Shropshire Star

Baxter aims for hat trick at Loton Park

This weekend competitors from the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) will travel from all over the UK to compete in their pre-war racing and sports-cars at Loton Park hill climb.

Published

This weekend competitors from the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) will travel from all over the UK to compete in their pre-war racing and sports-cars at Loton Park hill climb.

For the majority, the aim will be to be one of the fastest in their class and beat rivals in similar cars, but for a few the stakes are much higher.

A handful of top competitors will be hoping to walk away with the silver ware, and none more so than Yorkshireman, James Baxter who will be aiming to make it three in a row for fastest driver of the day.

Baxter, one of the most experienced competitors in the VSCC is no stranger to the award, having dominated VSCC hill climbs for the past decade driving his 1934 Frazer Nash Single Seater.

The VSCC has been holding its weekend event for pre-war cars for over 20 years; and Baxter has been the fastest on track for the past two. He will be looking to seal the coveted hat trick but his rivals will make it no easy task.

Trevor John travels from the south west to race his famous AC/GN "Cognac Special", a fast, original hill climb car from the pre-war era. Paul Richardson's ERA R14B, one of the great pre-war "Voiturette" racers will also be in contention.

Two Staffordshire-based Hispano/Amilcars grace Class 16. Anthony Howat's 27-litre monster will eat up the 1.34-metre track.

Robin Baker drives a smaller capacity, yet more nimble 11.7 litre car which 1930 Hispano/Amilcar which is a delight to see in full flight. Loton Park is Baker's favourite venue.

Nearly 200 cars will be in action over the weekend, from baby 747cc Austin 7s to aero-engined Edwardian racers.

Each competitor will make two practice runs on Saturday and two timed runs (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) on Sunday. There will be an early lunch break on the Sunday from 10.30am – 12.00am.

To buy tickets in advance please call 01608 644999 or visit www.vscc.co.uk