By Hollie Harris
Racing cars from the 1920s through to today are set to tackle the fearsome Noosa Hill Climb over this weekend in the famed Noosa Summer Hill Climb 2017.
The event marks the 20th year of the hill climb, widely regarded as the toughest in Australia with its 14 testing corners through Tewantin’s State forest, fringed with unforgiving concrete barriers, rock walls and gum trees.
Over 140 racing cars are expected to take the start line, ranging from a near century-old Austin 7 through to a pair of modern Toyota 86 racers with customised turbocharged engines.
Cars are divided into numerous classes and launched up Tewantin’s Gyndier Drive at roughly 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.
Highlighting the eclectic range of cars in action from all eras, the entry list features a 1937 Chevy Sedan, 1949 MG TC, 1959 MG A, numerous Ford Escorts and Mustangs, modern classic four-wheel drive Subaru WRXs, Mitsubishi Evos and Nissan Skylines, plus Porsche 911s, Jaguar XJSs and the fastest of all: the single seater hill climb specials.
Standouts this year include a 1963 Watson Indy 500 replica with 5.7-litre Chevy V8, a World Endurance Rally 1970 Ford Capri Perana with Windsor V8 and a 1983 Lola T594 with a shape similar to the fastest Le Mans endurance racers.
On display at the event will be a locally restored 1958 Read Holden Special single seater, while the aforementioned 1963 Indy 500 car will make a spectacular display at Noosa Civic shopping centre on the week before race weekend.
A pre-event street parade and car display will be held from 3.30pm on Friday November 10 along Hastings Street, 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 11 and Sunday 12 November, 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 Road.
Tickets are: adult – $15 day pass or $25 weekend pass; children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult.
