Prescott Speed Hill Climb

The gem in the crown of summer Vintage Sports-Car Club events, 250 Pre-war sports and racing cars will be in action over the weekend at the historic hill climb venue in Gloucestershire. The ultimate VSCC weekend; there is no other event that sums up the ethos of The Vintage Sports-Car Club because of the relaxed atmosphere, superb cars, hard competition, great company and a superb location.

If you are a potential spectator and have never attended the event before you will simply relish the relaxed ‘garden party atmosphere’ that this event enjoys.  This idyllic spot in Gloucestershire is steeped in nostalgia and it particularly comes alive on the first weekend in August.  Vintage car enthusiasts flock in their thousands to enjoy watching a splendid selection of Pre-war machinery tackle the hill, from cycle cars to ERA racing cars, a ‘Vintage Car’ enthusiast would be hard pressed not to find something of interest on the track.  

Off track the Vintage car park in the ‘Orchard’ throws up hidden gems year after year, this is a stunning location where members enjoy their picnics and entertain friends in idyllic surroundings.  Prescott enjoys a popular selection of trade stands, and of the Bugatti Trust Museum is open all weekend (entry is subject to a £3 voluntary contribution) to add some extra interest.  There are lots of super places to enjoy the action on the hill, from the popular ‘Orchard’ corner at the Bonhams Area or you can walk further up the hill and view at many safe locations.

What will I see?
The field of 250 cars will be in action over the weekend.  Split into 16 Classes you will see a wide representation of the Pre-war era from amenable Austin 7s to fierce Single Seater ERAs and ‘Vintage Specials’.  There are over 50 Pre-war marques entered for the competition; examples include…
Austin- Riley-Frazer Nash-Carden-Morgan-MG-Fiat-GN-Amilcar-Wolseley-Singer-Bugatti-Lea-Francis-Aston Martin-Triumph-Lagonda-Alvis-Citroen-Alta-Bentley-Alfa Romeo-Talbot- Delage-Hotchkiss-Vauxhall-Batten-Invicta-Brough Superior-Talbot Lago-Railton-Mercedes-Darracq-Sunbeam-Dodge -Panhard-Levassor-Theophile Schneider-Humber -AC-HRG-Delahaye-De Dion Bouton-Peugeot -ERA-Morris- Salmson –Maserati – Darracq – Vernon Derby -

Competition Format
Saturday is practice day; each car will have two runs up the hill, one in the morning, the second in the afternoon.  Practice during the day will be run in class order.  On Sunday competitors will make their official timed runs which count towards overall placings.  Again, the first is in the morning, the second is in the afternoon.  Runs start at 10.00am after the children’s bicycle and pedal car races (see below).

Other Highlights
There are many parades and special events taking place all weekend at Prescott.
The 100th Anniversary of the Hispano Suiza 'Alfonso' will be celebrated, four of these rare cars (including Lord Montague's car from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu) will parade during the lunch break on both days and be on display in the paddock over the weekend.

Another marque celebrating its 100th Anniversary is the Vauxhall D Type.  Eleven D-Types will parade including the staff car from Vauxhall Heritage that recently featured in the film 'War Horse'.

Children's Entertainment
There is a free bouncy castle for children to enjoy (all weekend!) and face painting from 50p for a small decoration to £1 for a full face paint.  Both activities are located in the Orchard near the trade area.

Trade Stands
There are 32 traders on site for the weekend.  They will be selling everything from rare Vintage Autojumble, car parts, spares, artwork, automobilia, clothing and books.  There are also many Pre-war motoring ‘services’ present with whom you can discuss future restoration projects and work.

Saturday Evening Entertainment
The bar area above the paddock is the focus of the Saturday night festivities.  Eureka Jazz will get the night underway early evening followed by ‘Vinyl Daze’  a Rock, Blues, Soul and Funk covers band.  Covering favourites from the past five decades including the Rolling Stones, Cream, The Beetles, Led Zepplin,  Kings of Leon, Vinyl Daze are sure to play some of your favourites from early rock, blues to modern pop.

Cinema
Drive in Movies’ will be showing on Friday and Saturday evening in the paddock.  Bring your chair and enjoy free films.  Click here to download the 2012 cinema poster.  

Disabled Facilities
Dedicated parking area (Blue Badge required) with easy access to Paddock (access to Upper Paddock via steep incline and may be inaccessible without assistance); toilet facilities in campsite, Orchard, Paddock, Restaurant and Bugatti Trust. Best viewing area on wooden deck adjacent to start line. Access to Club Shop with assistance only (under review). Visitors are advised to contact Bugatti Club Office for further information 01242 673136 or 679796 or email club@bugatti.co.uk   

Bicycle Races
There will be the usual Bicycle Racing on the Sunday morning starting at 9.00am including the Pedal Car Race. Races for children, ordinaries, safeties and tandems will be included. As is now the norm, bicycle races take place at approximately 9.00am.

If you would like to take part assemble from 8.30am with any type of bicycle in the paddock adjacent to the start line for scrutineering.  Races are organised for the under 10s, under 15s and all comers dependant on demand, weird and wonderful cycling machinery is to be encouraged!  If you do not have a bicycle with you do come along early to watch; you will see some wonderful machinery from Penny Farthings to unicycles!

The bike races are great fun and you can have fun practicing before the event in the campsite, but please, no bicycles in the paddock other than before assembling for the bicycle races. To satisfy our insurers all riders are again required to wear a bicycle helmet this year – you know it makes sense.

Timetable
Friday 3 August
NO access to the paddock until after 5.30pm

Saturday 4 August                              
Gates Open                                      7.30am
Practice commences                        9.30am
Lunch break                                     12.45pm – 1.45pm
Competition ends (approximately)    5.30pm
Cinema opens                                   6.30pm
Musical entertainment from 5.30pm until 11.00pm in the marquee next to The Clubhouse           

Sunday 5 August                
Gates Open                                      7.30am
Bicycle & Pedal Car Races               from 9.00am
Timed runs commence from             10.00am
Lunch break                                      12.45pm – 2.00pm
Competition ends (approximately)     5.30pm