THE CLIMB

The Aston Hill Centenary on 17 May 2025 celebrated the
hill’s rich motorsport heritage and shared the history of
events that took place between 1904 and 1925, the location
for many the nation’s biggest Hillclimb events. Our
Centenary included ‘The Climb’, an ascent of Aston Hill
by vehicles of an age and type that competed in period.
Owners of such vehicles have been invited to participate in The Climb.

The entry system collected details including Commentator’s notes and photos.
Participants in The Climb received commemorative rally plates,
and 2 vehicle passes to The Show (with programmes) in return for
a small contribution to the marshals and our nominated charities. 
An unseeded list of entries  can be seen here:
Entry List ~ Aston Hill Climb Centenary 

The Aston Hill Centenary was organised in partnership with
Aston Clinton Parish Council, the Vintage Sports Car Club and
Herts County Auto & Aero Club (HCAAC), the latter being the
organisers of most events at Aston Hill in period. ‘The Climb’ on
17th May 2025 ran under a permit from Motorsport UK.
This date had been selected as it was 100 years since the last
event to be organised at Aston Hill was scheduled. An RAC
competition permit was issued for the HCAAC Open Hillclimb on
16 May 1925, but, just prior to the event, all permits for speed
contests on public highways were withdrawn following an accident
at nearby Kop Hill. Consequently, this event never took place. It
was therefore decided that the celebration of Aston Hill and
its history would be held on 17 May 2025, one hundred years later!

Timetable 

• 08.00: Participating cars and motorcycles assembled in Aston
Clinton Park, where they would be on display to the public and
media during scrutineering for safety and noise using Motorsport
UK qualified experts from many local clubs.
• 09.30: Motorsport UK presented HCAAC with a replacement
permit for the 1925 event …100 years late!
• 09.45: Drivers/Riders briefing
• 10.00-11.30: Vehicles flagged off from the start. They would
follow a three-mile route through Aston Clinton and ascending
Aston Hill to the old finish line. It was noted that the route remained
open to other traffic but was managed by marshals. After
crossing the old finish line, the participating cars and
motorcycles enterd The Show, where they formed the
centrepiece of the Aston Hill vintage and classic vehicle show.
On arrival at The Show, some of the drivers/owners were
interviewed by the commentator
• 12.00-17.00: Participants enjoyed the rest of The Show! 

The event was sponsored by Ecurie Bertelli and Immun’Age