Set in a deep valley in the rolling Devon countryside is Wiscombe Park hillclimb. The hillclimb is run by Woolbridge Motor Club and in addition to being a round of the Porsche hillclimb championship it is also a round of the British Hillclimb Championship. This means plenty of action at incredible speeds on this tight hill with lots of corners, camber changes and challenges for the driver to enjoy.
Saturday started with cool bright skies over Wiscombe Park. The early morning mist burning off rapidly to reveal blue skies and warm temperatures. There was a smaller than normal turnout for the championship round, with just the core of competitors attending. In practice Paul Howells set a new class record of 41.39 seconds a very impressive time. Robert also managed a new personal best with Peter, Ross and Simon all posting respectable times.
Sunday started slightly cooler, though once again the early morning mist burnt off leaving blue skies, with the track in great condition for the start of race day. The excellent weather bought out several Porsche club members and enthusiasts including Keith Seume, Editor of Classic Porsche in his beautiful 914.
Competition was close with Ross McDonald in the road going class posting a great final run to bring him a new personal best of 47.68 seconds just behind Simon Tarling with a 47.08 second climb. Overall race day times were faster than practice, with the surprising exception of Robert Lancaster-Gaye who was fractionally slower, though he still posted the fastest time of 45.20 second to take first place in the road going class.
In the race class, Peter Turnbull was extremely consistent with three times all within 3/100th’s of a second leading to his fastest time of 43.51 seconds. However, Paul Howells built upon the previous day’s practice and set another class record with a 41.23 second climb to take first place.
In summary, a great weekend’s motorsport, at a great track. Difficult, challenging and frustrating on almost every part, this track is highly rewarding. Great weather, close racing and good company; Wiscombe Park is a must do date in the diary for any serious competitor or spectator alike.
The next round of the Porsche Hillclimb championship is at Shelsley Walsh on 10 August, were competition is likely to be just as fierce and exciting.