VSCC Take 300 Cars to Prescott This Weekend!

As is the long-standing tradition, the Vintage Sports-Car Club heads to Gloucestershire this weekend for their undoubted ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Vintage motorsport year – the historic Prescott Vintage Speed Hill Climb, first held in 1938.
 
Over 300 of the finest Pre-war Racing and Sports-Cars will be in action at the famous venue near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire from today, Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August, many having travelled from all over the world to compete, with representatives from evocative marques of this special era of motoring, including Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Aston Martin, Frazer Nash, ERA and more. Following the great success of last year’s three-day format in celebration of the Club’s 80th Anniversary, they have brought back the additional one-day ‘Long Course’ event, taking place at Prescott today (Friday 31 July). This follows the familiar format of their other one-day hill climbs, with morning Practice Runs followed by the Competitive Runs in the afternoon.
 
The day will again see around 140-competitors tackle Prescott’s longer configuration, including Ettore’s Loop, which proved such a hit last year whilst also offering a Post-war Class for Pre-1961 Historic Racing Cars, including F3 (500) machinery and 1950s Sports Cars.

This will be followed by the traditional, much-loved Prescott Speed Hill Climb two-day event, accommodating the standard capacity entry of 260-competing Pre-war cars, with practice on Saturday and competitive runs on Sunday, whilst they also welcome an incredible ‘world record’ display of original Riley Sprites as part of their own 80th Anniversary celebrations this year, of which five of the historic examples will compete.
 
Also amongst the stunning line-up taking part in the weekend’s competitions will be last year’s all-conquering ERA R4A, alongside sister cars R7B and R12C. There is also a welcome return for Matt Grist’s Alfa Romeo P3 – victorious at the 2014 Monaco Historic Grand Prix – having not competed at Prescott since 2008. Over a dozen of Molsheim’s finest Bugattis will be on display at the home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club whilst celebrated GN-based Shelsley Vintage Specials, GNat and Spider amongst others will participate. Mark Walker’s 1905 Darracq and Mike Vardy’s behemoth Fiat/Isotta Fraschini are certain to draw the crowds amongst the Edwardian Classes whilst twenty Vauxhall 30-98s will ensure the Vintage Sports-Car remains front-and-centre.
 
As well as the thrilling action on track there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy. Spectators are free to explore the Competitor Paddock, where they can get up close to the racing cars and drivers, whilst the annual gathering of Spectator Pre-war Cars in the Orchard is always worth the entry price alone. Renowned international auction house and club principal associates, Bonhams, will also provide another impressive display of cars from their upcoming sales, whilst also hosting a Vintage Champagne Reception in memory of VSCC Past President, Bulletin Editor and all-around Historic motoring hero, ‘Steady’ Barker, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The fine trade village and ‘Autojumble’ will surely offer something to suit all interests, whilst the children’s entertainment srea, including bouncy castle and sweet and games stall, ensures there will be plenty to keep our younger enthusiasts occupied. With the traditional morning bicycle races and the Eureka Jazz Band lunchtime parade up the hill on Sunday and plenty of catering facilities available on site throughout the weekend, the event is the ideal family day out!
 
Track action starts at 9.30am on Friday and Saturday, whilst the bicycle races will start Sunday's activities at 9.00am.


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