In brief, May 2009

The Kop Hill climb, near Princes Risborough, will be celebrated in a two-day revival which will recreate competitive events held between 1910-25. Cars of the type that competed in period will take part in demo runs, and up to 350 cars and bikes are expected at the September 26/27 event. For details go to kophillclimb.org.uk

Tour Auto will make a rare foray outside France this year with visits to Luxembourg and Belgium during the five-day classic race and rally tour. From the start in Paris, the route will include races at Dijon and Spa before finishing at Deauville. The event starts on April 21.

The GT and Sports Car Cup series will appear in Britain twice in 2009 following confirmation of a four-event schedule for Pre-66 GT and Pre-63 Sports Cars. The series will race at Silverstone (May 9/10) and Donington Park (September 5/6), as well as Monza in June and Nogaro in October.

The ex-Arturo Merzario 1974 Iso Marlboro F1 car run by Frank Williams Racing will return to the track this summer following a rebuild by the Speedmaster team. James Hanson, who will race the Iso, plans to prove the car before offering it for sale.

The Historic Formula 2 Championship will support its modern counterpart at Donington Park on August 16/17. Former F2 champion Jonathan Palmer, who is behind the new race series, is keen to have the historic cars in action. The Historic F2 season starts at Spa on April 25/26.

George Mackie, the joint founder of Marauder cars, has died aged 92. Mackie joined the Rover Company in 1938 and after the war became its factory representative in Europe, before being promoted to manager of Land Rover Technical Sales in ’57.

Rally competitor Patricia ‘Tish’ Ozanne passed away in February. She was a well-loved international rally driver who competed in various events from 1953-73 in Sunbeams, Rileys, Jaguars and Fords. As a co-driver she finished third in the 1958 Tulip Rally, and also in the 1959 and 1960 Alpine events.