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- Entry to Bottom Esse
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- 600 cc racing car class at Shelsey Walsh
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- Check out the expression on the guy in the red….
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- The Spectre
If you drive into Silverstones front entrance, you will see a large piece of signage describing the place as the home of British motorsport. Granted, they do have the Grand Prix for the foreseeable future and the BRDC, Silverstone did hold the first post war British GP, but in my view the venue is a Johnny come lately.
Shelsley Walsh can make a justified claim to being the birthplace of British motorsport, having celebrated their centenary in 2005. They remain true to the original ideals of club motorsport and as such things go represent a cheap day out in a garden party atmosphere. They also have real ale on hand pull in the paddock bar and up at the esses (cheaper than my local).
Shelsley is a good opportunity to see to top flight modern Formula 1 powered hillclimb cars flatout, kicking up sparks, up close and personal. Viewing is excellent, though the viewing areas on the upper reaches of the hill are likely to be difficult or impossible to get at for most wheelchair users without help as a result of an average 1 in 9 gradient, with occasional steps and unsurfaced areas. If you ask around the club officials however, I believe that wheelchair users, chairs and helpers can be given a lift up the hill (actually on the track) in an official vehicle during breaks in the event. There is however good viewing for the less mobile further down the hill in the start area, and the paddock accessibility is excellent.
Adult admission for events this year is around a tenner. Find out about Shelsley Walsh here .
Thanks for driving Steve.
