ORLETON'S Scott Moran has vowed to take a back seat next season after claiming his sixth MSA British Hill Climb Championship.

Moran, 40, equalled the record of the late Tony Marsh with four rounds to go by claiming victory in the morning and afternoon run-offs at Prescott, near Cheltenham.

But with yet another crown came the shock news that he would be limiting his events in 2017.

Moran said: “It has been an absolutely fantastic year. The car ran faultlessly and to take the title with four rounds to go was even more rewarding.

“The support and backing I get from my family, especially my father Roger, and the team of staff here at our motorhome centre in Ludlow is invaluable and thanks must go to all of them.

“I can now look forward to a pressure-free last event of the year, driving at my home course of Loton Park and watch as my closest rivals Trevor Willis and Wallace Menzies fight it out for second and third.

“My championship win has earned me an invitation to take part in the European Masters Hill Climb event in the Czech Republic in October and the organisers are kindly taking the car and equipment over there for me.

"It means my team and I can simply fly over, arrive and drive, which is especially exciting as their road-based courses are four times the length of ours here in the UK and I will be up against the best hill climb drivers from Italy, France and Germany.

“Looking ahead, my wife Deb and young children Ollie and Emily deserve more attention so I will be limiting the number of events I compete in next year but will still be well involved in the hill climbing scene.”

The Loton Park event takes place on September 24 and 25 with Hereford's Mike Turpin hoping to hold on to his lead at the top of the Midland Hill Climb Championship.

Samantha Lester of Tenbury also competes.