Jake Hill was on the podium at the inaugural BRDC Classic formerly the Silverstone Classic at Silverstone at the end of July.

He took a race win, pole position and other podiums in glorious weather at the Northamptonshire circuit.

For the first time since Winning the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship, the sleek Nissan GTR GT1 took to the track at Silverstone, in the hands of owner Colin Sowter and shared by BRDC member Jake Hill who described the car as ‘the nicest racing car I have ever driven”

After remarkable work by the Superformance team to get the car running and in superb condition, Hill and Sowter blasted the car to Pole Position, before taking to the circuit for the first of two 30 minute races on Saturday.

Sowter started the race, and despite a small spin, brought the car in good shape to hand over to Hill. With an additional 20 seconds added to the pitstop time as a result of Hill’s Pro status, it saw the #23 machine return to the race in 12th place overall, and 5th in the GT Class.

Hill was utilising the 650bhp and incredible grip work to his advantage, as he gradually worked his way past car after car, eventually passing the Ferrari of McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown and his son Max, and then the Rollcentre Racing Mosler to take the lead – and fastest lap – and seal Victory in the GT Class  by  over 14 seconds.

“That was just sensational! beamed Hill  “Colin gave me a great car and it was just superb. Thanks so much to Colin and the team for giving me this opportunity – a real dream come true” 

Starting Sunday’s race in P8 overall Sowter again started and in a brilliant run handed to Hill to aim to emulate Saturday’s result. However a lengthy Safety Car mean there were just 6 minutes remaining of the race so officials restarted…just after waving Hill past the Safety Car to unlap himself, putting them a lap down, and despite again setting fastest lap had to settle for a frustrated 4th in the GT class.

“Such a shame. Colin was going so well, and we just got really unlucky with the Safety Car. Still, I loved driving this car – thanks so much again to Colin”

Historic Touring Car Challenge

Originally scheduled to share Ric Wood’s Calsonic-liveried Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R, plans were changed after the car suffered engine damage and was withdrawn, resulting in Hill joining Ric’s brother Julian in the iconic Black, Purple and Green HKS-liveried Skyline.

Qualifying P2 overall with just one flying lap from Hill – ensuring Wood had maximum driving time, Wood started the first 40 minute race and found pace over his qualifying time, handing over to Hill in 22nd place on lap 7, emerging in 20th and on a mission. As the race unfolded, Hill managed to work his way up to a remarkable P6 overall – with fastest lap – and 2nd of the Nissan Skylines.

“That was fun! Just a great car to drive and Julian made great progress, and the car ran fantastically well – great to get fastest lap too. Thanks to Jules and Ric for getting me on board”

Race two on Sunday – again over 40 minutes – saw Wood hugely improve on lap times, finding almost three seconds over his qualifying pace, and once Hill was on board – taking over from 16th place this time, charged hard to get into the top six, and on the final lap passed Touring Car legend Steve Soper to take 4th place, and another fastest lap.

“We changed the set-up overnight and it was way better – over a second quicker. Again great job by Jules, and chuffed to have passed my friend Steve at the end – hope I am still that quick at 73!

HRDC ‘Top Hat’ Pre 1966 Touring Cars

Again joining Colin Sowter in his distinctive Orange and Black 1965 Ford Mustang, qualifying started on a damp track, meaning lap times were improving constantly.

After Sowter had put in solid laps early on, Hill clambered on board and was immediately flying  – challenging the strong 44-car field including former BTCC ace Sam Tordoff, 2003 Le Mans winner Guy Smith, Le Mans racer Alex Brundle and Sir Chris Hoy.

Pole Position changed by the lap, and at the end Hill put in two sensational laps to take Pole Position from Tordoff by 1.042 seconds.

“The car was just incredible. Beautifully balanced, and we timed it perfectly to be last one out – this is my second Pole Position in this race and a really special one – great job by Lewis, Chris and Steve from Superformance”

Sowter started and almost immediately into Copse Corner was caught up in a tangle with Haddon and Read, spun off the circuit and into retirement with damaged suspension.

“I just feel so bad for Colin –  he was completely innocent and we would have been in such good shape. Sadly these things can happen, so sorry for him and the whole team”

Speaking after an enjoyable weekend, Hill said: “A Win, Pole and two fastest laps in the GT1 Nissan, two fastest laps and two class podiums in the Nissan Skyline, and Pole in the Mustang, so overall very pleasing. Mainly though a massive thanks to Colin and Julian for trusting me with their cars – I always love this event – hope to be back next year”

Images courtesy of Rob Schaverien and Simon Hill