AS thousands of motorsport enthusiasts prepare for a pilgrimage to an historic Droitwich racing venue this summer, one local female racing driver has already walked the course where those same spectators will see her compete as the only woman in her category.

Shipston motor racer, Sue Darbyshire, will be steering her three-wheeler 1928 Morgan Super Aero around the twists and turns of the Chateau Impney Hill Climb where she will rub axles with proven racing greats such as Bugatti, Frazer Nash, ERA and the Morgan RIP Special.

And while the spectators will be hoping for wall to wall sunshine to magnify the smell of hot tyres and engine oil, Sue will be limbering up with a rain dance to give her a competitive edge.

The Hill Climb is the renaissance of a classic racing event at Chateau Impney that drew crowds in their thousands back in the 1950s and '60s.

The reborn version promises a spectacular and exhilarating weekend-long series of events with 200 competitors in 19 classes tackling a brand new and challenging MSA-approved track which is more than double the length of the 550-yard course used in the original sprint events.

Sue, a 52-year-old designer in the timber industry, has been racing for more than 30 years and is one of only 11 women invited to compete over the weekend of July 11 and 12. She and her husband, George, 60, started out in sidecar racing and competed in their first ever race on their first wedding anniversary. Fourteen years ago they bought the Morgan Super Aero and car restorer George is tasked with keeping it in tip-top racing condition.

Today George is happy to support his wife as she has gone on to achieve success racing in her own right. A member of the Vintage Sports-Car Club, some of her career highlights have included two 'Fastest Time of the Day' records, most recently at Goodwood in 2013 as well as winning the 2012 Klausenrennen International Hill Climb in Switzerland.

She will be competing at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb in one of the Pre-1940 Racing Cars Classes and is confident the Morgan will respond to the challenging angles of the new course, particularly if the weather is on her side.

“The Morgan is definitely more of a hill climb car as we’re often outgunned on circuits because of our engine size. A lot of people are quicker than me, but the car really comes into its own in the rain, so I’ll be hoping for a shower or two. Great for us, but not so good for the spectators,” she said.

Although Sue is out to defend her capabilities as a female driver, she credits much of her success to the support of her husband George who does everything behind the scenes from repairs and maintenance to being her track-side engineer on the day.

“There’s no reason why any of the lady drivers can’t do as well as the guys. I’m very lucky because George is so supportive and has given me the opportunity to do so well. Everyone should have a George.” she added.

Rod Spollon, chairman of the Chateau Impney Hill Climb Club said: “Sue’s strong record means that her name has become synonymous with being one of the competitors to beat and we’re certain that her turn on the course will be a highlight for many motorsport enthusiasts.”

Spectators will be treated to what promises to be a great day out for all the family, with a host of motorsport action from pre-1967 marques including the 100-year-old 28-litre Fiat S76, known as the Beast of Turin, and more than half the world’s remaining pre-war ERAs. The line-up also includes everything from Bugattis, Aston Martins, Jaguars and Mini Coopers to unusual one-offs such as the GN Caesar Special.

As well as a wealth of motorsport action, the attractions will include a comprehensive Concours d’Elegance, more than 100 dealer and trade stands and a major classic car auction, hosted by specialist auctioneers, H&H Classics.