Vintage racers readying for 'Grand Ascent' hill climb

HERSHEY, Pa. _ While the automobile has spawned many competitive events, one of earliest motoring challenges was the hill climb. The concept is simple: cars race up a hill as fast as they can against the clock and each other. Pennsylvania has always been a hot bed for hill climb racing and the Hershey area is no exception. In the heyday of the historic Hershey Hill Climb there were as many as 10,000 spectators lining the course to witness the feats of the courageous cars and drivers.

The Elegance at Hershey has brought back the historic hill climb with a weekend where they endeavor to recreate the look and feel of the early days of the sport. Modeled, in part, on the previous Hershey climbs and the famed Goodwood Festival of Speed, mostly pre-war cars sanctioned by the Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) entertain guests for a weekend of speed exhibitions. The hill climb packs plenty of excitement in less than 1 mile and 200 feet of rise.

The Elegance at Hershey provides grandstands at the start and near the finish line, along with a trail up the hill where spectators can watch cars during runs on Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10. There will be a food court and vendors stationed at the start of the course for the guests as well. Tickets can be purchased on location and are $10 per day. Parking for this event is off Boat House Road (Route 39 and about 100 yards west of Hershey Park Drive/Giant Center).