BRDC ‘Rising Star’ Jake Hill made a sensational debut in qualifying for the International Trophy for Pre 1966 GT Cars, at the Silverstone Classic, taking Pole Position in class by a whopping 2.8 seconds, and placing Brisky Racing’s nimble Lotus Elan 26R a remarkable 7th overall on a 58-car grid.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car regular has driven the car with it’s owner – Brisky Racing’s Richard Wheeler – at Brands Hatch last November, but not driven the car since, which makes his performance in qualifying even more surprising, and something which the Kent-based driver is both surprised and proud.

“I absolutely love driving the Elan! It is so ‘chuckable’ and rewards commitment and precision, but with such an incredibly strong field – both drivers and cars to be in the top-ten overall is a big surprise. The car is so very good through the twisty sections, but of course cars like the AC Cobra, E-Type, and TVR Griffith are so powerful and have some great drivers on board, so it should be interesting how we fare in the race”

“I would like to say an massive thank you to Richard Wheeler for giving me this fantastic opportunity. He has been such a great friend and believer in me, so to have this chance is fantastic. Richard and Ross Curnow won two races in the car in the CSCC meeting last week so I will have to give it everything to try and keep up the strong record. John Danby and Ross from JDR have done a superb job, so thanks to them of course too.

The race is on Saturday (21st) at 18.30 and forms part of the ‘Daytona at Dusk’ programme of sports car races, with Hill under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

“It’s a 50 minute race so I will have to make sure I am kind to the car, but I know what a superb job the JDR crew have done in preparing the car so feel confident we will be in the mix in class, and I’m aiming to be in the top-ten overall”

Check out the Silverstone Classic You Tube channel for all the action.