Tilley close to world crown

WHITTLESEY racer Scott Tilley has finished second in the World Formula 2 Hovercraft Championships in France. In his first season after moving up from Formula 3, Scott, 28, produced a superb performance at the championships held in Lac du Tolerme, at the w

WHITTLESEY racer Scott Tilley has finished second in the World Formula 2 Hovercraft Championships in France.

In his first season after moving up from Formula 3, Scott, 28, produced a superb performance at the championships held in Lac du Tolerme, at the weekend.

Facing 35 of the world's best racers, Scott gave everything and the destiny of the world title was not decided until the dramatic final race, when he challenged Canadian Chris Barczynski for the winners' trophy.

Scott got his championships off to the perfect start, winning both of the opening two races but he was forced to recover from a bad third race, in which his craft failed to start on the grid.

He said: "I managed to catch a few people but then the race was red-flagged and I lost ground on the championship leader."

With two races left, Scott had to win both and he took the title to the wire when he won the first race. However, bad luck in the second robbed him of a dream result.

Scott said: "I got off to a bad start in the final race but as I pushed hard to recover and catch Chris, I flipped the craft and had to settle for second place."

He added: "I am disappointed not to win the title but I am also pleased to have performed so well in my first major championships at this level."

Scott can now concentrate on the British Championships, in which he is challenging for the national title with only two races left.