Friday 1st November 2013

East Coast Classic preview

Goodwood's great but here's a different revival, this one with fish'n'chips and bracing sea air

---

A Noble M600, a Renault 5 Maxi Turbo and an 800hp NASCAR Chevy Impala.

Preview event attracted true Brit supercars...

No, not the three worst suggestions offered to a 17-year-old dental receptionist who asked Facebook what should be her first car. They were, in fact, the first three cars off the start line at the press event for an all-new motoring festival, The East Coast Classic.

The venue is Britain's last-remaining street circuit - Oliver's Mount near Scarborough. If you've never heard of it you're probably not a biker but from Barry Sheene to Guy Martin it's a classic two-wheeled venue. Oddly the driving force to get cars back on it is also a biker - former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry.

''Bikers have been keeping this place to themselves for far too long, it's time that the four-wheel lot get a crack at this unique circuit," he says, a biker's eye view (and ringing ears) available here." Steve says that "unlike many such events that have started to look and feel like a regional heat of The Great British Bake Off with a car show nailed onto it", this one promises to be focused on the track with themed hours like Supercar Sixty, Maestros Of The Mount and Driftastic.

...and NASCAR stockers together

In his own words Berry insists this isn't just another half-cocked attempt at doing a "Goodwood For The North", saying, "The biggest difference is that I want as many people out there driving the circuit as possible. We've got the last remaining street circuit on the UK mainland. Two and a half miles of tightly twisting tarmac set in beautiful parkland ... a mini Nurburgring. And it doesn't hurt either that it sits smack bang next to a seaside resort. If you want to eat, drink or somewhere to stay - it's all within walking distance."

Anything else?

"Well, we are planning to beat the Guinness World Record for greatest number of British-made marques on a race circuit at the same time," adds Berry. "So, if you've got the only surviving example of the legendary Spadgeworth Super Special, or its equivalent, then for God's sake - get in touch!"

The inaugural East Coast Classic will take place at the Oliver's Mount circuit in Scarborough North Yorkshire on the third weekend of September in 2014. Keep an eye on the event's site for more details as and when they're announced.

Photos: Michael Ward

 

[tr7v8]

Always been wanting to visit this venue when the cars are on. Nice part of the world if a haul from kent.

[waterwonder]

It's in the diary.

[Zumbruk]

There has been sprinting there for the last couple of years, but ICBA to schlep to the frozen North. However, feedback has been quite positive - perhaps I shall have to make the effort next year.

[Oddball RS]

The M600 looks so out of date its painful.

[Matt UK]

Just watched the clip - not sure I'd be brave enough for a committed run of that course in a car! Barely looked enough room for bikes!

[strummerville]

I used to watch a stage of the National Breakdown rally in the mid 80s at Olivers Mount. Jim McRae in the AC Delco Manta was particularly at home on tarmac...

[will01]

sounds like one for the 2014 diary, we will try and be there with some old british classics

[magpies]

it has been used in the past for rallying, both single venue and national. And yes there is enough room to overtake.

[tr7v8]

This is a single seater on Olivers Mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOioBamq2QA

[andyman_2006]

Well this is great news!!

Had some very good times over the last 10 years visiting this circuit, they do still run speed hill climbs here twice a year.

The auto 66 club are the ones who organise these events.


http://www.auto66.com/hill-climb-events.htm

i do hope the turn out of cars and people is good, and hope its well advertised.

keep an eye on that site, and this could be worth a visit.

[velocemitch]

Interesting venue, it's been used recently for the roger albert Clarke rally and also at night on road rallies (I went round it in 2012 on the Rymoor Trophy Rally) wouldn't fancy trying to race a monster car around it though.

[andyman_2006]

another good site, has all the history, and some scary one lap vids from an onboard bike cam...

http://www.oliversmount.com/?f=home&id=20

[insideimsmiling]

Great news, an event with a slightly different slant to it with the chance to see cars in action. I always enjoy Donnington each year as after all the classic car shows, enjoyable as they are, to hear and smell the cars doing what they were built for is always a thrill. The best bit of that of course is being able to wander around the pits area, but back on topic Scarborough is a chance to add good food & beer into the mix with cheap accommodation and some great roads to enjoy on the way there.
( can you tell I'm excited about this ? )

[Craikeybaby]

I'm looking forward to this. I've been trying to find a bit more information about the time table, is it likely to be qualifying on Saturday, then races on Sunday? Or a similar timetable both days, like FOS?

[Craikeybaby]

Giving this a bit of a bump as it all seems very quiet.

Have got a B&B booked, but haven't heard anything about the event since the initial press release...

[Mk1UTRich]

Any further news on this event, website still not showing anything but was really looking forward to it.

[Craikeybaby]

I haven't heard anything either. Got hotel rooms booked, but kind of resigned myself to just spending the weekend doing touristy stuff/hooning on the moors.

[Revol]

This is on this Sunday if anyone is in the area. £12 on the gate and under 12s are free.