The ground-breaking Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb will officially launch in Cornwall this week, as the 15/16 September motorsport event will become the first closed public-road Hillclimb to take place in mainland UK.
Located at the seaside resort of Watergate Bay near Newquay, Cornwall, the landmark event will see around 100 cars and competitors compete against the clock along the B3276 coast road. Starting just yards from the Atlantic shoreline, the course winds its way up the 720-metre climb in this innovative motorsport weekend.
Jointly organised by Truro and District Motor Club, Newquay Auto Club and Plymouth Motor Club, Watergate will mark a first for Cornwall and the UK thanks to the passing of a new law in Parliament which enables the suspension of the Road Traffic Act for motorsport events. It will be sanctioned by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) which governs the sport in the UK.
From an idea in 2013 by Truro Motor Club Competition Secretary and now Deputy Event Director of Watergate Bay Hillclimb Dave Brenton, the concept has grown significantly in strength and has gained support from a wealth of local businesses who are keen to see the event become an annual event.
Organisers will also ensure local charities benefit from the weekend, with all profits being donated to the Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation, which includes Jamie Oliver’s apprentice training scheme at the nearby Fifteen restaurant. Representatives from both charities and the organising team gathered recently to officially launch the event.
Since the announcement earlier in the year, competitors from across the UK have been marking their intention to contest the hillclimb and organisers are anticipating a packed entry in September. With a limited number of places available each day, entries will open this weekend and can only be made on the official event website.
“We have been inundated with requests for regulations and entries for several months now so it’s all set to be a momentous event for Cornwall and the UK,” says Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton.
“It has taken many years of planning and we are indebted to the assistance of local businesses, councils and landowners for their support in getting the event off the ground.
There is a thriving motorsport scene in the South West at the moment but Watergate Bay will bring competitors, families and officials from all over the country to the region for the weekend which is great for the local economy and of course our charities.
It’s an exciting time for the sport and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Watergate Bay in September”.
Information for spectators and more details on access, displays and timings will be available over the next few weeks on the official website.
Competitors wishing to enter the inaugural Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb are advised that regulations will be available this week, with entries opening on Sunday at 8pm. They can be made only by visiting www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
Volunteer Marshals are also required to help run a safe and smooth event. Please contact the event Chief Marshal Neil Gould via the website to register your interest.
Organisers have arranged a media launch event on Saturday 14th July at midday in WAX, Watergate Bay. The event offers the chance to talk to organisers, supporters and sponsors during the afternoon. If you wish to attend, please get in touch with Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton – Tel: 07748 593005
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