Page 30 - Cool Britannia

JULYThe Hagley and District Light Car Club organised its frst sprint in the grounds of the Chateu Impney hotel on 29 September 1957. Welcoming all the leading hill climb competitors of the day, the Chateau was hailed by Autocar magazine as “easily the most picturesque of this country’s sprint and hill climb venues.” Chateau Impney’s original speed events epitomised the golden era of motorsport, when amateur and professional drivers competed alongside one another in the fastest cars of the day and across every discipline of motorsport.This impressive heritage, combined with a breathtaking setting, paved the way for motorsport’s return to Droitwich, and in 2015, the speed trials were relaunched as the Chateau Impney Hill Climb – almost 60 years since motorsport frst came to the Chateau. The inaugural event was praised by competitors and spectators alike, with particular acclaim going to the new course. Double the length of the original track yet still rooted within the stunning grounds of the unique and historic Chateau Impney, the MSA-approved Hill Climb course proved challenging for even the most experienced competitors. Almost 10,000 people attended the 2015 event, and the event has gone from strength to strength each year, welcoming more and more spectators and cementing its place as one of the most anticipated events on the motorsport calendar. So for something a little close to home and a good dose of nostalgia (without pay Lord March’s prices) have a trundle up (or down) to the Midlands, you won’t be disappointed.Formula 1 one returns to its spiritual home of Silverstone, followed the week after by Silverstone Classic, which is a little more relaxed than the British Grand Prix but with reak racing and a great party atmosphere. A much better value propostion for a weekend out.Blancpain Total 24 Hours of Spa In case you can’t wait for the F1 boys to tear up the famous Spa circuit then head for Belgium in July for the Blancpain Total 24 Hours of Spa and see the big, angry GT cars tear this place up all day and all night – camp, motorhome, drink and eat your way through – it’s an experience.Then there is DirtQuake, one of my favourites on the calendar and for those of you who enjoy a sport where clearly the competitors have removed their brain and thought of injury is completely supressed then make your way to the glamorous Adrian Flux Arena in Kings Lynn 7-9th July for the annual bout of lunacy that is DirtQuake. The concept is simple: race anything that could pass an MOT, in the same kit you’d ride on the street, a particular favourite with the likes of Guy Martin, Carl Fogarty and a host of other idiots – miss this one at your peril.30