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“It is said that as soon as the first two cars were constructed, they had the first race.”

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INTRO

While the automobile has spawned many competitive events, one of earliest motoring challenges was the hill climb. The concept is simple: cars race up a hill as fast as they can against the clock and each other. As a competitive sport, the hill climb has endured with the most notable and enduring event being the death dying Pikes Peak race in Colorado. Pennsylvania has always been a hot bed for hill climb racing and the Hershey area is no exception. In the heyday of the historic Hershey Hill Climb there were as many as 10,000 spectators lining the course to witness the feats of the courageous cars and drivers.

The Elegance at Hershey has brought back the historic hill climb with a weekend where we endeavor to recreate the look and feel of the early days of the sport. Modeled, in part, on the previous Hershey climbs and the famed Goodwood Festival of Speed, mostly pre-war cars sanctioned by the Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) entertain our guests for a weekend of speed exhibitions. VSCCA is an integral part of bringing our hill climb back to life.

Grandstands are provided at the start and near the finish line along with a trail up the hill where spectators can watch and enjoy the cars during runs. Each day our guests can experience the fun of a race car by purchasing charity rides in the actual cars racing! Based upon the miles of smiles this has become one of the most popular features during the weekend.

In 2017, there will be more activities in this area than ever so make sure you make plans to attend this event. We are positive that the sights and SOUNDS of the racing will delight you!

Ride

On Friday and Saturday guests may purchase rides in the racecars competing in the Grand Ascent Hill Climb. Purchase a VIP ride ticket and the guest will be treated to the thrilling experience of hearing and feeling tires squealing and engines in full song as these vintage cars traverse the storied hill course behind the Hotel Hershey. The cars are piloted by our experienced and qualified drivers. Don’t forget to sign the waiver before you enter the car. The Ride Along program will commence each race day nominally at Noon. Strike another item from your Bucket List.

DRIVE

The Grand Ascent is sanctioned by the VSCCA & members get first preference for the available slots. All other cars must meet VSCCA standards and driver requirements. To see if you and your vehicle qualify or to enter your car, visit www.vscca.org.

Hill Climb Operations Chairman, David L.George is a competitor and organizer in the vintage racing world. He is a veteran of the VSCCA and directed the Pittsburgh Vintage Gran Prix. Questions about car eligibility, technical standards or logistics, contact David at grandascent@dlgeorge.com.

TRAIL

The Hotel Hershey
100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033


VIP parking passes must be displayed.
Parking attendants will direct you to the appropriate lot.

Take exit 266 toward PA-72/Lebanon/Lancaster
Turn left onto PA-72 N/Lebanon Rd; continue to follow PA-72 N
Continue onto US-322 W; continue to follow US-322 W
Bear left onto Hersheypark Dr.
Follow Hersheypark Dr. toward Attractions
Make left onto PA-39. (at Giant Center)
Make slight right into parking area

Take Exit 242 to merge onto I-83 N
Take exit 46B to merge onto US-322 E toward Hershey
Continue onto US-422 E
Merge onto PA-39 W via the ramp to Hersheypark Dr/Attractions
Continue onto Hersheypark Dr.
Turn left at 3rd traffic light (intersection at Giant Center)
Turn right onto Boathouse Rd. into parking area

Take exit 77 for PA-39 E toward Manada Hill
Turn left onto PA-39 E; continue to follow PA-39 E
Turn left onto Boathouse Rd. into parking area