Thousands of enthusiasts descended on Shelsley Walsh as Classic Nostalgia roared back to life for its 14th edition. Held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025, the iconic hill climb was once again transformed into a living celebration of motorsport history, bringing together legendary machines, star drivers, and the unmistakable magic of Shelsley’s motorsport heritage.
Despite mixed weather, spirits remained sky-high throughout the weekend as fans were treated to dramatic hill climb action, evocative car displays, stirring tributes, and the unmistakable soundtrack of engines past and present.
A Fitting Tribute to Colin McRae – 30 Years On
A powerful and emotional tribute marked 30 years since Colin McRae’s 1995 World Rally Championship victory. The legendary Subaru Impreza 555 BAT, in which McRae secured his historic RAC Rally win, took centre stage alongside other iconic McRae-driven cars. Demonstration runs up the hill brought the distinctive flat-four growl echoing through the valley once again.
A heartfelt Q&A session featured members of McRae’s original Prodrive team — including David Lapworth, Alan McGuinness, and others — alongside Jimmy McRae, Colin’s father. Motorsport commentator Toby Moody guided the conversation, drawing applause and warm nostalgia from the crowd. A lucky fan also experienced a once-in-a-lifetime passenger ride in the 1996 Rallye Catalunya-winning Impreza, raising funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Celebrating 75 Years of Formula 1
A stunning array of Formula 1 machinery wowed visitors as Shelsley marked the 75th anniversary of the Formula One World Championship. Highlights included:
The Surtees TS7, John Surtees’ first F1 design
The Shadow DN9B, once raced by Stuck, Regazzoni, and de Angelis
Michael Schumacher’s ex-Benetton B192
The rare Netuar-Peugeot, F1’s first Peugeot rear-engine car
Each car made demonstration runs up the hill, giving fans a visceral taste of Formula 1’s ever-evolving heritage.
NASCAR Thunder Shakes the Hills
Bringing a slice of American muscle to Shelsley Walsh, a fleet of ten thunderous NASCAR V8s lit up the hill with tyre-smoking, sideways action. From an ex-Kevin Harvick Chevrolet to a Craftsman Series-winning truck, these monstrous machines thrilled the crowds with raw power, deafening engine notes, and dramatic drifting on the tight Shelsley course. It was a full-throttle spectacle that left fans grinning and engines crackling.
Endurance Icons and Racing Rarities
Shelsley played host to a number of rare and historic racers:
The 1984 TWR Jaguar XJ-S, loaned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, was a ferocious crowd-pleaser in demonstration runs, piloted by Mike Gallery.
Stuart Graham returned to Shelsley in the Andy Rouse-liveried Dolomite Sprint, celebrating the car’s 50th anniversary.
The Formula Ford 1600 Javelin JL5, once driven to his first race win by Nigel Mansell, drew attention with its impeccable restoration by Martin Sismey.
A special reunion saw Mike Wilds back in his 1978 Toyota Celica GT, still wearing its original “HOB” livery — a favourite among British Saloon Car Championship fans.
Joy Rainey Remembered at Shelsley Walsh
Motorsport pioneer Joy Rainey, who held the Ladies’ Record at Shelsley Walsh for 22 years, is honoured with a perpetual trophy returned to the MAC in 2021. Her legacy continues to inspire, with Amanda George Rainey claiming Fastest Lady this year in a Chevron B19, presented with the trophy by Richard Attwood.
More Than Motorsport
Classic Nostalgia once again proved it’s far more than just a race weekend. Beyond the thrilling action on the track, the event was a full celebration of motoring culture. Highlights included the vibrant Classic & Sports Car Concours on Sunday open to all pre-1985 classics, plus stunning car club displays, iconic Spitfire flypasts, and live bands that kept the atmosphere buzzing all weekend.
The much-loved Concours returned, judged by industry experts Simon Taylor and Arron McKay (Classic & Sports Car magazine). Congratulations to Doug Martin from Hereford, who took home Best in Show for his beautiful 1939 Lancia Aprilia Special Berlina. The Judge’s Choice award went to a standout 1954 Vauxhall Cresta.
The Jaguar E-Type Club was awarded Best Visiting Car Club display as judged by Iconic Auctioneers.
With glowing feedback already pouring in, organisers are already hatching exciting plans for next year’s event — Classic Nostalgia returns 18–19 July 2026.
Vote for Us
We’re thrilled that Classic Nostalgia has been shortlisted for the Visit Worcestershire Festival and Event of the Year award—an honour the small team are especially proud of during our 120th season of racing on The Hill.
