Unexpectedly warm skies and with only a brief Sunday shower to contend with, Vintage Prescott 2025 proved to be far more than just a hill climb, it was a full weekend of heritage, family fun, fierce competition, and Club camaraderie.

Prescott has long been the jewel in the crown of the Vintage Sports-Car Club's calendar, and this year's event showed exactly why. With a packed paddock of cars ranging from humble Austin 7s to the Stanley Steamer and more than a brace of Bugattis, the competitive field alone would have made for a memorable weekend. But this year, the hill climb was only the beginning.

A Festival of Family and Community: The sound of engines was accompanied by laughter and lively conversation, thanks to the newly revived Children's Activity Tent, inspired by young member Wilf Cawley and brought brilliantly to life by Helen Peacop and a band of creative volunteers. Kids crafted pom-poms, slime, bead jewellery, dreamcatchers, and more, with many donning T-shirts generously donated by Longstone Tyres to save their Sunday best from glue and glitter.

Elsewhere, Sunday morning's ever-popular bicycle races returned, with toddlers, teens, and a number of determined adults tackling part of the famous hill climb route on everything from unicycles to pedal cars. The Riley Motor Club also led a parade of historic cars up the hill during Saturday's lunch break, marking a significant anniversary in style.

Bonhams|Cars added their unique touch to the festivities, with an impressive display of vehicles and memorabilia from their upcoming sales and their now-traditional hospitality offering, including complimentary drinks and a hog roast on Saturday evening. This year's gathering was particularly special as we announce the renewal of our relationship with Bonhams|Cars for a further five years.Tim Schofield, Head of Department at Bonhams|Cars, commented:"In common with several colleagues, having myself been born and raised in a VSCC family, this wonderful Club and its activities have played a major role in our motoring lives. We are especially grateful to Club President Simon Blakeney-Edwards and Club Secretary Tania Brown for helping continue this partnership. Prescott is a cornerstone of vintage motorsport, and we're proud to remain part of it.”

The Club was also joined by Charity Partner Kidney Research UK, who were on site throughout the weekend running games, raffles, and a 'most desirable car' competition, all in support of raising funds and awareness. Fierce Competition and Familiar Names.

Of course, the weekend wasn't just about the fun, it was about the competition. And what competition there was.The tightest of margins marked many of the weekend's class battles: in Class 2, just 0.11 seconds separated Ian Standing in the Riley Brooklands and Harry Baxter in the HRG 1100. Class 5 was settled by 0.02 seconds. A number of drivers achieved sub-50-second runs, setting personal bests and lighting up the hill.

One of the standout stories came from AJM1 and Tom Hardman, who posted a personal best to narrowly edge Patrick Blakeney-Edwards into second place in their class. Youth participation was also a major highlight, with young drivers achieving notable results across the board:• Theo Hunt took 1st overall in Class 10 and the Fastest Sports-Car accolade.• James Topliss was awarded Fastest Young Driver in ERA R4A.• Archie Collings captured the Sam Clutton Memorial Trophy.• Rufus Flann, Wilf Cawley, and Ben Briggs all secured prize finishes in their classes, further proving the future of vintage motorsport is in good hands.

At the front of the field, Nicholas Topliss stormed to Fastest Time of the Day in ERA R4A, earning the prestigious Mays-Berthon Trophy, while Dr Robin Tuluie was awarded Fastest Vintage Car in the Riley Menasco Pirate. Charlie Martin took home the Peter Hampton Tankard for the Fastest Bugatti, a title previously held for four consecutive years by Ed Burgess. The Riley Centenary Award went to Mike Dowell in the Riley Brooklands, and Scott Towell in the Lea-Francis 12/40 P Type secured the Garry Whyte Trophy for best handicap performance by a driver aged 35 or under.Finally, a special mention must go to the Silver Con-Rod Trophy, awarded for excellence in car presentation and preparation. James Baxter's Riley/ERA TT Sprite took the honour, as voted by our scrutineers.

Prescott Shines Once More: With glorious sunshine, close racing, laughter from the craft tent, and the smell of roast pork in the air, Vintage Prescott 2025 was everything that makes the VSCC special. As cars, spectators, and competitors packed up to head home, there was a shared sense that the weekend had been something truly memorable. Club Secretary Tania Brown summed it up best: 'Prescott has always been where the heart of the Club beats strongest. This weekend reminded us why, it is not just about the cars, but about community, history, good humour and real passion. My thanks to all our marshals, volunteers, competitors, families and supporters who helped make it happen. We are already looking forward to doing it all again next year.” 

Remaining Speed events this year? To experience more of the fantastic vintage world of motorsport and true camaraderie that the VSCC offers join us at one of our upcoming Hill Climbs, and experience grass roots motorsport at its friendliest. Saturday 6 September - Loton Park Hill ClimbSunday 7 September - Loton Park Hill ClimbSaturday 20 September - Prescott Long Course Hill Climb.

More Information on the VSCC's 2025 Events Calendar, and for high-resolution images of the event, please contact us at ben.crosby@vscc.co.uk 

The Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) is a prestigious organisation dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of vintage and historic sports cars. With a rich history spanning decades, the VSCC continues to uphold its tradition of excellence while actively embracing sustainability and innovation in vintage motoring. ..Ends

Words Tania Brown. Images Peter Baker