About Us
Risborough Area Community Action (RACA) has been set up with the aim of promoting the Risborough area for residents and visitors alike by encouraging economic activity. RACA is supported by Bucks County Council, Wycombe District Council and Princes Risborough Town Council and includes representatives from local community organisations. The Kop Hill Climb Project is just one of the events being organised by RACA. The objective of the project is to raise funds for local charities.
Contacts:-
Accommodation
- The Peacock at Henton is associated with the Kop Hill Climb event.
- Whilst the organisers cannot accept any liaibility for the service provided we would be happy to use the hotel ourselves.
- Please mention Kop Hill when booking, rooms have been reserved and the Peacock is donating their booking fee to our charities.
- A particularly quiet country Inn just 5 miles from Kop Hill.
- 25 rooms most of which have recently been refurbished.
- Large Car Park with covered and locked parking option.
- Camping has been arranged next to the Inn.
- Please contact www.peacock.uk.com directly.
For those seeking "bed and breakfast" click on The Chilterns Accommodation Association
Other Accommodation options are
- contact "The Risborough Information Centre" telephone 01844 274795.
- or click The Guide
All London based Entrants, Classics and Spectators are invited to join other enthusiasts on the Ride and Drive Outs from Ace Cafe to Kop Hill
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Ace Cafe Drive Out - On Saturday 25th September Ace Cafe Ride Out - On Sunday 26th September
- Breakfast at Ace
- Depart for Kop Hill at 9am.
- Guided Run to Kop Hill Climb, Princes Risborough
- Reserved Parking at Kop Hill for Ace Customers
The Famous Ace Cafe is at -
Ace Corner,
North Circular Road,
Stonebridge,
LONDON
NW10 7UD
You can find it
just off the A406, North Circular Road, Park Royal Exit.
Contact details
Tel +44 (0)20 8961 1000
Fax +44(0)20 8965 0161
Or just click on www.ace-cafe-london.com
Activities
- Walk the paddock and see the motorcars and motorcycles being prepared for their run. In this area children must be supervised at all times. Marshals and Stewards will patrol the paddock with the intention of ensuring everyone's safety and their instructions must be observed.
- Examine the static display of historic cars in the paddock, some as early as 1904.
- For the first time at Kop Hill many car and bike clubs will be presenting their vehicles so there will be plenty of special cars to see.
- Our local racing teams and modern invited cars will thrill you. Some of these cars may give a demonstration run up the hill, but not, unfortunately, at race speeds.
- For the kids there is the Stratstone sponsored "Go Kart" track in the paddock.
- Society Jazz will entertain you over lunch from 12.30 to 14.30 in the paddock. This "trad" band will play music from the era when Kop Hill was in full swing as well as afterwards.
- There are four viewing areas for spectators on the Hill accessible from the Brimmers Road car park. For safety reasons spectators are not allowed on the road-side except near the start. Watch the run in safety from
- Just behind the start line on the road side.
- On a seat in the enlarged Bonhams' grandstand overlooking the start line. There is a charge of £5 for a seat in this stand for each half day.
- On 8 free stands alongside the hedge over-looking Kop Hill.
- Up the hillside to Cop Hill from behind the fence line.
- There is no spectator access to the finish line.
- There is a large Trade Area in the paddock.
- Food Court, with Pasties, Jacket Potatoes, Burgers, Spicy Alternatives, Chips and Ice Cream
- There will be plenty of cold drinks, tea and coffee (no alcohol) and sandwiches too!
- A range of traders, from clothing (including our own) to artists and picture galleries.
- Many of the charities that we support will be represented including, Iain Rennie, Air Ambulance and others too.
- Motor restorers, traders and service facilities.
- In the car park area behind the Grandstand there will be an auto jumble and further food outlets
Kop Hill Climb Archive
Photographs from the 1999 revival are at www.bolide.co.uk.
Photographs from the 2009 revival are at www.photoboxgallery.com/kophill2009
The archive material below has been scanned from photocopies of early pages from the Motor and Autocar held at the VSCC (Vintage Sports Car Club) and Motor Cycling held at the VMCC (Veteran Motor Cycle Club) libraries. We are indebted to both the VSCC and VMCC for the help and access they gave us.
- "The Motor Cycling Club's Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, May 2nd 1910.
- "Herts. County A.C. Members' Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, April 4th 1911.
- "A Record Open Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, April 11th 1911.
- "Herts. County A.C. Open Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, May 9th 1911.
- "First Impressions of an Open Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, May 16th 1911.
- "Hill Climbing at Kop" from Motor Cycling, March 18th 1913.
- "The M.C.C. Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, April 15th 1913.
- "More Assaults on a Famous Hill" from Motor Cycling, August 12th 1913.
- "Hill Climbing in a Deluge" from Motor Cycling, March 17th 1919.
- "The First Open Hill Climb" from The Motor March 31st 1920.
- "Open Hill Climb at Kop.pdf" from Motor Cycling, March 31th 1920.
- "Club Activities" from The Autocar April 3rd 1920.
- "Another Hill-Climb at Kop" from Motor Cycling, May 5th 1920
- "High Speeds at Kop Hill" from The Motor April 6th 1921.
- "Excellent Hill-Climb at Kop" from Motor Cycling, April 6th 1921
- "High Speeds at Kop Hill" from The Motor April 6th 1921.
- "High Speeds at Kop Hill" from The Autocar April 9th 1921.
- "Oxford M.C.'s Sporting Event at Kop Hill" from Motor Cycling, May 11th 1921
- "A Good Sporting Climb" from The Motor May 11th 1921.
- "Oxford Clubs at Kop" from Motor Cycling, June 8th 1921
- "Oxford Clubs Hill Climb at Kop" from The Motor June 8th 1921.
- "First Big Open Hill Climb of the Year" from The Motor March 29th 1922.
- "Essex Club's Hill-Climb at Kop" from Motor Cycling, March 29th 1922
- "ACU Centre Open Hill Climb at Kop" from The Motor May 3rd 1922.
- "Good Sport at Kop" from Motor Cycling, May 3rd 1922
- "First Big Open Hill Climb of the Year" from The Motor March 29th 1922.
- "Essex MC Open Hill Climb at Kop" from The Motor March 27th 1923.
- "Easy Ascents of Kop" from The Motor May 1st 1923.
- "Racing Cars at Kop" from The Autocar March 30th 1923.
- "High Speeds at Kop" from Motor Cycling, April 2nd 1924
- "Big Crowds Watch Fast Cars at Kop" from The Autocar April 4th 1924.
- "The Varsities at Kop Hill" from Motor Cycling, May 7th 1924
- "Kop Hill Record Equalled" from The Autocar October 24th 1924.
- "Terrific Speeds up Kop Hill" from Motor Cycling, April 1st 1925
- "Kop Hill Climb" from The Autocar April 3rd 1925.
- "Essex MC at Kop" from The Autocar April 3rd 1925.
- "Correspondence" from The Autocar April 3rd 1925.
- "The Accident at Kop Hill" from The Motor April 14th 1925 page 505.
It is envisaged that further information and photographs from Kop Hill in the early days will be collected and published here. Any reader who has anything that would help us to complete our record should contact webdesign@kophillclimb.org.uk
Advertisers
Last year we issued nearly 2000 Souvenir Programmes to participants and spectators.
This year's programme will be in full colour and A5 in size. It will contain details about the run, its history,
background to the event and a listing of all the vehicles taking part. The cost for the premium pages
(inside page of the front cover, inside page of the back cover, and back cover) is £300 for a full page, £150 for half page, £75 for quarter page. Other pages are charged at
£200 full page, £100 half page, £50 quarter page and £25 for 1/8th page.
To make bookings or to get further information contact Reg Taylor.
An advert on our web site will cost £50, which typically will include some text,
a logo, and a link to your own web site.
To make bookings or to get further information contact Reg Taylor.
Classics/Clubs
Kop Hill Centenary Climb
On Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26thSeptember 2010.
The big change for the Centenary year is that a special area in the paddock will be set aside for any pre-booked
- Classic Vehicles
- Car and Bike Clubs
This innovation will enable owners to display their vehicles in the paddock although they will not be able to ascend the hill.
Owners of these vehicles will of course be closer to many of the traders and exhibitors than they would if in the public car park.
Vehicles in this area will be eligble for an award, voted on by the public, for "the car or bike they would most like to take home".
Secretaries of Car or Bike Clubs may book a space in the paddock to display members vehicles together with the usual flags, banners and stalls.
Those who want to book space for their members in the paddock should register with Mike Greasby (or telephone 07753 742855) with an estimate of the numbers involved. There is no charge for this service.
Individuals or members of Registered Clubs wishing to pre-book and park in the paddock should click the "Pre-Book" tab on the lefthand menu. The cost for a car is £15 per day, which includes one passenger (extra passengers charged £5 on the day) and for bikes is £8.
Commercial
We are extremely grateful to our Sponsors, Advertisers and Traders who all contribute to our financial success and thereby our donations to Charity. Of special note are the contributions from the four service providers who have made no charge.
Services Provided at no Charge
| Hedge Cutting | Recovery Vehicles | Logo Design | Web Site |
Brian Turney 01494 488606 07714 714930 | George Thompson 07787 334455 G T Crane Hire & Heavy Recovery Services. | Justin Davies email web site | Bob Woodman 01442 823077 email@bob.woodman.name web site |
Dress Code
There is no dress code at Kop Hill Climb.
However, if you would like to come in period clothing it would add to the fun, spectacle and atmosphere; you would not be on your own!
Drivers and mechanics could be in white overalls.
Some of the ladies in period clothes matching that of the car.
Spectators could enter into the spirit of this historic event on the Chilterns and join in with country clothes. How about it?
If all that fails we are selling our own Caps, T-shirts, Polo shirts and Hoodies in our on-line KHC Shop (see the tab on the left) and on the Iain Rennie stall at the event.
Entrants
How to Enter the Kop Hill Centenary Climb
On Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26thSeptember 2010.
As we predicted, Kop Hill Climb in its Centenary year has been a sell out, as we already have a full complement of entries for the hill.
Any entries hereafter received will, provided they are accompanied by the correct documents and payment, be placed on a "Reserve" list to be called upon if and when vacancies arise over the next three months.
However, if you are too late or your entry for the climb is not accepted do not give up. We have organised for classic cars and motorcycles to be displayed in a separate area within the paddock. For more details click on the "Classics/Clubs" tab at the top of the page.
The 'Centenary Run' will be divided into classes for different types of vehicle according to their age. Entries will only be accepted from pre-1973 vehicles. Priority will be given to the older vehicles that could have competed in the early days of the Hill Climb. A few modern exotic cars will be present by invitation only.
Acceptance of entries will be at the sole discretion of the event organisers whose decision will be final. Entry fees will be refunded in full if an entry is not accepted.
Entry fees received for accepted entries are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organisers. If the weather is extremely wet and the grass paddock is not usable, entrants will be marshalled in hard standing areas prior to their run.
Dogs are not permitted on the site except on a short lead.
The Entry fees are
- Motorcars £25 for one day and £40 for two.
- Motorcycles £12.50 for one day and £20 for two.
The fee includes
- a Centenary Medallion
- a copy of the Souvenir Programme.
- a Kop Hill Climb event plate.
- for motorcars, the driver and one passenger. Extra passengers are £5 collected at the gate.
The booking process is started by clicking on the "Bookings" tab on the side menu.
For those booking both days why not stay locally and make a weekend of it by clicking on our "Accommodation" tab on the side menu.
How to Find Kop Hill
Kop Hill Road
PRINCES RISBOROUGH
HP27 0LB
Map reference OS sheet 165 815030.
Click here for a map of Kop Hill and Princes Risborough.
Kop Hill Climb History
Kop Hill, Princes Risborough is one of the oldest Hill Climb venues in England.
In the 1910/20's, Kop Hill was one of several hill climbs in the Chilterns along with Aston Clinton. It was a major event on the motor sports car and motorcycle calendar and many famous names had runs up the hill.
Well known car drivers included Malcolm Campbell in his 12hp Talbot 'Blue Bird', Raymond Mays (Bugatti), Henry Segrave (2 litre Grand Prix Sunbeam), Count Zborowski(8 cylinder Ballot) and Archie Frazer Nash (KimII).
The fastest time recorded for a car was in 1922 when Count Zborowski's GP Ballot (an aero-engined monster) achieved 26.8 secs. The motorcycles were faster with a time of 26 seconds in 1922 set by Kaye Don on his 7.9hp Indian. In 1925 Freddie Dixon became the fastest man up the hill with a time of 22.8 seconds on his 736cc Douglas (an average of 81mph!). Click here to view, in a new window, a full listing of all the results from 1911 to 1925 together with descriptions of these motorcar and motorcycle events. Further Information is becoming available in the "Archive".
The first speed event up this fairly straight, loose macadam 1 in 5 gradient, was held in 1910. The last event in this early period was on 28th March 1925 and when, as a result of a mild accident to a spectator, the RAC decided to ban all motor sport on public roads. Unfortunately as this was an open public road the public could not be restrained from going and standing where they wished and private vehicles had to be given the right of way if they wanted to drive up or down the hill.
In 1999, as part of the Risborough Festival, the Town Council, in association with the Bean Car Club, held a commemorative run up this famous hill. Photographs taken at the event are in the "Archive".
The 2009 revival was a fantastic success. Over 250 vehicles ran the hill from a 1903 Humberette to a 2009 Bugatti Veyron. Over 5000 spectators came to view the hill climb and we raised a substantial sum for our charities.
Kop Hill Climb Centenary
Kop Hill Climb's exciting revival last year propelled it into one of the "must attend" events on the historic motorsport calendar. Kop Hill near Princes Risborough Buckinghamshire, was one of the most popular speed hill climbs in the country for motorcycles and motorcars in the period between 1910 and 1925.
- This year's centenary event celebrates the first recorded races by motorcyclists in 1910. A year later they were joined by motorcars. The hill was in regular use by motorcycles and motorcars until 1925 when, as a result of an accident on the hill, all racing on public roads in Britain was banned.
- For owners of vintage, veteran and classic motorcars there is the opportunity to follow in the slipstream of Malcolm Campbell in his "Bluebird", Henry Segrave in his Sunbeam, or for motorcyclists, Freddie Dixon on his Douglas.
- For two days, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th of September the hill will be returned to its glorious past. Storming the hill this year will be over 300 historic vehicles from the earliest days through to post-war classics. These will be leavened by a few modern exotic cars showing how motoring has developed over the last 100 years.
- The event is not a speed hill climb but rather a commemorative run to recall Kop Hill's exciting past.
- Spectators will be able to see and hear the vehicles roar up the Hill and have a close up view of the vehicles in the paddock.
This event is an opportunity for Drivers, Riders, Classic Owners and Spectators to support the revival of this exciting and historic Hill Climb, at the same time as raising money for worthy local charities.
The Kop Hill Climb Shop
Our shop features mementos and clothing bearing the Kop Hill Logo. All our merchandise will be on sale on the day, but it can be ordered from our on-line shop now. Only for on-line purchases can a full range of items and sizes be guaranteed because of the difficulty of re-supply in the event that we sell out. Our shop is operated by Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, so to select and buy click on the "Buy Now" sticker.
Centenary Mug
£5.00 - Mug with Centenary Logo
All our clothing merchandise bears the Kop Hill Logo which can be seen on the Cap. Just pass your mouse over the item to see an expanded image and logo.
Cap
£5.00 - Navy Cap with Logo
T Shirt
£5.00 - Cobalt Blue T Shirt with Logo - Sizes S M L XL XXL
Polo Shirt
£10.00 - Cobalt Blue Polo Shirt with Logo - Sizes S M L XL XXL
Hooded Sweat Shirt
£20.00 - Cobalt Blue Hoody with Logo - Sizes S M L XL
Kop Hill Climb Iconic (car)
£5.00 - A3 Poster Laminated
Kop Hill Climb Iconic (bike)
£5.00 - A3 Poster Laminated
Centenary Event Openers
Saturday 25th 10.00
Barrie "Whizzo" Williams will open The Centennial event on Saturday. For over 50 years Barrie has been thrilling motor racing crowds with his outstanding racing talent be it driving a Maserati 250F, a Ferrari 250GT or a Morris Minor and is often quoted as one of the best all round racing drivers in the world. Every year he appears at the Goodwood Revival driving cars worth millions in wheel to wheel action.
Saturday 25th 14.00
John Bly renowned antiques expert and broadcaster on Antiques Roadshow and Patron of Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, Kop Hill's leading charity, will open the afternoon session.
Sunday 26th 10.00
Nicholas Parsons well known Radio and TV personality and compere of "Just a Minute", the famous radio show running now for 42 years will open the morning session.
Sunday 26th 14.00
Bill Giles OBE, for many years senior weatherman at the BBC and Patron of the Iain Rennie charity will open the final event on Sunday afternoon.
Kop Hill Profile

Spectating at Kop Hill
The Centenary Kop Hill Climb
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th September 2010
Come and support our Charities by spectating at Kop Hill Climb.
There will be more than 300 veteran, vintage and classic motorcars and motorcycles each day to see and hear as they climb Kop Hill. Just click on the "Listing" menu on the left to see the wonderful collection of cars and bikes that have booked for our Centenary year.
In addition, at the end of each session, there will be a some modern cars showing how motoring technology has developed over the years
- Runs up the hill from 10.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00.
- Gates open from 9.00.
- The entrance fee is £5 per person (under 12s free). Tickets, which guarantee entry, can be bought ahead from the Information Centre or the Iain Rennie Shop in Princes Risborough.
It is well worth getting to the event early for each session. Very special vehicles will start each session waved off by a celebrity. Find out about the celebrity by clicking on the openers tab on the left.
In the Centenary event there will be an expansion of facilities for spectators
- The Bonhams' Grandstand will be 50% larger than last year. There is an extra charge for each seat in the Grandstand of £5 per person for each half day.
- There will be 8 free viewing platforms doubling up from last year.
You do not have to pack a picnic! there is food and toilets on site and plenty of car parking.
- There is free parking off Brimmers Road.
- The programme is on sale for £3, which includes information about Kop Hill and a listing of all Entrants.
Stop Press
- 10/Feb/2010 - We are now accepting entries for the Kop Hill Centenary Event
- 5/March/2010 - Bonhams become our first Gold Sponsor - see the "Commercial" and then "Sponsors" tab;
- 12/April 2010 - Launched Kop Hill Climb on Facebook
- 28/May 2010 - A preview of Kop Hill is being held in Friars Square, Aylesbury, on Sunday 12/13th September 2010. There will be a selection of historic cars on display, come and look at the vehicles and chat to the owners.
- 5/June 2010 - We now have a full complement of entries for the hill. Any entries hereafter received will, provided they are accompanied by the correct documents and payment, be placed on a "Reserve" list to be called upon if and when vacancies arise over the next three months. However, the "Classics/Clubs" tab is still available to book reserved paddock parking for both days.
- 30/July 2010 - We have booked a number of celebrities to open the morning and afternoon sessions on each day. For details look at the "Openers" tab within "Spectators.
- 1/Aug 2010 - Our on-line shop is now open for business. Caps, T-shirts, Polos and Hoodies all bearing the Kop Hill Logo are available now, plus other items. Go to the "KHC Shop" in the "Entrants", "Classics/Clubs" or "Spectators" section.
Kop Hill
The Hill
- Kop Hill is just over 1000 metres long to the summit and rises by 100 metres.
- It starts with a gentle slope and is 1 in 6 at the half way mark. The road then eases off before it gets even steeper at 1 in 4 just before the summit.
- The finish of the run is before the summit to allow vehicles to slow down. From start to finish the run is 860 metres. The road is well surfaced.
Traders
Over 5000 people attended last year' Kop Hill. In the Centenary year we are planning to accomodate double the number of spectators. There are opportunities for food and other traders to take additional space in the paddock and public viewing area.
On the field traders will be grouped together by type.There will be specific areas for:-
- Motor Traders
- Auto Jumble
- Food Court
- Charities
- Clothing
Food and catering traders should contact Jim Bounden others should contact Andy Beaumont
Volunteers
This is your opportunity to join an enthusiastic team that, in one year, have
- made Kop Hill one of the most prestigious events in the historic motorsport calendar.
- at the same time raised substantial sums for local charities.
- raised the public profile of Princes Risborough and contributed to its economic activity.
We want to thank all the volunteers who helped last year. However, we need more volunteers to ensure
that Kop Hill Climb capitalises on its success and develops in the future.
- Please contact Pat Voss if you are available at the weekend to work on two hour shifts as
- Payment Stewards
- Control Stewards
- Please contact Peter Lewis if you could lend a hand
- laying out and clearing the site.
- erecting signs.
- general activities.
For real enthusiasts who can devote time in the run up to the event there are responsible roles waiting on our committee.
For example we are looking for a project manager who would be responsible for organising Kop Hill's promotion at other events.
If you would like to discuss how you might help contact Tony Davies.