GURSTON Down Speed Hillclimb's newly resurfaced track was christened in style by British Sprint Championship contender Tony Wiltshire when he powered his Peugeot-engined Ralt RT34 to a winning time of 29.33 seconds.

He was only six hundredths clear of Ferndown's Basil Pitt (Gould GR37 Judd V8) with Corfe Mullen's Rob Barksfield third quickest in his sophisticated PCD Saxon.

The opening round of the Gates of Brockenhurst Gurston Down Championship and BARC (SW) Top 10 Challenge was settled on the first runs as heavy drizzle rendered second run times meaningless.

Yeovil's Peter Smith (3.5 litre Gould) clocked best time of the day with 29.00. Pitt was second and Wiltshire third.

There were notable performances from local drivers like Verwood's Andy Bascombe (Escort), with two 35-second climbs in the 2000cc modprod saloons. Gurston sponsor Jonathan Gates scored a win on the Saturday and was second the following day in the 2000 modprod sports car class.

Geoff Hunt from Andover twice won the Historically Interesting class in his gorgeous 1.6 Lotus 22.

Long-time Gurston favourite Chris Cannell looked ominously rapid in his twin-engined Force SR8, winning both the unlimited sports libre classes. The 1100 racing car class record holder, Rob Barksfield, won on the first day but the 1.1 Jedi of Stockbridge's Nik Gregory beat him in the second run.

Lymington's Pete Sexton was a double winner in his new 1.6 OMS single seater in the up-to-1600cc racing car class

Next event at Gurston Down is on May 28/29.