Shropshire Tourist Information and Visitor Guide

Darracq at Curborough by Peter McFadyen; www.petermcfadyen.co.uk

The French built car was exported to the USA in 1906 with the sole purpose to break records and became the first petrol car to cover two miles in under a minute and set a world land speed record of 109.65mph. On returning to Europe the car broke many records and at Saltburn Sands, in Yorkshire, on 28 June 1908, Sir Algernon Lee Guinness achieved the fastest time of the day (breaking British and European records for a flying kilometre), setting the car's highest recorded speed of 121.57mph.

The car has a fearsome 25.4 litre engine and is thought to be the oldest surviving V8 car in existence. Now in the ownership of a VSCC member, the car will headline the popular Edwardian Class at the event which will attract in excess of twenty rare Edwardian Racing Cars, an unmissible part of the event which will see over 120 Vintage (built before 1931) and pre-war cars (built before the outbreak of WW11) from marques such as Alvis, Austin, Bentley, MG, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Riley, Aston Martin, Delage, Morgan, and ERA trying to achieve the fastest time in their particular class and more coveted awards such as fastest time of the day overall.

Spectators on both days will be able to see the action from various vantage points along the course and see, hear and smell the excitement generated by the exhilaration of a variety of racing and sports cars making their way at speed “up the hill”.

Practice commences on Saturday 4 September, competitors will be in action on the hill from 10.00 am until late afternoon. Sunday 5 September is the main day when competitors will run in order completing two runs against the clock each, again starting at 10.00am until late afternoon. Parking is available at the hill close to the action and there should be lots of refreshments to enjoy. Access to the paddock is free, so you can get close to the cars and speak to the drivers. Overnight camping is available for a small charge (approximately £6).

Vintage and classic cars will have dedicated parking areas close to the paddock forming an added viewing attraction.

Saturday admission is £6 on the day (or £5 in advance), Sunday admission is £10 on the day (or £8 in advance, to purchase advance tickets please call 01608 644999 or visit www.vscc.co.uk/shop). Further discounts are available for VSCC members, under 16s go free.

Loton Park is 9 miles west of Shrewsbury. Turn off the A458 Shrewsbury-Welshpool road onto the B4393 towards the village of Alberbury where the venue is sign posted.

For information contact Gillian Carr at gillian.carr@vscc.co.uk , see www.vscc.co.uk

Photo:  "Darracq at Curborough" by Peter McFadyen; www.petermcfadyen.co.uk