One of Logan County’s most unique motorsports traditions is set to return next month as the Bellefontaine Hill Climb Revival 8 takes place on Saturday, August 22, at historic Corkscrew Hill near Zanesfield.
The annual event celebrates the original Bellefontaine Hill Climb, which ran from 1953 through 1974 and is recognized as Ohio’s longest-running public road racing competition.
Since its revival in 2019, the event has brought vintage sports cars back to the winding hill course, allowing drivers and spectators to relive a piece of Ohio motorsports history.
Event organizer Kurt Niemeyer joined News Director April King on 98.3 WPKO for Listen Up! Sunday morning:
Drivers will navigate the original hill climb course in vintage sports cars, with most competition vehicles manufactured before 1985.
Cars are divided into production, modified, and full-race classes, with scoring based on engine displacement.
Organizers also allow a limited number of newer vehicles to participate in a special exhibition class with prior approval.
Unlike a typical car show, competitors are required to have previous motorsports experience, such as autocross, rally, road racing, or time trials. Vehicles must also pass a safety inspection before taking to the course.
The event also includes touring laps, giving participants an opportunity to drive the historic course without competition requirements.
Organizers say the focus remains on sportsmanship, safety, and preserving the legacy of one of Ohio’s most memorable road racing events.
The Bellefontaine Hill Climb Revival is organized by Sports Car Preservation LTD and continues to attract vintage racing enthusiasts from across the region while honoring a tradition that helped put Logan County on the motorsports map.
