AFTER its huge success this summer the Chateau Impney Hill Climb is making a comeback in 2016, with plans to make the weekend-long meet an annual fixture on the UK motorsport calendar.

More than 10,000 people flocked to the Chateau Impney this July to see the Hill Climb return after a 50 year absence, with car enthusiasts on both sides of the barriers turning out to watch and compete, with as many as 200 pre-1967 cars taking on a new course around the hotel’s grounds.

Rod Spollon, chairman of the Chateau Impney Hill Climb Club, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that the Chateau Impney Hill Climb will become a yearly meet, returning in 2016 and beyond.

“The support, positive feedback and enthusiasm from both spectators and competitors has been overwhelming and it’s satisfying to know that the new course provided a true challenge, even for some of the most experienced competitors on the hill climb and historic circuit.”

As well as the racing the event attracted a number of local businesses, who made the most of the crowds, and the return of the Hill Climb will bring everything from spectacular air displays, and lunchtime demonstrations, to a vintage funfair for families that will be free of charge with any ticket.

The popular Concours d’Elegance will return, where a winning car will be chosen by public vote, and there will be a dedicated classic car club area in the car park. Spectators will also be able to explore the open paddock again, getting up close and personal with the drivers and impressive cars facing the Chateau Impney challenge.

Driver Mark Riley, who won Class 10 at the inaugural event in a Creamer Special, added: “If I had to compete in only one event in England, I would want to go back to Chateau Impney. I hold records at Prescott and Bo’ness and I love them all, but the Chateau is very special. The track isn’t what you expect. I walked it and planned it out, but when you drive it, it’s very different. It’s a technical hill and the setting is absolutely gorgeous.”

Banbury-based driver Jack Woodhouse, managed to set the fastest time at the 2015 event with a time of 42.42 seconds in his first ever hill climb. He has received an honorary invite from the organisers will return to the Chateau to defend his title in his Lotus 20/22 after.

However organisers are hoping competition will be fierce, after being inundated with expressions of interest from drivers with a desire to compete.

As with the first event, general admission tickets to the Hill Climb will include free access to the grandstands, and the hill climb runs and driver interviews will be broadcast on a number of large-format screens throughout the Chateau grounds.

Tickets for 2016’s Chateau Impney Hill Climb are £20 per person, and under-16s will be admitted free with a ticket-holding adult. For more information, visit chateauimpneyhillclimb.com or call 0845 017 0637.