The ground-breaking Cornish motorsport event Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb will be re-vamped in 2021, re-launching as Watergate Sprint.
Scheduled to take place on 18th and 19th September, the popular closed-road event will see a new look for 2021 as it changes from the previous Hillclimb format to utilise a different section of the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay.
With building works scheduled to take place in Watergate Bay itself during September, the lack of suitable start and car parking at the base of the course has meant that the traditional hillclimb format would not be able to go ahead as planned in 2021.
However, the forward-thinking organising team from the three promoting motor clubs, Truro and District Motor Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Newquay Auto Club moved quickly to seek an alternative format, creating the Watergate Sprint which will see the coastal road surrounding the traditional Boardmasters venue play host to around 100 cars and competitors tackling the new course against the clock.
First run in 2018, the Newquay based event became the first hillclimb in the country to take advantage of new legislation allowing public roads to be closed for motorsport. Attracting a bumper entry of over 100 drivers each year, the event has drawn significant interest from motoring fans and competitors across the UK, bringing many enthusiasts to the region as the traditional tourist season ends in the county. The event has also raised over £11,000 for Cornish charities.
Despite the format change, event organiser Roger Hargreaves believes Watergate Sprint will offer competitors and motorsport fans another fantastic weekend of action.
“Of course we are disappointed that we are unable to run the Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb again, especially as we were forced to cancel in 2020 due to COVID-19,” he says.
“We have dedicated a lot of energy into making this event happen for Cornwall over the years, it means a lot to the community and sport in the region. Whilst it was a blow to find out that the hillclimb may not happen, we were eager to find an alternative and we believe that we have come up with an event that offers something for everyone and are very excited to share our plans for September”.
In a mirror image of the Hillclimb, the course will start on the Newquay side of the B3276 coast road, at Trevelgue and cars will tackle the 820-metre sprint towards Watergate Bay, with a fast and flowing section of the road mixed with a technical element including a tight 90-left turn before the finish. The paddock, trade and display area and spectator viewing will all be located together offering the perfect motorsport weekend.
“Effectively we will run the event in exactly the same way as we ran the Hillclimb, but without the ‘hill’ element and so by definition, we have to call it a sprint” continues Hargreaves.
“We will be returning to the more traditional hillclimb format in 2022 but for this year, we are confident that it provides a great challenge for competitors as well as good viewing for spectators. That means we can continue being one of the biggest motorsport events in the South West. We would like to thank all our supporters and backers for their faith in the event and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Cornwall in September”.
Watergate Sprint will also continue to donate profits to local charities, which for 2021 have been named as Cornwall Air Ambulance and Watergate Bay Surf Lifesaving Club.
More information on the event will be released closer to the time.
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Main image courtesy Livelight Photography
Watergate Sprint preview 
Watergate Sprint preview 
Watergate Sprint preview 
Watergate Sprint preview 
Watergate Sprint preview
Organisers of the Watergate Bay Speed Hill Climb have taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 running of the popular Cornish motorsport weekend, which was due to take place on the 19th and 20th September.
The organising committee, made up from members of the three promoting motor clubs, Newquay Auto Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Truro and District Motor Club have been considering the implications of hosting the event in September this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
After careful consideration, organisers have elected to cancel the 2020 edition of the closed-road speed event held on the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay, meaning the third running of the hillclimb will take place in September 2021.
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb is a ground-breaking motorsport event, held on the north Cornish coast and became the first hillclimb in the country to take advantage of a new legislation allowing public roads to be closed for motorsport. Attracting a bumper entry of over 100 drivers during the past two years, the event has drawn significant interest from motoring fans and competitors across the UK, bringing many enthusiasts to the region as the traditional tourist season ends in the county.
After raising over £6,000 for local charities Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation in the inaugural year, the event continued to donate its profits in 2019 and was able to donate a further £5,000 towards the New Heli Appeal as it became the headline event in “Cornwall Motorsport Month” which ran throughout September last year.
However, on 17th March Motorsport UK suspended all motorsport activity due to the potential increased risk to competitors, officials, spectators, and communities which was later extended until the end of June as the country entered the lockdown phase of Covid-19.
Despite being in the advanced stages of planning for the 2020 running of the event, organisers have cited the “uncertainties” of the Covid situation going forward and with no guarantees of the sport, hospitality or social distancing guidelines being available in September, organisers had no choice but to cancel the event.
Event Director Roger Hargreaves said “After spending many hours deliberating over this year’s Watergate Bay Hillclimb, the organising committee have concluded that we must cancel September’s event due to the continued uncertainties of Coronavirus.
It has become impractical and financially uncertain to continue the planning for September and with the current conditions on social distancing and possible Government restrictions on large events for the foreseeable future, it is just not possible to host a safe event for all those involved. Our main obligation and priority is to protect the health and safety of our competitors, volunteers, traders, exhibitors and spectators which means that this is the safest and only decision we could make.
We know this decision will disappoint competitors and enthusiasts across the country not just Cornwall and we are equally disappointed that we will miss an opportunity to support the Cornwall Air Ambulance charity.
To continue our support to the valuable cause, we will be creating a “JustGiving” page and would hope that everyone who has an interest in the hill climb will make a small contribution towards the charity.”
Anyone who wishes to donate to Cornwall Air Ambulance as a supporter of the hillclimb can visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/watergate-bay-speed-hillclimb1
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The second running of the Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb near Newquay in Cornwall was hailed as the “best yet” by fans, competitors and organisers as over 90 cars blasted up the B3276 coast road last weekend (14th/15th September) for the now annual closed-road motorsport event.
The event, jointly organised by Newquay Auto Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Truro and District Motor Club was the first Hillclimb in the UK to take place on a closed public road back in 2018 after the passing of a law in Parliament enabled the suspension of the Road Traffic Act for motorsport.
It returned once again last weekend, bigger and better than ever with an increase in the course length to 850 meters providing an additional challenge for the competitors.
Drivers from across the UK flocked to the region in a wide variety of machines which included almost standard road cars, to fully modified racers, all eager to sample the unique venue which is nestled on the North Cornish Coast between Padstow and Newquay.
Coupled with stunning weather in the county, spectators headed to the motorsport extravaganza in their droves, with initial estimates showing an attendance increase of almost 1,000 on last year’s figures.
The arrival of the longer course would mean the challenge would be set for drivers to secure the coveted “Fastest Time of the Day” on the extended Hillclimb. Last year, the record was taken by Tavistock’s Doug Bennett in his powerful Sylva Striker kit-car, with a time of 24.74 seconds during his first timed run of Saturday afternoon, whilst fastest on Sunday went to Chard-based Stewart Lillington and his Radical SR4 kit-car.
This time around however it would be Dorchester based Rodney Thorne who thundered his powerful five-litre Pilbeam MP43 to the fastest time on both days, with a time of 31.27sec on Saturday and going slightly better on Sunday with a 30.63sec, ensuring he will be the man to beat for next year’s event.
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb had a wide variety of cars – click to download high res version –
Image credit: Livelight Photography
The day wasn’t without its drama, however, as the action was hotting up at one of the courses chicanes which claimed Subaru Impreza pilot Jason MacDonald who rolled his rapid class C3 machine. It would also see the demise of Hillclimb racer Shelley Deacon in her Audi TT who rode the bank on the exit, ending her day on the spot. Both drivers were unhurt.
Local charities were also able to 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.
Crowds flocked to the event for its second running after a bumper month of motorsport in the region. Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb was the flagship event for Cornwall Motorsport Month, a joint initiative from Visit Cornwall and Motorsport UK, the governing body of the sport in the country, to highlight the county for its diverse range of activities outside of its usual tourism and surfing tag.
After a public scrutineering a technical session on Friday night, crowds were able to visit the Watergate Bay car park for a screening of the movie Rush at a drive-in cinema, ahead of the weekend’s event. The Hillclimb’s place in the calendar had also attracted the attention of a documentary maker, who was filming at the event for a programme to be aired on ITV in the near future.
Organisers estimate that over 2000 people per day passed through the spectator entrance to enjoy the action, as well as getting up close to the drivers and cars in the dedicated paddock area at the top of the hill. Spectators were also able to chat with the drivers in the bottom paddock in the nearby Watergate Bay Hotel car park in the heart of Watergate Bay.
“Last year was all about getting the Hillclimb off the ground and as the first event in the UK to do so, we had many hurdles to overcome but managed to run a very successful event for our first attempt” says Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton.
Crowds flocked to the event to give – click to download high res version –
Image credit: 569 Motorsport Media
“We knew what we needed to do to create a bigger and better event this time around and I`m delighted to say that this year has been the best yet. Each spectator and driver that I’ve spoken to says it’s the best event they have done for a long time which truly makes all the hard work that the team put in worthwhile”.
After many years of planning, the Hillclimb has been the brainchild of Brenton who, along with a dedicated organising committee ensured the event got off the ground in 2018.
Hailed as a ground-breaking event back then, the team have been working on plans for the future.
“I`m pleased to announce that the Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb will return to the motorsport calendar on the 19th and 20th September 2020 and not only that but subject to the authorisation from Motorsport UK, we will be looking to extend the course further still from our current layout, meaning the hill could well be approaching 1000 metres next year” he says.
For full results from the weekend – www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
More information on Cornwall Motorsport Month can be found at www.cornwallmotorsportmonth.comYou can catch up with all the latest news from the event on its social media feedshttp://www.twitter.com/watergatehill
http://www.facebook.com/watergatebayhillclimb/
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– click to download high res version – Image credit – 569 Motorsport MediaFor more information regarding this media release, please contact Matt Cotton, Press Officer at MCR Motorsport Media, E-mail: matt@mcrmotorsportmedia.com
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb will return for the second time this weekend (14/15 September), as the exciting motorsport event will see around 100 cars and drivers tackling a stretch of the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay against the clock.
The event was a ground-breaking feature in the motorsport calendar in 2018 as it became the first speed hillclimb in the UK to take advantage of the passing of a Parliament law which allows public roads to be closed for timed motorsport events. It returns once again this year, bigger and better than ever, with a longer course set to challenge the drivers.
The motorsport extravaganza has once again attracted a capacity entry with a huge range of cars from across the UK heading to the North Cornwall coast to tackle the hill, which now sits at 850-metres long. Each will be either aiming to secure the new hill record or take the hotly contested class honours.
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 once again gained support from a wealth of local businesses. Local charities benefit from the weekend, with all profits being donated to the Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation.
Keen to sample the much talked about event, organisers have been inundated with entries for the weekend which boasts a fantastic mix of competitors all eager to sample the new layout. There will be a wide range of cars competing throughout the weekend, divided into 12 classes, ranging from totally standard road going examples to highly modified racers and rally cars.
Both of last year FTD (fastest time of the day) competitors will return, aiming to stamp their names on the winners trophies. Eyes will be on Tavistock’s Douglas Bennett in his rapid Raw Striker whilst, Chard based Stewart Lillington also returns in his Radical.
Spectators will be well catered for during the weekend with trade displays, car clubs and access to the paddock to get up close and personal to the drivers and cars. Viewing opportunities for fans have also been improved along the hill, offering some great views of the cars in action.
The Hillclimb will start from 9am on each day, entry to the event will cost £10 per adult. The spectator car park can be accessed by travelling along the B3276 from Newquay towards Watergate Bay.
Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton is looking forward to the second running of the event.
“Although it’s the second running of the Hillclimb, it’s still been almost a year in the planning to get it this far, so we are of course delighted to receive another top-quality entry.” he said.
The Hillclimb is the main event in Cornwall Motorsport Month which houses events such as off-road, Kart meetings, Autotests, Talks and Motorcycle Trials. The initiative, backed by Ginsters, officially launched at Cornwall Motorfest in Crantock.
“The organisers are very proud that the hillclimb is the flagship event in Cornwall Motorsport Month. Cornwall is a fantastic place for motorsport as well as surfing and holidays” he continues. “It helps to bring motorsport to the people that may not usually get to enjoy the sport in the county. We look forward to seeing all motorsport fans next weekend.”
More information:
Road closure times are 6am to 6pm on the 14th and 15th September, maps can be found here:
https://bit.ly/2k8g8nl
Spectator information can be found here:
https://bit.ly/2m4jXum
Full list of entries can be found here:
https://bit.ly/2lDbUV2
The event website can be found:
www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb is sponsored by:
Watergate Bay Hotel, Cowling Plant Hire, Celtic Tuning, Mid Cornwall Self Storage, Penmellyn Vets, The Colourworx, Rallyprep, Hatton Energy Motorsport, Toniq, Brady Construction and WAX.
More information on the event can be found at www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
More information on Cornwall Motorsport Month can be found at www.cornwallmotorsportmonth.comYou can catch up with all the latest news from the event on its social media feeds:http://www.twitter.com/watergatehill
http://www.facebook.com/watergatebayhillclimb/
Fri 13 Sep 2019 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
WAX/ Watergate Bay Car Park, TR8 4AB
DESCRIPTION
About Watergate Bay Drive-in Cinema:
In Association With WAX Watergate Bay https://waxwatergate.co.uk/
WAX is bringing back the drive-in Cinema to Watergate Bay. Located in the large carpark opposite WAX, a 40 foot state of the art inflatable screen will be erected (don’t laugh).
Using the natural gradient of the car park we hope to make a amphitheatre of cars all with a great view. Once parked you will tune your car radio to a set frequency and the films audio & soundtrack will play directly through your car.
There will be food & drink stands around the drive-in for you to stock up with refreshments before & during the show. Plus, we have a meal deal where hot food from WAX will be delivered to your car.
Your Screening:
Film: Rush
Age Rating: 15
Recommend Arrival Time: 6.30-7pm
Screening Time: 7.30pm
Date: 13th of September 2019
Prices:
Car General Admission £20:
This ticket includes entry into the drive-in cinema for one car and up to 5 occupants. You will also receive popcorn & access to WAX Watergate after the screening for an after party & live music. (Live music only available on Saturday screenings)
Large Vehicle General Admission £30
This ticket includes entry into the drive-in cinema for one large vehicle (people carrier or small mini bus) and up to 9 occupants. You will also receive popcorn & access to WAX Watergate after the screening for an after party & live music. (Live music only available on Saturday screenings)
Meal Deal £45:
Complete your drive in experience with a our Meal Deal offer, where we deliver piping hot WAX food to your car during the movie.
For just £25 (plus you normal general admission fee) get: 2 Large WAX Pizza’s, 2 Large WAX Nachos & 2 Large Portions of Fries.
This offer has limited availability
Terms & Conditions:
1.You must have a valid ticket to enter the event. This must be presented on arrival
2. This is a family friendly event & therefore all guests must act in a family friendly manner. You may be asked to leave the venue if you are seen to repeatedly violate this condition.
3. In the event of very poor weather or high winds the event may be cancelled or rescheduled.
4. This is a non alcohol event. No alcohol will be served on the cinema site. WAX Watergate will be serving alcohol & other refreshments as normal.
5. Tickets are non-refundable & no discount is available with WAX locals cards.
LOCATION
WAX/ Watergate Bay Car Park, TR8 4AB
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb has launched the second running of the popular motorsport weekend, as entries open at 8PM on Monday 15th July for the September 14/15 closed-road speed event based near Newquay in Cornwall.
As the headline event in the Cornwall Motorsport Month which takes place throughout September and is supported by Visit Cornwall and Motorsport UK, Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb is set to attract a wide variety of competitors from across the UK to the region as around 120 cars will compete for the fastest time on the new-for-2019 course.
Jointly organised by Newquay Auto Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Truro and District Motor Club, the event first ran in September last year as the first closed-road speed Hillclimb to take place since the passing of a Parliamentary law which enabled timed motorsport events to use closed public roads.
The ground-breaking weekend attracted a capacity entry and organisers are confident of a repeat of the inaugural event success due to some exciting changes for the second running of the Hillclimb.
Thanks to approval from Motorsport UK, the course has been extended by 130 metres from last year, with the total length now standing at 850 meters. The extension, which has been added to the end of the 2018 course, offers a new challenge for competitors as they tackle the stretch from Watergate Bay along the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay.
Competitors will also be brought closer to the fans thanks to a change in the location of the paddock to the other side of the course. Spectators will also be able to see much more of the hill thanks to works which will take place in early September, as well as having full access to the paddock.
After raising over £6,000 for local charities Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation, the event will continue to donate its profits to both charities in 2019.
Event Organiser Dave Brenton is anticipating another full entry for the unique event.
“We have been eager to make sure the event keeps innovating and evolving as it grows, and I think the hill extension and spectator facilities in 2019 will be a winner with everyone this year” he says.
“It’s certainly going to be bigger and better than 2018 and I`m hoping that we can reach a capacity entry on both days once again. Cornwall is well known for its tourism and it’s great that we can put it on the map for motorsport too. The feedback from last year was superb and we had a real carnival atmosphere surrounding the event. We have another exciting weekend planned for everyone including competitors and spectators and I have had many messages from people looking to travel from far and wide to compete this year. I’m confident it’s going to be another bumper event”.
Regulations will be available on July 15th at 8pm, along with the online entry system.
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb is sponsored by:
Watergate Bay Hotel, Cowling Plant Hire, Celtic Tuning, Mid Cornwall Self Storage, Penmellyn Vets, The Colourworx, Rallyprep, Hatton Energy Motorsport, Toniq and WAX.
More information on the event can be found at www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
More information on Cornwall Motorsport Month can be found at www.cornwallmotorsportmonth.com
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb will return to the British motorsport calendar once again in 2019 and organisers of the event have revealed a new look to the Newquay based event on September 14/15.
Jointly organised by Newquay Auto Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Truro and District Motor Club, it was the first hillclimb to take place since the passing of a Parliamentary law enabled timed motorsport events to take place on closed public roads.
In September, the motorsport extravaganza will return once again with some exciting changes promised by the organising team. Thanks to approval from Motorsport UK, the governing body for the sport in the country, the challenging course will wind its way for 850 metres along the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay, an extension of 130 metres from its original length.
In addition to the added distance to the course, spectators will be able to get a better view of the action thanks to a change in the location of the paddock and trade areas. After feedback from 2018, motorsport fans will be able to see much more of the hill and have full access to the paddock after the move to a clifftop location.
Inaugural Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb was a huge success in 2018
– click to download high res version – Image Credit: John Issac
From almost standard road cars, to fully modified racers, a dynamic range of cars are set to flock to the region. Last year, there was success for local crews on both days with Tavistock’s Doug Bennett taking the opening fastest time on the Saturday event in his powerful Sylva Striker kit-car, whilst Chard-based Stewart Lillington took his Radical SR4 kit-car, to the quickest run on Sunday.
The event will also be the figurehead of Cornwall Motorsport Month which takes place throughout September. The county has a rich heritage of motorsport activities taking place throughout the year which can often be overlooked thanks to being a popular destination for tourists and surfers in the busy summer months. The campaign is supported by Motorsport UK and Visit Cornwall and has been created to highlight the region as a prime destination for both tourism and motorsport.
The inaugural running of the Watergate Bay Hillclimb took place in 2018 and was dubbed a huge success after attracting a capacity entry and raising over £6,000 for the local charities Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation. It will continue to donate its profits to both charities in 2019.
Local business have also pledged their support for the second running of the Hillclimb with the prestigious Watergate Bay Hotel one of the first sponsors to return after year one. The Hotel is nestled in the heart of Watergate Bay and overlooks the start line, which led the establishment to offer its valuable car park and function rooms to the event.
Quintrell Downs-based Celtic Tuning will become a sponsor for the first time, joining Cowling Plant Hire, Mid Cornwall Self Storage, The Colourworx, WAX, Toniq and Penmellyn Vets who all return for a second year.
Event Organiser Dave Brenton is excited to see the Hillclimb return in 2019.
“We were delighted to be the flagship event for motorsport in the UK during 2018, being the first Hillclimb to take advantage of the new laws and despite having to work from a clean sheet, it was a great success,” he says.
“Now, we can take everything that we learnt from last year and package it even better for both competitors and spectators, offering a spectacular weekend of motorsport in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK. We are working hard to bring together the Cornwall Motorsport Month and the Hillclimb to once again put Cornwall well and truly on the map as a destination for both motorsport and tourism. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in Cornwall in September”.
Regulations for the second running of the Hillclimb will be released on July 15th at 8pm, along with the online entry system.
More information on the event can be found at www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
More information on Cornwall Motorsport Month can be found at www.cornwallmotorsportmonth.com
http://www.twitter.com/watergatehill
http://www.facebook.com/watergatebayhillclimb/
Organisers of the ground-breaking Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb in Cornwall can confirm that the motorsport weekend will become an annual event and take place for a second time on 14th/15th September 2019.
After a successful first event, promoters Truro and District Motor Club, Newquay Auto Club and Plymouth Motor Club are also looking at making changes to the hill to offer a greater challenge for competitors and better viewing for fans throughout the course.
Plans are well underway to re-create the weekend and make it bigger and better than last September’s offering. The inaugural event saw 90 drivers each day compete along the 720-metre course which winds its way along the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay.
Sanctioned by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) which governs the sport in the UK, the event marked the first hillclimb to take place on a closed public road since the passing of legislation in Parliament in 2017 which enabled the suspension of the Road Traffic Act for motorsport.
Thousands of spectators and motorsport fans flocked to the seaside resort from all over the country during the weekend, which enabled the event to donate its profits to its designated charities, Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation.
The brainchild of Truro and District Motor Club Competition Secretary Dave Brenton, Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb was a culmination of over five years of planning and he is delighted to be able to announce a date for 2019.
“It’s very exciting to be able to formally announce a date for 2019 and the return of the Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb” he says.
“The entire committee worked tirelessly to ensure the debut event was a success and I was so very proud that we managed to do that considering it was the first event of its kind in the country. We learnt very fast and that means we can now take our experiences into next year and make it bigger and better than before”.
Brenton has listened to all the feedback from competitors and spectators in September and is working on some significant changes for the second event.
“Of course, we knew there would be things that needed adapting and altering going forwards, that’s was always the intention for our first one. We now have some exciting new plans in the pipeline for competitors and spectators alike. There is a lot of work to do but if it comes off, we are sure that it will be a popular addition for all. We hope that announcing the date early gives people time to plan their diaries for next year and we look forward to seeing everyone on the North Cornwall coast in September 2019”.
Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb is set to become an annual event after the successful running of the inaugural meeting at the weekend, which saw 90 drivers per day compete against the clock near Newquay in a first-for-motorsport in the UK.
The event, jointly organised by Truro and District Motor Club, Newquay Auto Club and Plymouth Motor Club marked the first hillclimb to take place on a closed public road since the passing of a law in Parliament in 2017 which enabled the suspension of the Road Traffic Act for motorsport.
The event would wind its way along the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay and attracted bumper crowds to the venue for the weekend as motorsport fans and followers watched a diverse range of cars tackle the 720-metre course.
Sanctioned by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) which governs the sport in the UK, the event was a culmination of over five years of planning by Truro Motor Club Competition Secretary and Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton, attracting spectators and drivers from all over the UK to the region.
Image credit: Samuel Crosby – Watergate Bay Hotel
From almost standard road cars, to fully modified racers, there was success for local crews on both days. Tavistock’s Doug Bennett had the honour of taking the opening fastest time on the Saturday event in his powerful Sylva Striker kit-car, with a time of 24.74 seconds during his first timed run of the afternoon.
Fastest time of the day on Sunday went to Chard-based Stewart Lillington and his Radical SR4 kit-car, setting an impressive 23.57 second run and bagging a new hill record in the process.
Image credit: Howie Fowler
Local charities were also able to 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. Whilst organisers are still awaiting the official figures, initial estimates are that over £10,000 will be donated.
Crowds flocked to the seaside resort, with some able to enjoy a mix of surfing and motorsport within a few hundred metres of each other. Organisers estimate that over 1000 people per day passed through the spectator entrance to enjoy the action, as well as getting up close to the drivers and cars in the dedicated paddock area at the top of the hill. Spectators were also able to chat with the drivers in the bottom paddock in the Fifteen restaurant car park in the heart of Watergate Bay.
The event was an emotional one for originator Dave Brenton who has dedicated the past few years to see the event get off the ground.
“This has very much been a labour of love for a long time now and to see that first car leave the start line on Saturday morning was a very special moment for me and all of the organising team,” he says.
“It’s been a mammoth task and like all events of this size, there have been some issues that we worked hard to overcome during the weekend. But the atmosphere was amazing throughout and each competitor I have spoken to loved every second. It’s been a remarkable motorsport success and I can’t thank everyone enough for their support, from our sponsors, partners and charities, to the marshals and spectators who turned up to watch”.
Image credit: Howie Fowler
Despite the clearing up operation still underway, Brenton is already looking at next year.
“There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the event so we are already looking at how to improve in 2019. We know spectators viewing was limited at times so will be addressing that and we are even investigating the possibility of extending the course. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in Cornwall in September 2019 for the second running of the Hillclimb.”
More information, including results can be found at: www.watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk
http://www.twitter.com/watergatehill
http://www.facebook.com/watergatebayhillclimb/
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Cornwall will be making motorsport history this weekend as the ground-breaking Watergate Bay Speed Hillclimb takes place on the North Cornish coast near Newquay (15/16 September).
Around 90 cars and drivers from across the UK will compete against the clock, tackling the 720-metre course along the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay. The event marks the first Speed Hillclimb to take place on a closed public road, since the passing of a law in Parliament in 2017 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.
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.
Organisers have been inundated with entries for the weekend which boasts a fantastic mix of personalities and local competitors all eager to play a part in making motorsport history. Ginetta GT5 racer and motorsport star Charlie Martin. is a notable entry on the list, bringing her own Mini Cooper to Cornwall after spending the previous week enjoying the Cornish hospitality and surf in the region.
Sadly, FIA World Rallycross ace and Monster Energy Athlete Liam Doran has had to withdraw due to be called up to contest the next round of the series in Latvia by Prodrive.
There will be a wide range of cars competing throughout the weekend, divided into 12 classes, ranging from totally standard road going examples to highly modified racers and rally cars.
Local drivers have been eager to contest the event which is aiming to become an annual celebration of the sport for the region. Husband and wife team Helen and Gary Pitt from Camborne will be sharing their Suzuki Swift in class A1 (Roadgoing). Whilst they have four other contenders in the class, their biggest rival will undoubtedly be each other.
Shelley Deacon has been involved in the organising team of the event, but switches to the driver’s seat during the weekend. Deacon, from St Dennis will drive her Audi TT which she has been using with great success in the British Women Racing Drivers Club Hillclimb and Sprint championships this season.
The Watergate Bay Hotel Rally Car Class is well supported, with event sponsor Neil Yates bringing his Rally Prep backed BMW E30 the three or so miles from his St Columb workshop to the hillclimb. A rare MG Metro 6R4, driven by Andy Slade will make the trip from Plymouth and motorsport fans will be in for a treat, undoubtedly hearing the car before seeing it.
Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton is delighted with the response to the Hillclimb.
“A few years ago, this was just an idea and now this weekend, after many months of hard work, it becomes a reality” he said.
“Cornwall is a fantastic place for motorsport and has a very healthy scene which tends to hide itself away, so Watergate Bay is effectively bringing motorsport to the people. We have had lots of support from the MSA and our sponsors, all of which have helped to make this happen and it really is exciting to be making history in the sport. We have a great entry lined up and we think it will be a great weekend for all to enjoy and the plan is certainly to make it an annual event”.
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