THE first meeting for the 2007 Shelsley Walsh season takes place this weekend with two one-day meetings on a new surface that should ensure some close races.

It is the first race weekend of six in the Teme valley, the high point of which will be the 60th anniversary of the British Speed Hill Climb Cham-pionship, which takes place in August.

Old and modern Minis, Westfields and Audi Quattros are just some of the road-going cars battling up the 100- yard hill this weekend, but the focus on Saturday will be on the Morgans, Reliants, Austin Healeys and a massive Porsche class hosting no less than 28 cars.

With the single-seater racing cars ranging from 600cc to five litres having their first runs, there could be some close-run contests for the best time of day.

Practice gets under way at 9.30am while the all-important timed runs start at 2pm on both days.

Entrance for spectators is £12 for each day with free parking, entrance to the paddock and seating on the hill provided.