previous holder, Martin Groves, snatched it back three times in a titanic struggle.

But Moran finally took the title, together with the award for best time of the day and a continued British Championship lead.

Sue Young from Yarkhill made it a memorable Herefordshire double by twice re-setting the ladies' record for the famous 1,000-yards Worcestershire track and qualifying for both run-offs.

Scott, whose father Roger - a former national champion - was also competing in their Gould racing car, first broke the record with a 23.71 seconds run in the morning qualifier.

But this lasted only as long as it took reigning British champion Groves to take the start and blast up the hill in 23.40 seconds.

Sue Young stopped the clocks at 25.00, three-tenths of a second faster than her previous best.

Groves won the first run-off on 22.86 with speeds topping 140mph. Scott was second with 23.36, hampered with a gear linkage break halfway up the course. Paul Ranson was third on 23.52, followed by Roger Moran with 23.84.

Deryk Young brought the family Gould home seventh on 24.31.

The afternoon qualifier saw Scott Moran back with repairs made from borrowed parts. He set a time of 23.39 and Groves responded with 23.25. Sue Young qualified with 24.73, re-setting her record.

But it was Scott who dominated the final run-off, rocketing up the course in a record-breaking 22.83 seconds.

Groves saw the time come up as he waited on the start line but could only manage 23.13 for second place.

Deryk Young improved to third on 23.81 and Roger Moran took sixth with 24.27.

The championship continues at Loton Park, Shropshire, on Sunday.

Nicholson McLaren Aviation MSA British Hill Climb Championship positions after 10 rounds: 1 Scott Moran (Orleton) 84 pts, 2 Martin Groves (Wendlebury) 79, 3 Roger Moran (Orleton) 75, 4 Simon Durling (Shelsley Walsh) 60, 5 Paul Ranson (Brackley) 52.