THE 39th season of speed hillclimbing at scenic Gurston Down gets under way this weekend with two Championship events.

Saturday sees a round of the PPC Speed Championship, supplemented by special invitation classes for Pre-War Austin 7s and the Paul Matty Lotus Championship (from Cortinas to Formula 3 single seaters).

Topping the bill on Sunday is the Gates of Brockenhurst Gurston Down Hillclimb Championship and Top Ten Challenge, which has attracted a high quality entry of modified productions cars, sports racing cars and single-seater racing cars. Invitation classes for TRs, Austin Healeys and Ginettas will also run.

Local favourites Jonathan Gates, Neal Turner, Richard Hillyar, Paul Webster, Nik Gregory, Peter Sexton, Duncan Barnes and Chris Cannell are all in action.

Gurston Down's 2005 fixtures calendar: April 16: National B event. April 17: Gurston Down Hillclimb Championship. May 28 & 29: British Hillclimb Championship and motor bikes. June 18: National B event. June 19: Gurston Down Championship. July 17: Gurston Down Championship and motor bikes. August 27 & 28: British Championship. September 11: Gurston Down Championship.