A SPEED HILL-CLIMB IN THE WEST COUNTRY

July 7th 2014

Nowadays, when good sprint courses are few and far between, every support should be given to speed trials and hillclimbs that promise something more than just an afternoon of tame sport for a local club. Last year, with com

mendable enterprise, the Bristol Motor Cycle and Light Car Club held a hillari-nb at the Backwell Hill House Estate, near Bristol. which, solely on account of very little mention beforehand, became a rather depressingly supported event. Hartwell’s M.G. Magnette recorded the fastest time, and competitors realised that the course had very distinct possibilities. About 4,000 spectators attended. This year the Bristol Club is going allout to make this West-Country hill-climb a really important fixture. Apart from their own members, those of the M.G.C.C., West Hants L.C.C., Sutton Coldfield and N. Birmingham A.C., the Cambridge University A.C. and the Bugatti Owners’ Club are invited. Although entries, limited to fifty, do not close until July 17th, first post, all arrangements for the climb on July 25th are complete. Mr. William Garnett is again loaning the hill and is actually having it re-surfaced for the occasion. The course measures 550 yards, the gradient varies from 1 in 7.1 to 1 in 9.75, there are several slight bends, and one acute left-hand bend where there is an ample safety area. Cars start on a gradient on 1 in 9.8 and the surface the whole way is new tarmac. Loud-speakers, large car parks and a wire safety fence will be provided, and some 8,000 spectators are expected. 2.30 p.m. is

the scheduled starting time. Classes for racing and sports cars from 850 c.c. up to 3,000 c.c. and 4,500 c.c. respectively, are arranged, every car, having two runs. The entry fees are very modest—. 7/6 for the first class, 5/for each subsequent class which includes thirdparty insurance for the driver. Tankards and cups figure in the awards list, a special cup going to the fastest racing car, likewise to the best sports car. Times will be issued to all competitors immediately after the event. It is to be hoped that the Bristol Club .will receive the entry list its efforts deserve. The date is July 25th, when the calendar is not crowded. Bristol is 114k miles from London. Particulars from J. Waller Esq., ” Woodlands,” Bower Ashton, Bristol. Telephone Bristol 63073.