In brief, February 2009

* After a two-month delay, Steven Smith and John Nichols have been confirmed as winners of the 2008 Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship title. Their Porsche 911 was initially denied points from the Tour of Flanders in September over a technical eligibility issue, but last week the MSA’s National Court ruled that their points be reinstated.

* The famous VW Beetle-Chevrolet of Mick Hill could be back on the track in 2009 having been saved from being scrapped and meticulously rebuilt by Lancastrian Dave Taylor. Based on the tub of a Trojan Formula 5000, the Super Saloon was raced with great success in the late 1970s by Hill and Doug Niven.

* Seventy-four years after its debut, an ex-works ‘Cream Cracker’ MG P-Type Midget has returned to trialling in the hands of new owner Brandon Smith-Hilliard (left). Initially driven in trials in the 1930s by Jack Bastock, the MG had been owned by Ian Williamson for 20 years but has now been taken back into competition by sometime Maserati 250F racer Smith-Hilliard.

* Motor Racing Legends has announced the overall winners of its three race series for 2008. Michael Strasoldo (Talbot 105) won the Pre-War Sports Car Series, Jamie McIntyre (Lister Chevrolet) collected the BRDC Historic Sportscars title and Adrian Hall (Lotus X) won the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy.

* Six weekends of speed hillclimbing will make up the 104th season of competition at Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire. As well as two visits from the British Hillclimb Championship on May 30/31 and August 15/16, the season will include the annual vintage meeting on Sunday July 5 and the Midsummer and Classic Meeting on July 18/19.