Dartmoor motorsport fans set for South West's biggest hillclimb weekend

Motorsport enthusiasts from across Dartmoor are expected to make the trip to Wiscombe Park, near Honiton, later this month as the iconic venue stages the biggest event in its calendar – the British Hillclimb Championship on July 25 and 26.

The championship weekend also marks a major milestone for organisers Woolbridge Motor Club, who are celebrating 50 years of running hillclimb events at the picturesque East Devon venue.

Regarded as one of Britain's premier hillclimb courses, Wiscombe Park has hosted British Championship rounds every year since 1962. Its demanding layout of two fast straights and three challenging hairpins, set within the grounds of a stunning 19th-century country estate, has earned it a reputation as one of the drivers' favourite venues.

For Dartmoor fans, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness some of the country's fastest competition cars at close quarters. Unlike traditional race circuits, spectators can stand just feet from the action, experiencing the speed, sound and drama as the powerful single-seaters launch up the narrow hillside.

Hillclimbing is the oldest form of motorsport, dating back to 1899, and the British Championship has been contested since 1947. Today, it remains one of the most spectacular and technically demanding disciplines in British motorsport.

This year's title race promises to be one of the closest in recent memory. Double champion Matt Ryder and title challenger Will Hall arrive at Wiscombe tied at the top of the standings after 14 rounds. Both drive Gould GR59 Judd single-seaters capable of speeds approaching 180mph, with performance levels comparable to Formula One machinery over short distances.

Four-time champion Wallace Menzies remains firmly in contention in third place, just 14 points behind the leading pair, ensuring every run at Wiscombe could prove decisive in the championship battle.

Local interest will also be high with Plymouth driver Alex Coles returning to one of his favourite venues. The talented young Force TA driver is regarded as one of Britain's brightest hillclimbing prospects and will be aiming to challenge the established stars on home soil.

Adding an international flavour to the meeting are Australian champions Dean Tighe and Wayne Penrose, who shipped their cars to Britain over the winter to contest the full championship season.

Away from the competition, spectators can explore the open paddock, meet drivers and inspect the remarkable engineering behind the championship cars, which produce breathtaking acceleration over the 1,000-yard course. The event's welcoming atmosphere has long been one of Wiscombe's biggest attractions.

This year's championship is sponsored by Porsche Centre Exeter, which is celebrating 75 years of Porsche Great Britain. A display of the latest Porsche models will be showcased in the Porsche Paddock outside Wiscombe House throughout the weekend.

With championship honours on the line, world-class machinery, local talent and a golden anniversary for Woolbridge Motor Club, the British Hillclimb Championship promises an unforgettable weekend and one well worth the short journey for Dartmoor motorsport fans.

Tickets are available in advance and on the gate.