Racing cars from the 1920s through to today are set to tackle the fearsome Noosa Hill Climb this weekend.
Star attraction will be reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Luke Youlden, who co-drove with David Reynolds to victory at Mt Panorama last year.
Youlden will be tackling the notoriously difficult hill climb in a $150,000 Audi RS4 Avant, which hits 100kmh in just 4.1-seconds, so is sure to be one of the very fastest at Noosa.
Youlden will join a long line of notable drivers attracted to the Noosa Hill Climb over its 21 years.
Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan, Kevin Bartlett, Dick Johnson, Steve Johnson and Glenn Seaton have all graced the 14 corner, 1.5km track through Tewantin’s State forest.
Also coming to the hill climb this year is a celebration of muscle cars.
There will be some big engined, noisy and crowd-pleasing racers including a 1964 Ford Mustang, 1969 Ford Falcon GT 1989 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1972 Holden Torana GTR XU-1, as well as more modern muscle such as a 2002 Maserati 4200 and a Jaguar XK8.
Over 140 racing cars are expected to take the start line, ranging from a near century-old Austin 7 through to a modern Nissan GT-R, Lotus Exige and a range of open-wheel hill climb specials.
In between is a mix of 1960s Ford Mustangs, Holden Toranas and Commodores, Subaru Impreza WRXs, classic Alfa Romeos and Porsches and even open-wheeler tribute Formula 1, Formula 2 and Indy 500 winners.
Cars are divided into numerous classes and launched up Tewantin’s Gyndier Drive at approximately 30-second intervals. The drivers race against the clock up the 1.5-kilometre climb, with spectators able to enjoy the action from grandstands and numerous other vantage points along the route.
An open pit lane also gives spectators the chance to see the racing cars up close and talk to drivers as they wait for their next run.
A pre-event street parade and car display will be held from 4.30pm on Friday June 8 along Hastings St, Noosa Heads. Many competing cars will be on show to give locals and visitors a taste of the racing to come.
Racing starts at 8.30am on Saturday and Sunday June 9 and 10 with tickets available at the gate each day. Access to the start and main pit area is from the bottom of Gyndier Drive off Noosa-Cooroy Rd. Cost $15, children under 14 free. Visit noosacarclub.com.au
