DEFENDING champion Scott Moran, from Orleton, traded wins with Martin Groves when they contested two rounds of the British Hill Climb Championship series at Gurston Down.

Scott was the leading qualifier, racing up the ultra-fast 1160yards Wiltshire course to re-set the unlimited racing car class record at 25.93 seconds.

But Groves came through to win the morning run off with a 25.84 shot. Scott was second on 26.00 and Chris Merrick took third with 26.50. Roger Moran was seventh on 27.53 and Yarkhill racer Deryk Young was ninth with 28.41. Scott clocked 25.94 to win the second round. Groves was next on 25.95 and Paul Ranson 26.39 was third. Roger took sixth with 27.18 and Deryk was seventh on 27.45.

Local enthusiasts can see the stars in action at Shelsley Walsh on Sunday when the next two rounds will be run.

MCL Motorhomes MSA British Hill Climb Championship positions after nine rounds: 1 Martin Groves (Wendlebury) 85pts, 2 Scott Moran (Orleton) 77, 3 Chris Merrick (Stroud) 59, 4 Trevor Willis (Aylesbury) 55, 5 Roger Moran (Orleton) 43.