Over 250 cars and bikes stormed the Kop Hill Climb on 26^th/27^th September 2009 and will do it again in 2010.

To relive the event, or
see what you missed just click the following.

A taste of the Official Video

If you want a copy of the Official DVD please send your name and address and a £10 cheque to RACA re Kop Hill Climb, P O Box 133, Askett, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 7AE.

Go up the Hill in the Ferrari Testa Rossa

Go up the Hill in an E-type

Octane report on Kop Hill

9 minute video of the event with backing by Jay Kay of Jamiroquai

Do you want to see the Veyron and hear the crowd gasp?

Link to the Official Photographer

Some of the plaudits!

Kop Hill is on a par with the best one, Shelsley Walsh - E.L.

The setting, the organisation and weather could not have been better - M.B.

A BIG well done to you - O.O.

The superb organisation - a perfect mixture of clear instructions, careful control and a relaxed atmosphere made the day

A magic weekend with superb cars and bikes - R.H.

Friendly and relaxed but professional. I loved belting my 1927 Scott up this historic hill - D.K.

I enjoyed myself muchly! - D.K.

A truly spectacular event. The friendliness and enthusiasm from the spectators and drivers can't be put into words - T. C-P.

The bikers would like to thank the young ladies who drew the short straw for looking after us - M.N.

A wonderful and memorable occasion - N. C.

What a brilliant day! - N. S.

The organisation was excellent - J.A.

Our visitors flew over from Switzerland specially for the event - S.F.

A terrific weekend's entertainment and a relaxed friendly atmosphere - D.M.

Outstanding event and was surprised by the quality of the entrants - D.K.

Fantastic event - the Marshals were helpful, cheerful and friendly - D.S.

Photographs from the 1999 revival at Kop Hill are at www.bolide.co.uk.

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 2^nd 1910.
• "Herts. County A.C. Members' Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, April 4^th 1911.
• "A Record Open Hill-Climb" from Motor Cycling, April 11^th 1911.
• "The First Open Hill Climb" from The Motor March 31^st 1920.
• "Club Activities" from The Autocar April 3^rd 1920.
• "High Speeds at Kop Hill" from The Motor April 6^th 1921.
• "High Speeds at Kop Hill" from The Autocar April 9^th 1921.
• "A Good Sporting Climb" from The Motor May 11^th 1921.
• "Oxford Clubs Hill Climb at Kop" from The Motor June 8^th 1921.
• "ACU Centre Open Hill Climb at Kop" from The Motor May 3^rd 1922.
• "First Big Open Hill Climb of the Year" from The Motor March 29^th 1922.
• "Essex MC Open Hill Climb at Kop" from The Motor March 27^th 1923.
• "Easy Ascents of Kop" from The Motor May 1^st 1923.
• "Racing Cars at Kop" from The Autocar March 30^th 1923.
• "Big Crowds Watch Fast Cars at Kop" from The Autocar April 4^th 1924.
• "Kop Hill Record Equalled" from The Autocar October 24^th 1924.
• "Kop Hill Climb" from The Autocar April 3^rd 1925.
• "Essex MC at Kop" from The Autocar April 3^rd 1925.
• "Correspondence" from The Autocar April 3^rd 1925.
• "The Accident at Kop Hill" from The Motor April 14^th 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 sponsors@kophillclimb.org.uk

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 organisers of the 2009 commemorative run plan to replicate the one in 1999 and intend to hold the event on a regular basis in the future.

Risborough Area Community Action (RACA) has been set up with the aim of promoting the Risborough area for residents and visitors alike. RACA is supported by Wycome 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 two local charities, Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and Risborough Cares Charity.

The Committee comprises:-

Tony Davies		Organiser	01844 346903	organiser@kophillclimb.org.uk
Mike Greasby		MG Car Club
Pat Voss		Rotary Club of Princes Risborough
Tony Maisey		Advertising	01844 345527	advertising@kophillclimb.org.uk
Peter Thompson		Veteran Car Club Vintage sports Car Club
Michael Jones		Bean Car Club
Allen Eden		Alvis Register
Jim Bounden		Wolseley Hornet
Bob Woodman		Sponsors	01442 823077	sponsors@kophillclimb.org.uk

• Kop Hill is just over 1000 metres long to the summit and rises by 100 metres.
• It starts with a gentle slope and then gets steeper 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 road is well surfaced.

The date for our Centenary Event has been announced - 25^th and 26^th September 2010. Put it in your new year diary now!

The Kop Hill Climb is now closed to new entrants. 231 cars and motorcycles have been entered of which 44 are from the 1925 or earlier period.

However, if you have a car prior to 1973 do come along as a spectator. Just like at Goodwood an area in the public car park has been reserved for early vehicles. There has been a lot of interest in this area from car clubs and there will be some very special cars to look at.

• Paddy Hopkirk racing and rally driver, winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, will open the Kop Hill weekend on Saturday 26^th at 10am.
• Our earliest entrant is a 1903 Humberette. 70% of the entrants are pre-war cars and motorcycles.
• Our two local race teams, Beechdean and Modena back from Le Mans, are displaying some of their fastest machines and may give demonstration drives up the hill.
• The British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC) will be controlling vehicles on the hill. The Chairman of BMMC, Chris Hobson, will be our Clerk of the course.
• A major advertising campaign for entrants is starting in the April edition of the VSCC Newsletter, the June edition of the VMCC Newsletter, and in the local press.
• The paddock and public areas have been planned.
• Sponsors are being sought.
• Local volunteers are required to act as stewards on the day.

Kop Hill Road
PRINCES RISBOROUGH
HP27 0LB

Map reference OS sheet 165 815030.

Click here for a map of Kop Hill and Princes Risborough.

Vehicles and Drivers

• All entrants must register on arrival. This involves receiving a event plate which needs to be displayed on your vehicle. Runs up Kop Hill will not be permitted unless the event plate is displayed.
• The event is a cavalcade for historic vehicles commemorating Kop Hill's glorious past and will not be timed.
• Although the road is closed to the public it is subject to normal road traffic regulations, additionally, the roads at the top and bottom of the hill are open to the public. Hence all vehicles must be road legal and drivers must hold a valid driving licence.
• Entrants must ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained in a road worthy condition and are capable of tackling the hill.
• While on the hill all drivers and riders are under the control of Marshals. Drivers must not start until given a signal by the Marshal at the start line. There may be more than one vehicle on the hill at one time and overtaking is not permitted. If a Marshal shows a red flag then the driver must stop as quickly as possible and not re-start until given permission by a Marshal.
• Drivers and Riders must drive in a responsible manner. Marshals are instructed to flag down drivers who in their opinion are travelling at an excessive speed or driving dangerously and those doing so will be prevented from ascending the hill again.
• Entrants must be comprehensively insured and in the event of an accident the organisers will accept no claims.
• Once over the finish line drivers must slow as quickly as possible before the summit, because there may be a queue of vehicles waiting to emerge on to the public return road.
• The Paddock will be open from [8am to 6pm] each day and locked and patrolled by security guards overnight. Vehicles are left at the owners risk. The speed limit in the paddock is 5mph. Stewards will control the movement of vehicles in and out of the paddock and from the paddock to the start of the hill.
• Spectators are allowed into the paddock area and vehicles must be left in a safe condition.

• A selected number of hoteliers are associated with the Kop Hill Climb event.
• Whilst the organisers cannot accept any liaibility for the service provided they are all places that the organisers would be happy to use themselves.
• Please mention Kop Hill when booking, rooms have been reserved and the hoteliers are donating their booking fee to our charities.

Those seeking "bed and breakfast" could

• contact "The Risborough Information Centre" telephone 01844 274795.
• follow "Links"=>"The Guide"=>"Places to Stay"

Other applicant Hotels and Inns who would like to be featured should contact advertising@kophillclimb.org.uk

Booking Details

Application Form - Please type in details before printing.

Trader Details

Type of Trade
Space Required

Contact Details

First Name
Last Name
Trader Name
Trader Address
Post Code
Telephone No.
Email

The cost of stands or exhibits in the spectator or paddock area will depend on size. Stallholders will occupy a standard plot of 4X2 metres; the charge is £40 for one day and £75 for two.

Please post the form to or contact for further details

Contact Address

Mr Bob Woodman The Old Rectory Drayton Beauchamp Aylesbury HP22 5LT 01442 823077 sponsors@kophillclimb.org.uk

Trader entries will be acknowledged as soon as possible. Those accepted will be issued with an invoice and once paid will be sent access and location details.

Princes Risborough		Town Council
		Risborough Area Community Action
		The Guide
Associate Organisations		Brooklands Society
Motorcars		Veteran
		Vintage
		Modena Group
Motorcycles		Vintage
Web-site		Bello Design

Booking Details

Application Form Part 1 - Please type in details before printing.

Part 1

Motorcar/Motorcycle Details

Registration No.
Make
Model/Type
Year
Capacity/HP
Entry Class No.
Other Details

Driver Details

First Name
Last Name
Address
Post Code
Telephone No.
Email

Reservation Details

Please reserve me a place on

Saturday, 26th
Sunday, 27th

Application Form

Part 2

Marketing Information

How did you hear about us?

Payment Instructions

Cheques made payable to
Address		Kop Hill Climb PO Box 133 Askett Princes Risborough HP27 7AE

Please sign after printing

I have read and accept the booking conditions and regulations relating to the run.

Signature
Date

We are grateful to our sponsors for their support.

Additional sponsors can associate themselves with this exciting and innovative two day event, which should bring into Princes Risborough up to 2000 spectators and participants. The following options are available to link your organisation with this event.

Options

• Banners will line the course opposite the spectator areas. These can be colour printed to your specification. The charge for a typical 6x2 foot banner will be £120. Local TV coverage is being sought and the banners adjacent to start line will be £250 for the same size.
• Every participant and spectator will be given a Souvenir Brochure and Programme. This will be A5 in size and will contain details about the run, its history, background to the event and a listing of all the vehicles taking part. A full page advert will cost £100, a half page £50, and a box £30.
• 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.
• The cost of stands or exhibits in the spectator or paddock area will depend on size. Stallholders will occupy a standard plot of 4X2 metres; the charge is £40 for one day and £75 for two.
• Each vehicle on the run will display a run plate bearing a number for cross referencing to the programme. There is space on the run plate for the names of two sponsors. It is common for the run plates to be retained by the participants as a record of their driving activity. The cost of this sponsorship is £250.

For further details and to make bookings please contact Bob Woodman , 01442 823077, or
sponsors@kophillclimb.org.uk

Come and support Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and Risborough Cares Charity by spectating at Kop Hill Climb.

You do not have to pack a picnic! there is food and toilets on site

There will be more than 200 veteran, vintage and classic motorcars and motorcycles each day to see and hear as they climb Kop Hill.

Paddy Hopkirk of racing and rally fame will open the 2009 Kop Hill Climb at 10am. on Saturday 26^th.
The runs up the hill are scheduled from 10.00 until 13.00 and from 14.00 until 17.00. Spectator access and car parking will be available from 09.00 until 18.00.

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.

• There is free parking off Brimmers Road.
• The programme is on sale for £2, which includes information about Kop Hill and a listing of all Entrants.

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 everyones' safety and their instructions must be observed.
  
• Examine the static display of historic cars in the padock, some as early as 1903
  
• Our local racing teams Modena and Beechdean will thrill you with a display of modern racing cars. Some of these cars may give a demonstration run up the hill, but not, unfortunately, at race speeds.
  
• 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 grandstand overlooking the start line. There is a charge of £3 for a seat in this stand for each half day.
  • On 4 stands alongside the hedge overlooking Kop Hill.
  • Up the hillside to Cop Hill from behind the fence.
  • There is no spectator access to the finish line.
  
  

• Visit the Trade Area in the paddock
  • Local Food Court
  • Other food and drink(no alcohol)
  • Charities
  • Motor traders
  • Auto Jumble