NEWS

Loton Park Hill Climb next up in the 2017 VSCC Speed Championship this weekend

Friday 26 May 2017

Continuing the busy start to this year’s Speed Championship with fantastic events at Curborough and Wiscombe Park earlier this month, the Club look forward to its annual Loton Park Hill Climb this weekend 27/28 May at the popular Shropshire venue.
Moving from its traditional September date of recent years, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the VSCC’s first visit to the venue in 1992, which has since become one of the most popular events on the calendar with Competitors and Spectators alike.  
 
A whole host of celebrated manufacturers will be represented amongst the 150 Pre-war and Historic cars taking part, with examples from the likes of Austin, Bentley, Alvis, MG, Frazer Nash, Riley, Lagonda, Talbot and Wolseley; from noble Pre-1918 Edwardians to famed Pre-1961 Racers, six decades of motoring history will be on show across the full complement of Pre-war classes for both road-going and racing machinery, as well as Invited Post-war classes.
 
The ancestral home to the Leighton Family for over 300 years, and set within the confines of the Estate’s picturesque deer park near Alberbury, Loton’s 1475 yards course is a great challenge for both car and driver, with Competitors receiving two Practice Runs on Saturday and two Timed Runs towards the main competition on Sunday.

Following Class victory and runner-up overall amongst the Pre-war line-up last year, expect Ian Baxter to challenge for ‘FTD’ honours at Loton this weekend in his famed ex-George Abecassis Alta 61 I.S. Single Seater. He will face stiff competition from the likes of fellow Class frontrunner, Tim Greenhill in his Wolseley Hornet Special, as well as perennial challenger, Julian Grimwade in the Frazer Nash Norris Special and the Hispano-Amilcar of Tom Walker, fastest Pre-war entrant last year.
 
The Walker family are well represented across the weekend’s entry, including Tom’s brother Mark, who shares the GN Thunderbug with his son Hughie, whose sister Annie enjoys only her second competitive outing in the 1913 Peugeot Bebe.
 
An astounding third place overall and Fastest Sports-Car accolade in his Riley Special at Wiscombe will surely see Greg Lerigo as one of the favourites for top Sports-Cars honours ahead of the Frazer Nash pairing of Jo Blakeney-Edwards and Club President, Geoff Smith, although Justin Maeers will likely have something to say in the 6-litre Cirrus-engined GN Parker Special.
 
And we expect a trans-Atlantic victory in the well-supported Pre-1918 Edwardian classes, with Hugh Mackintosh’s Hudson Super Six and Ian Seymour-Smith in Michael Sharpe’s unique Mitchell Board Racer likely to lead the way.
 
With many Competitors, Marshals and Spectators camping onsite for the duration of the weekend, Loton is truly one of the most social events on the Club’s extensive calendar, highlighted by the traditional Saturday evening Hog Roast organised by our loyal band of local Members.
 
Loton Park boasts some of the best spectator vantage points amongst all Hill Climbs around the UK and, as at all VSCC events, access to the Competitor Paddock is free, where Spectators can get up close to the competing cars and drivers, whilst there will also be Trade Stands and Autojumble to explore and catering facilities available throughout the weekend.
 
Practice begins at 9.30am on Saturday and the Timed Runs begin at 9.45am on Sunday with Lunch Break scheduled from approximately 1.00-2.00pm each day.
 
For those who have not purchased in advance, Tickets are available 'On the Gate' at £10 each day and Children under 16 go free all weekend whilst Camping is also available onsite on Friday and Saturday.
 
Directions:
Loton Park is 9 miles west of Shrewsbury. Turn off the A458 Shrewsbury to Welshpool road to the village of Alberbury and the hill is just beyond the village. It’s just a short hop down the M54 from the Midlands.
VSCC Loton Park Hill Climb_2017