After an absence of 48 years, motorsport once again returned to the grounds of the Chateau Impney hotel near Droitwich with a hillclimb on a new 1000-yard course.

Set in 150 acres, the chateau was built in 1873 influenced by wealthy businessman John Corbett’s love of the chateaux in the Loire Valley. It was later abandoned and then used as accommodation during the Second World War

In 1949 it was renovated and opened as a hotel and motor sport started in September 1957 with the first of 11 annual sprints using a 550-yard course in front of the chateau.

On July 11/12 the grounds echoed once again to the sounds of classic cars roaring up the hill, in the inaugural revival of the event. John Retter shows us what we missed through his stunning images.  For more shots or hi-resolution copies please visit:  www.johnretterphotography.com

For full listing of results from the event click here