Prescott Speed Hill Climb

Bugatti Owners’ Club, Prescott Hill, Gotherington, Cheltenham, GL52 9RD

Vintage CarHaving hosted racing events for over 70 years, the Prescott Speed Hill Climb offers old-fashioned racing within the rolling green pastures of Gloucestershire. North of Cheltenham and just outside of the village of Gotherington, the Bugatti Owners Club owns this hill climb track with events first held at this location since 1938. An eclectic mix of cars race here and past participants of racing at Prescott Speed Hill Climb include Sir Stirling Moss and Graham Hill – former British Formula One drivers.

The course is just over 0.6 miles long with over 200 feet of elevation. The current record holder for the course is 2012 Hill Climb champion, Trevor Willis. A short course shares the same site and is exclusively used by the Vintage Sports Car Club for its annual event.

Getting There

The track lies between Gotherington and Gretton and is clearly signposted with RAC signs from the A435. Access to the A435 is via junction 9 off the M5 or via the A40 from London. There is free parking available at the venue.

Events

Events are held during the summer months. The British Speed Hill Climb Championship conducts a round here, which features cars that can reach 60 miles per hour in under 2 seconds. Within this event, there are smaller races and challenges where spectators will see a fantastic array of cars that range from classic to modern. La Vie En Bleu features the best that French racing has to offer and includes French themed entertainment for the spectators.

Vintage and classic cars make regular appearances during the race season, as well. Events featuring these cars include the American Stars and Stripes weekend, which features classic American cars, as well as the Vintage Weekend that celebrates all that vintage and classic cars have to offer. During the events, there are numerous trade stands and displays for visitors to peruse with the opportunity to purchase racing memorabilia.

Drivers School

Also hosted during the summer months, is the Prescott Drivers School where visitors can take to the track in their own cars with tuition from qualified instructors. The school gives drivers the opportunity to get a taste of hill climb racing and further develop their driving skills. A buffet lunch is provided on the day and drivers can bring a guest for an extra fee.

Facilities

For some events, spectators have the option to camp with pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes available. Within the Clubhouse, there is a food terrace and restaurant serving up a range of meals during all of the events. The terrace has views across the Cotswolds and the restaurant has several large screens that show live racing. Furthermore, there are large areas of paddock for spectators to walk around with plenty of spots for picnics. There is good access for visitors with limited mobility, including a dedicated parking area and adapted toilets.

Cost

Ticket prices vary from event to event with discounts being offered for members of the Bugatti Owners Club. Visitors under the age of 14 are given free entry to all events.