Page 106 - Paddock Life Issue 13 ADRENALINE

always crowd pleasers, but the local crowd have a soft spot for the C and D type Jaguars, altogether a fantastic and varied turn out of cars ageing from Edwardian and Veteran cars, through pre ‘40’s into the 60’s all being driven to their limits by their slightly eccentric owners...
The race event ran like clockwork, maybe at this point I should say Simon Carter Menswear (you know the guy who does those amazing funky cufflinks) was the timing partner. There were no long pauses in action with the next class of cars coming to the start line almost as soon as the previous had crossed the finish. Very slick indeed.
The top 25 cars were all within 5 seconds of each other so it was a close weekends motorsport. Jack Woodhouse smashed the course record to below 40 seconds for the first time ever on Sunday morning in his Lotus 20/22. Groups of Supercars, including a Bugatti Chiron, entertained the crowds and a great display of Group 4 rally cars going up the hill was a highlight, especially the locally built Metro 6R4 – what a machine. Saturday had a fly by from the Red Arrows and Sunday saw a Lancaster Bomber make several dramatic low passes, which just added to the entertainment value.
So by Sunday evening when the trophies were presented, Saturdays Gala dinner was a distant memory as around 20 million pounds worth of cars were loaded back onto trailers and 16,000 spectators made their way home and great time was had by all.
Event Director Rod Spollon said. “We are delighted with the growing success of Chateau Impney Hill Climb which simply could not happen without the support of all who contribute and attend each year. 2017 has been a special anniversary year and has seen the event develop, achieving a step forward from last year. We look forward to raising the bar again in 2018”
Paddock Life certainly thinks this is a must-go to event for 2018 and we are already planning our presence at the Chateau. Goodwood is fantastic, but we think this could be the one to be at next summer. There is so much potential for some major brands to add value to an already slick event and the central countryside location affords easy access, the ideas are already flying around the Paddock Life office as we pack our bags for Pebble Beach, after all, what’s the old saying? “Location, location, location” Well the Chateau Impney certainly is an amazing location... watch this space and save the dates July 7th and 8th and we’ll see you there...
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