MORE THAN 10,000 spectators are expected to descend on Droitwich in the summer for the first Chateau Impney Hill Climb in almost half a century.
The two-day event – on July 11 and 12 – will also bring 200 racers to the town and provide a massive boost for the local economy.
Finer details of the race, which was famous in the 1950s and 60s, were revealed at a prestigious and high profile launch at the hotel on Wednesday night (January 7).
General admission tickets will start from £21 and, with the organisers vying to make the extravaganza as family-friendly as possible, all children under 16 will go free with a paying adult.
Visitors have been promised fantastic days out where they will be able to see drivers and their vintage, pre-1967, vehicles tackle the course which, at 1,000 yeards long, is double the length of the previous one.
The hill climb has already attracted interest from an range of competitors and cars from across Europe.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the Concours d’Elegance, a showcase of classic and vintage cars that will feature more than 100 specialist trade and memorabilia stalls and a classic car auction.
And, unlike other races, there will be an opportunity for people to look around the paddock and get up close and personal with cars and their owners.
To ensure spectator safety, more than 20,000 tyres will be used to line the track along with numerous hay bales and large screens will be put in all the public areas guaranteeing that no one will miss even a second of the action.
Rod Spollon, hotel owner and Chateau Impney Hill Climb Club chairman, said he wanted an event everyone could enjoy and one which included as much of the local community as possible.
He added Chateau rooms would be available to competitors meaning the 10,000 estimated guests would need to use other accommodation in the area, bringing cash to a variety of businesses in the town.
He said there would be space for 24 food and drink stalls for local providers to showcase their products and provide refreshments – eight of which had already been snapped up.
Mr Spollon said: “A lot of time has been taken to speak with past competitors and ask what was so special about the event.
“They said it had a real family spirit to them we feel this all inclusiveness should be the core ethos of the event.
“We have been overwhelmed with the level of support we have received – not just from the motoring community but the local one as well, it could not take place without them.
“The return of motorsport to Chateau Impney is a truly momentous occasion.
“The thrilling atmosphere of the hill climb offers a great way for young people to get excited about motorsport and find out more about it.
“We are proud to be in Droitwich and we want to show the best of what Droitwich has to offer.”
Motorsport will return to the Chateau Impney after almost 50 years. s
The sound of revving engines and the smell of burning rubber will be experienced again in Droitwich. s
Rod Spollon with Coun Bob Brookes, the mayor of Droitwich Spa, at Wednesday’s prestigious launch. s
