The highlight of the south-west’s hillclimb season is undoubtedly the visit of the country’s premier hillclimb series, the Nicholson McLaren British Hillclimb Championship, to Wiscombe Park this weekend (Saturday/Sunday July 30/31).

Although the focus of attention will be on these ultimate machines, there will be a huge supporting cast of saloon and sports cars. Included in the entry of over 115 will be competitors contesting classes for saloon and sports cars in addition to the vintage Austin Sevens.

A wide diversity of categories will see Sidmouth’s Reg Broome aboard his Cooper T65 battling in Woolbridge Motor Club Invitation class. In the same class will be Mini exponent Adrian Langley, from Dawlish, with his 1380 cc Austin Mini and the interesting HWM Jaguar of Sidmouth resident David Newman.

The battle for honours in the Road-Going Series Production Class promises to be intense, with a number of local drivers in the mix. Allan Sydenham faces up to the task in his Nissan Micra but the Tiverton driver will have to repel the challenges of Exeter’s Adam Butler in his Toyota MR2 and the rapid Citroen AZ of Lee Moore from Axminster as well as previous trophy winner George Koopman, who lives just down the road from Wiscombe Park at Colyton and campaigns a Honda Integra.

A brace of rapid Nissan GTiRs in the hands of Ian Yeo from Cullompton and Crediton’s Den Conibear should feature at the sharp end of the Modified Limited Production Car category.

The 600-1100 cc single-seater racing car category is well represented by local drivers with Awliscombe’s Dave Gardner, who is renowned for a ten tenths approach to his sport, at the wheel of his Empire 001, in addition to Exeter husband and wife team Liam and Olivia Cooper who will be campaigning their OMS CF.

Gates open for the practice runs at 10am, admission �6 Sat, �9 Sun.

More on www.midweekherald.co.uk

The important championship s commencing on Sunday morning. The meeting is scheduled to be completed by 5.30pm

Admission: Saturday �6. Sunday: �9. Special Weekend ticket: �12. (all available at the gate) Accompanied children under 14 FREE, Car Parking FREE, Transfer to the competitor's enclosure FREE, Catering and licenced bar available.

Wiscombe Park is situated north of Blackberry Camp and south of Farway Park. Follow the AA signs from Honiton and on the A3052.

For more Wiscombe information go to www.wiscombepark.co.uk.