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report by Chris Leach & Nick Whittaker
photography by Jones Steve
A staple of the Ferrari Hillclimb Championship, Loton Park is a firm favourite of the year, with the picturesque deer park providing the perfect setting for motorsport. As much of your time as a competitior is set within the paddock between runs, it is always appreciated to have a variety of cars present from other championships alongside plenty of spectator spots to enjoy, of which Loton Park offers aplenty.
Loton Park was used by the War Department for munitions storage during WWII. By the time they vacated the site in 1959, the army had laid around 14 miles of roads throughout the deer park. Sir Michael Leighton, who had taken over the estate after his father’s death and members of the Shrewsbury based Severn Valley Motor Club, saw the potential of these tarmac tracks and a course was created. RAC approval was applied for in time for the first meeting in June 1960 followed by another later that summer.
The day started dry however rain was always threatening to slow drivers down. It became apparent early in the morning that Dave Snelson and Rob Samuels had a new class record in sight, although if it would be set on Saturday would be unlikely given the forecast.
Chris Butler made a welcome return to the paddock in his 458 Italia and demonstrated that despite an extended vacation from the hills he still has the sharp edge of an ex-champion. Nick Whittaker was another welcome guest for the day with his wonderfully prepared F355, the gold trim proving a popular touch with other competitors & spectators.
Times continued to improve into P2 however an unfortunate incident at Museum would see Steve Nunney retire the 348ts. Steve remained his usual spirited self over the course of the weekend in spite of no longer running on the hill. Special thanks go to ex-competitor and friend Mark Whibberley for offering Steve a drive in his Fiat 20v Coupe. Being front wheel drive and down on power in comparison to the usual motor would keep Steve on his toes but the weekend wasn’t completely over as a result.
The rains would come halfway through the first timed runs meaning that Tony Attwood in the shared 308 GT4 who ran in the previous batch of competitors would take home the top spot on PEP, despite the best efforts of Dave Snelson and Rob Samuels on a very wet hill. The results speak for themselves as to the challenging conditions the afternoon presented.
The Saturday night meal at the Buckatree Hall Hotel provided plenty of entertainment courtesy of Chris Butler. An evening toast was raised in thanks to CSA Service Group for their support over the season with the camaraderie of the championship clearly on display through the night.
Thank you to Nick Whittaker for sharing his thoughts on his first-ever hillclimb:
Have a go at Hillclimbing, it’ll be fun, they said. Come to Loton Park, its lovely there, they said. It’s in July so it’ll be hot & sunny, they said. Well in the words of the great Meatloaf two out of three ain’t bad… It was fun, Loton Park is lovely, I won’t comment on the weather.
I’ve been an FOC member for 19 years & during that time I’ve attended & participated in various events. The most enjoyable event that the club used to arrange was the Prescott Hill Drive which allowed unlimited runs up the Hill. I had previously thought about joining the Hillclimb Championship but chose to start circuit racing with the classic series instead & have been doing that since 2008.
This year the team at Cavallino House arranged for an open invitation to Loton Park allowing us “racers” to have a go, albeit not for points but for the experience. Disappointingly the only circuit racers to take up this offer were Chris Butler & I, although maybe we were the only ones brave enough?
What about Hillclimbing then? It’s a bit different to circuit racing I can tell you that with the track, grass, trees & curious deer to watch out for, oh & the thought of having to drive the car home certainly focusses the mind.
It was a thoroughly lovely day out with the friendliest people you could meet in a beautiful environment, with lots of nice cars & bikes to look at. What was not to like? …well the weather actually…
Would I do it again? Don’t count me out, I may be back.
– Nick Whittaker
