Classic cars set to tackle famous Bo’ness hill climb event
Classic cars set to tackle famous hill climb event
Scotland’s oldest motor racing venue will be echoing to the sound of thousands of horsepower this weekend as the annual Bo’ness Speed Hill Climb and Motoring Heritage Weekend takes place.
Held on the Kinneil Estate, the two-day event — known as the Goodwood of the North — sees a host of legendary cars take on the challenging climb as well as offering fans access to one of Scotland’s most impressive classic car shows.
A total of 115 cars will be taking to the track over the weekend of 3-4 September, with models dating from 1913 up to the 1970s competing. Performance vehicles from iconic manufacturers such as Porsche, Lotus, Bentley and Aston Martin will be classed by age and type and then pitted against each other to see who can conquer the course in the best time.
The competition draws entries from far and wide — Kevin Wooding is making the trek from Farnham in Surrey with his 1952 Jaguar XK120. His effort, however, is put in the shade somewhat by Iain Third, who is travelling the 10,000 miles from sydney, australia to compete atBo’ ness in the car his late father used to race at the track.
Support from the event’s main commercial partner — Peoples Ford — and funding from Eventscotland has seen a considerable upgrade to the venue for this year. As well as improvements to the track, changes have been made to the spectator area to offer better access and viewing for visitors.
As well as the non-stop action on the track, there is plenty more to see and do over the weekend. There’s a trade village, memorabilia and food stalls along with children’s attractions and demonstration drives.
This year, the ever-popular classic car show returns with an added twist. As part of the expanded Motoring Heritage Weekend some of the 350 display vehicles will embark on a run to the historic Rest and Be Thankful hill climb site near Arrochar on the Saturday.
Kenny Baird, chairman of Bo’ness Hill Climb Revival, said: “our new venue layout should prove popular with spectators and drivers alike plus the hugely expanded heritage Weekend show is an attraction no-one wants to miss .”
Paul Bush OBE, director of events at Visitscotland added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Bo’ness Speed Hill Climb once again this year.
“Scotland is the perfect stage for motorsport events, and the two-day event will undoubtedly prove popular with visitors who will get the chance to see a variety of classic cars in the car show as well as enjoy the historic racing action, all within the fantastic setting of the Kinneil Estate.”
First used in 1934 the Kinneil Estate track was the site of regular race meets for more than 30 years and attracted a host of the country’s best drivers such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss.
It was closed in 1966 and lay unused until a group of motorsport enthusiasts joined forces with Falkirk Council to resurrect it in 2008. Since then the event has grown in popularity and has drawn favourable comparisons with other major UK hill climb meets.
This year’s Bo’ness Speed Hill Climb and Motoring Heritage Weekend takes place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September. Entry is £10 for adults per day and is free to accompanied children under 15. Early Bird pre-event discounted tickets will be available online from www.bonesshillclimb.org.uk.