WEYMOUTH’s John Kirby is set to participate in the first speed hill climb on public roads since the law was changed last year at Newquay’s Watergate Bay tomorrow.

Kirby, 69, is a retired marine engineer and will be competing in his 998cc turbo charged super lightweight mini clubman at the event.

Kirby will be competing with around 90 cars and drivers from across the UK and will compete against the clock, tackling the 720-metre course along the B3276 coast road between Padstow and Newquay.

The event marks the first speed hillclimb to take place on a closed public road, since the passing of a law in Parliament in 2017 which enables the suspension of the Road Traffic Act for motorsport events.

Kirby said: “I have been racing for over 40 years, at 69 I am probably the oldest one in the event.”

From an idea in 2013 by Truro Motor Club Competition Secretary and now Deputy Event Director of Watergate Bay Hillclimb Dave Brenton, the concept has grown significantly in strength and has gained support from a wealth of businesses who are keen to see the event become an annual event.

Charities benefit from the weekend, with all profits being donated to the Cornwall Air Ambulance and Cornwall Food Foundation, which includes Jamie Oliver’s apprentice training scheme at the nearby Fifteen restaurant.

Ginetta GT5 racer and personality Charlie Martin is a notable entry who will bring her own Mini Cooper to Cornwall.

There will be a wide range of cars competing throughout the weekend, divided into 12 classes, ranging from totally standard road going examples to highly modified racers and rally cars.

Shelley Deacon has been involved in the organising team of the event, but switches to the driver’s seat during the weekend. Deacon, from St Dennis will drive her Audi TT which she has been using with great success in the British Women Racing Drivers Club Hillclimb and Sprint championships this season.

The Watergate Bay Hotel Rally Car Class is well supported, with event sponsor Neil Yates bringing his Rally Prep backed BMW E30 to the hillclimb.

A rare MG Metro 6R4, driven by Andy Slade will make the trip from Plymouth and motorsport fans will be in for a treat, undoubtedly hearing the car before seeing it.

Deputy Event Director Dave Brenton said: “A few years ago, this was just an idea and now this weekend, after many months of hard work, it becomes a reality.

“Cornwall is a fantastic place for motorsport and has a very healthy scene which tends to hide itself away, so Watergate Bay is effectively bringing motorsport to the people.

"We have had lots of support from the MSA and our sponsors, all of which have helped to make this happen and it really is exciting to be making history in the sport.

"We have a great entry lined up and we think it will be a great weekend for all to enjoy and the plan is certainly to make it an annual event.”