Maiden victory joy for happy Hillier

Winchester-based Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup rider James Hillier celebrated his first-ever R6 Cup victory last Sunday when he stole the show at the seventh round of the one-make series at Knockhill, Scotland.

The young rider, who had minimal track time at the 1.3-mile venue due to adverse weather at the weekend, was able to race in relatively dry conditions.

Hillier started from third on the grid and by the second lap was running at the top of the pack after swiftly dismissing championship leader Richard Wren on the second lap; securing him the lead and his maiden victory.

A less fortunate racer was Adam Jenkinson. The Mancunian high sided at the Chicane, which resulted in the red flagging of the race.

Hillier commented: "On the first lap I was slipping everywhere but I was determined to pass Wren. Once I was ahead I kept my eye on my pit board and made sure that I maintained a second and a half lead. I didn't want to push it too much. I knew that Richard was in with a chance of catching me so I was glad to see the race called."

Round Seven Top Ten Result 1, James Hillier 10.20.781; 2, R Wren +1.34; 3, G Sanders +1.5; 4, C Cummins +9.35; 5, J B Lee +9.872; 6, O Bridewell +10.27; 7, J Edmeades +11.16; 8, V Cox +14.213; 9, B McFeeley +14.695; 10, P Newell +17.063.

Leading points after Round Seven 1, R Wren 126; 2, J Hillier 96; 3, A Jenkinson 84; 4, O Bridewell 80; 5, G Sanders 68; 6, JB Lee 62; 7, G Glynn 59; 8, K Bryce, C Cummins 58; 10, D Bray 43.