JERSEY’S starring drivers and riders surely left the best till last, as several etched their names in the history books in what turned out to be a hillclimb for the ages.
With the Island’s daring enthusiasts testing their mettle on the hill since 1920, just think about the immense motoring history of Bouley Bay. All the talents that have passed through over the years, all the machines – it is one of the most historied hillclimbs in Britain and, with an astounding 11 records smashed on the bank holiday, Jersey’s stars have only added to it.
Matthew Le Brun, fresh off his round six triumph in the British Supermoto Championship, came out the big winner on two wheels after sealing two records at Bouley Bay. The Jerseyman voiced his intent to reclaim his records and it seems he spoke it into existence, as he put in a transcendent performance.
Aboard his Husqvarna FS, Le Brun clocked a time of 43.66 seconds, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Adam Vibert – who headed into the day with the record – to reclaim the honour by 0.03 seconds in the motorcycle 251 to 350 category.
He then carried that momentum into the motorcycle 351 to 500 class – arguably the hillclimb’s most competitive group with the biggest entry list of the lot. There, he did not just take the throne, he dominated, leading the nearest competitor – once again Vibert – by 1.04 seconds after clocking a remarkable time of 42.64 seconds.
That proved just enough to pip Holmes record – which was only set in July – by 0.01 seconds, leaving Le Brun with everything he could have wished for.
But that was not all, as Le Brun’s time of 42.64 seconds will go down in history as the fastest on two wheels to complete the tight and twisty course, claiming the outright bike record as well – what a way to cap off the perfect day.
Shifting over to those blasting up the hill from behind the wheel, there was plenty to celebrate about.
We have long known the incredible talent that Michael Salmon possesses, especially after achieving a pair of top-five finishes at the Bouley Bay round of the British Hillclimb Championship earlier this year.
But, that turned out not to be the peak of Salmon’s year, as he had a real treat in store at Bouley Bay to completely smash his record in the racing cars 1601 to 2000 class by a whopping 0.61 seconds and set a new dazzling standard, now standing at 38.36 seconds.
His brother, Alex, only added to the party in the racing cars unlimited category, setting a new record of 40.59 seconds in his Gould GR37.
Paul Vibert then broke his own record in the rally cars up to 1400 group with 49.69 seconds, Stewart Barrow’s Lotus Elise S1 sped through to set a new record of 48.38 seconds in the road going series production 1401 to 2000 class and Chris Hanson smashed the sports libre saloon unlimited record with a blazing 47.08 seconds, leaving it to the very last run in his Ford Escort RSR.
However, Ollie Le Bailly and his Ford Escort Mk2 stood out from the crowd. Much was said about the massive potential for the young prospect to finally overcome the rally cars 1601 to 2000 record set by Jersey’s rallying sensation Sam Touzel, but Le Bailly certainly exceeded expectations.
Le Bailly looked to be in his element at Bouley Bay, weaving his way up the hill en route to clocking a time of 45.48 seconds, completely obliterating Touzel’s benchmark of 46.01 seconds to set a new standard.
Elsewhere, Ross Le Noa broke his own record from two years ago in the rally cars unlimited 8″ wheel class with a time of 44.91 seconds and Sarnian Jez Mann’s Lamberetta shaved off 0.13 seconds off the scooter 150 to 249 record, setting a new milestone of 58.46 seconds.
Check out tomorrow’s JEP for the full story
