TWO days of action kicks off the new season at the Woolbridge Motor Club organised Wiscombe Park speed hill climb this weekend - with an over-subscribed entry list promising a number of close battles throughout the classes, and of course for the coveted award of Fastest Time of the Day.

There are a number of contenders for the outright win with contenders coming from the top single-seater racing car classes.

With Otttery St Mary driver Ed Hollier absent as he and his father Bob finish the preparation of their new machine the door of opportunity is open to previous Wiscombe champion Mike Lee in his OMS 2000M.

Lee however will be keeping a close eye o fellow 1100 cc-1600 cc class adversaries Neal Coles (OMS CF04) and Simon Clemow (Force PT) in addition to over 1600 cc class chargers Roy and Dave Sims. The father and son duo campaigning their two litre Ralt RT33/34.

The Road-Going Series Production classes will see nearly fifty drivers in action across four capacity divisions.

In the over 2000 c.c. split Exeter garage proprietor Steve Clarke (Subaru Impreza) will face up against the Mitsubishi Evo of Simon Neve, the Escort turbo of Roy Bray and the potent Subaru of Mike Potter. These classes will see machinery such as BMW M3s, BMW Minis, Audis and Lotus in action.

The Road-Going Specialist Production class with engines between 1400 cc and 1800 c.c., if the unit is car derived, or 875 cc to 1125 c.c. if it is of motor cycle origin, will see Sherborne driver Graham Vingoe face the challenge of Exeter drivers Ian Hodgson (Westfield SEi) and Barry Pursey (Haynes Roadster). Vingoe will be at the wheel of his Caterham Seven.

The Modified Series Production class up to 1400 cc will see Kenton driver Adrian Langley take on the massed ranks of Minis and Peugeots in his 1380 cc Mini.

With years of experience of the challenging Wiscombe track Adrian will go head to head with reigning Bridge Tyres and Wheels Wiscombe champion Mark Shillaber in his self prepared Ford Fiesta Supersport.

Another local driver and another former champion, Martyn Pike will be setting the pace in the 1400 cc -1800 cc Modified Series Production category.

At the wheel of his immaculate Ford Escort Mk1 the Feniton driver will be challenged by the duelling Vauxhalls of Andy Stoddart (Nova) and Gordon Iles (Tigra) who will no doubt continue their epic battle against one and another which has been a feature of Wiscombe meetings during recent seasons.

A full programme of motor sport is spread across the two days sees a variety of machinery in action including a specialist class for Minis as well as Westfields sports cars and Aston Martins.