Chateau Impney h’climb
This year’s Chateau Impney motor sport revival enjoyed plenty of theatre
It’s just four years since motor sport returned to Chateau Impney, but this two-day pre-1967 extravaganza has already become a must-see event with its rich and varied grids, equally varied integral classic car show, spectacular setting and relaxed atmosphere.
The original Chateau Impney Hillclimb took place between 1957 and 1967, so the weekend is very much a revival event. Back then the course was around 500 yards long, but the length was doubled to almost 1000 yards when the hill climb was first brought back.
Incredibly, just a year after the original Chateau Impney Hillclimb was run, David Small commissioned the intriguing VW-based Okrasa Special in 1958. He completed just five miles in it before it was laid up for more than half a century. New owner, Steve Wright, has recommissioned the mid-engined aluminium car and managed to get the odometer up to 47 miles over the weekend.
As well as a trader village, funfair and supercar paddock, there were various parade laps in between the races. Among those taking part was the incredible V16 BRM that the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu recently got running, while a new group for rallying enthusiasts was also there in force. Called Ralli 22 and formed only last September, the group is for pre-2004 Group A, N and WRC cars. Among the significant cars there was Colin McRae’s Subaru Impreza WRC and Carlos Sainz’s Focus WRC, and despite their historical importance their owners weren’t afraid to show what they could do – much to the delight of the spectators who lined the course.