32nd Historic & Classic Rob Roy Hillclimb

Next date: Sunday, 17 November 2024 | 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM

This event showcases a fascinating range of vehicles, young and old.

Cars compete to see who can climb 695m the quickest across several categories and ages, including sportscars, open cars, supercharged racing cars and more.

About the event

The MG Car Club is a not-for-profit organisation and currently conducts ten public events each year, including a round of the Victorian Hillclimb Championship. Full catering is provided at each meeting by volunteers of the MG Car Club but at the November meeting it is conducted by the Panton Hill CFA who receive all of the profits. The venue has picnic facilities, seated spectator viewing stands and lends itself to an enjoyable day out.

Events can attract up to 100 competitors. The competing cars are categorized into "classes" so they compete against likeminded entrants. However at each event there is an award for the Fastest Time of Day, irrespective of class. If everything runs smoothly, entrants can have up to five runs at the hill.

History of the event

Rob Roy is one of Australia's and the world's oldest motorsport venues, located a scenic drive 45 km northeast of Melbourne. In 1935, representatives of the Light Car Club of Australia inspected the Clintons Pleasure Ground property with the view to establishing a suitable venue for car hilllcimb meetings. The property had been used for several years for motorbike events. In 1937, the first car event took place and in 1938 the venue was used for the first Victorian and Australian Hillclimb championships. In 1939, the track was bitumenized. At this time Rob Roy shared the distinction of being one of only three specially designed, bitumen surfaced hillclimbs in the world. The other two being Shelsley Walsh and Prescott both in the UK. Prior to its closure in 1962, as a consequence of disastrous bushfires, eight of the record holders had also been winners of Australian Grand Prix, including Sir Jack Brabham.

In 1992, the MG Car Club of Victoria commenced discussions with the then Shire of Eltham and Melbourne Water and obtained an initial lease on the property. In conjunction with other likeminded car clubs and the support of the wider motorsport community the property was faithfully resurrected and has been responsible for promoting various events each year since.

In 2022, as a consequence of a substantial Government Grant the track was resurfaced and new amenities were introduced or existing ones upgraded for spectator enjoyment.

 

When

Location

375 Clintons Road, Smiths Gully, 3760, View map