Orleton's Scott Moran aims to win his 'man against machine’ battle in this year's MSA British Hill Climb campaign (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Orleton's Scott Moran aims to win his 'man against machine’ battle in this year's MSA British Hill Climb campaign

3:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

SCOTT Moran knows he needs to win his ‘man against machine’ battle to regain the MSA British Hill Climb title this year.

The three-time champion says he’s ‘frustrated’ that he cannot invest in his own car but doesn’t fear being left behind.

“The cars of my rivals are getting better, which could be problematic for my challenge,” said the 37-year-old from Orleton.

“Most of their cars are lighter and more agile and they also don’t have to stop as much because their cars are a lot smaller now.

“My car still remains largely as is, which is frustrating, as it is little a bit too heavy now.

“Ultimately, it comes down to the person behind the wheel, and I’d certainly say I’m in with a shout of winning the title again.

“You need the experience of the track, for some of these guys it’s only their second or third time round. That gives me an edge.”

Scott relinquished his title last season after being beaten by Trevor Willis.

The new Hillclimb season gets under way at the end of April in Prescott, Tewkesbury.

Scott, who holds the track record he set in 2007 with a time of 36.35 seconds, still has faith in the car, which he shares with his dad Roger, a fellow competitor.

Scott said: “My car is still faster than a lot of them over the straights, despite the weight difference, and I’ve had it since 2005 so I know it well.

“Also, this car is the most successful in the British Hill Climb Championships. “Between me and my dad, it has more than 100 wins.”