HEREFORDSHIRE driver Mike Turpin has won a major hill climb championship for the fifth time.

Turpin, from Allensmore took the Midland Hill Climb Championship title at the final meeting of the season at Loton Park, near Shrewsbury when he scored his eighth class win in his Martin Bowyer powered 2.2 litre supercharged Vauxhall VX220 car.

With nearest challenger Dave West needing to win his own class, Turpin required a fourth place or better to clinch the title.

However, a first run excursion left Turpin last in his class.

Despite this, West could only finish third and with the pressure off, Turpin’s second run of 54.57 seconds was enough to secure the class win and overall title.

Turpin, a former British Rallycross and Autocross Champion, has now won the title four years in a row and his fifth success equals that of Rob Stevens.