RACING cars has always been a passion for Yelverton racing driver John Simpson but even now retired, the sport has lured once more onto the track.

In the past John has won the Ford rally championship, driven for Subaru and Ford, plus been an instructor at numerous rally schools in Wales and London as well as at the famous Silverstone circuit.

Now, at the age of 65, he’s getting all revved up to compete in the two day speed hillclimb at Werrington Park, near Launceston on the weekend of April 29 and 30.

The hillclimb is Plymouth Motor club’s biggest event of the season. Traditionally held on the Saturday and Sunday of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, this event will see 100 competitors on each day tackling the 1,250 yard tarmac hill at high speed.

Despite now being a pensioner, John has built a new car for this season, a 340bhp Vauxhall Astra and has already taken a class win on his first outing.

‘It’s an astoundingly fast car,’ says John, ’with 350 brake horse power.’

Once he has competed at Werrington Park John will be making preparations for his next adventure — the 3.2 kilometre Saint Goueno hillclimb in Brittany, France on May, which includes the French Championships.

Each year the organisers of Saint Goueno extend a hand of welcome to British and Irish drivers wishing to attempt this world class hillclimb.

The event, held this year on May 26, 27 28, is now considered to be the best organised hillclimb in France and has become legendary amongst hillclimbers for its warm Breton welcome and après-piste entertainment.

John told the Times:?‘This is the first time I have entered the Saint Goueno. I have meant to do it for a long time so I’m really looking forward to it.

‘It’s also a great chance to catch up with some old friends.’