Kop Hill Climb 2012 – Event Report

The Kop Hill Climb was held 22-23 September 2012 in Buckinghamshire, England, with 14,000 spectators enjoying the more than 400 cars and motorcycles that challenged the historic hill in Princes Risborough.
The Kop Hill Climb has quickly established itself as a ‘must attend’ revival of an iconic motorsport event from the last century. The attendance of so many spectators to once again witness machinery take to the hill was a fitting tribute to exploits of those early pioneering racers.
Perfect weather on Saturday added the final ingredient to a heady cocktail of activities and attractions, ensuring the day will be remembered by the 10,000 spectators. On the hill Lord Howe declared the event opened at 10am, waving the Countess Howe off in the splendid 1914 Sunbeam TT racer quickly followed by an exciting collection of historic motorcycles and cars. By 13:15 the announcers, bands, and crowds fell silent as all eyes turned skyward for a show stopping BBMF Spitfire flypast.
In the paddock there were a further 200 vintage, veteran and classic vehicles on display, a trade village featuring both motor and non-motoring related goods and services. There were also many new additions to the paddock activities in 2012 including a competitive Soapbox Challenge, the popular Chevrolet-sponsored Racing Bug, a line-up of bands, a beer tent featuring the events very own Kop Hill Climb Ale and for those keen for an Earls Court Motor show experience Chevrolet along with Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Citroen, and Alfa Romeo brought along an array of modern automotive offerings.
Sunday started overcast but dry providing both the motorcycles and many of the open-topped Edwardian motorcars one more opportunity to take to a dry hill. By 11am the rain had settled in but 4,000 petrol heads braved the elements to see the hill runs and paddock activities and were rewarded with a memorable day.

This year saw a record number of entrants including many vehicles not previously seen at Kop Hill. It meant numbers had to be capped so be sure to book early for 2013. Some vehicle highlights included the 1911 SCAT Type C Racer, 1920 Hispano Suiza H6B, 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, 1925 Bugatti Type 30, 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans, 1935 Maserati 4CS and 1935 Brough Superior 8 cylinder.
The organisers are hoping to match, if not exceed, the £41,000 figure raised for local charities in 2011. In all, the 2012 Kop Hill Climb Revival was a success, with Climb-goers and entrants alike excitedly talking about next year’s event. Provisional dates for the 2013 Kop Hill Climb Revival are the 21st and 22nd of September.
For more information, visit www.kophillclimb.info.
[Source: Kop Hill Climb]