To many people, ‘hill climbing’ is an activity involving Ordnance Survey maps, rainproof clothing, wellies and aching limbs. But to those with petrol in their veins, it’s a sport that involves driving a racing car very quickly up a narrow asphalt course, very often little wider than the car itself!
Hill climbing has been part of British motor sport since the early days, and many famous drivers, including Stirling Moss, have competed in these events.
These days it’s a discipline mainly for amateurs (although three-time World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx used it as his springboard). It caters for a similar range of machinery to circuit racing - from humble road cars right up to the awesomely quick single-seaters with Formula 1-style performance. The difference is that in hill climbing you battle your rivals against the clock, rather than wheel-to-wheel.
There is an enormous range of hill climb venues throughout the country, from Cornwall to Scotland. It is a sport easily accessible to those living in the more remote areas of the country, and events are organised throughout the season.
Many events are one-offs, so you can enter a variety of contests without committing to any championship. Beyond that there are numerous regional championships. At the pinnacle is the MSA’s national championship, the Nicholson McLaren MSA British Hill Climb Championship.
Where do the events take place?
Hill climbs mainly take place up the driveways of private estates or farms, deep in the countryside; Goodwood House in Sussex is probably the best-known. The courses are fast and challenging, and are usually completed in less than a minute.
How do the events work?
Competitors are given practice runs before the competition starts. Usually, you’ll get two competitive runs, with your best time counting in the final results. The good thing is that if you make a mistake first time out, you still have a chance of making amends on the second run.
So how do I start?
First, go to some meetings and chat with the competitors. Choose your moment, and most will be happy to talk and give you advice.
Then, you need to apply to the MSA for your National B Speed Competition Licence, available to anyone aged 16 or above. You don’t need to take any tests, although there are MSA-recognised hill climb schools that award ‘points’, which you can use to upgrade your licence.
A good starting point is the Hillclimb & Sprint Association . The HSA produces the magazine Speedscene, dedicated to hill climbing and the sister activity of sprinting. This should help you choose where to compete, and what in.
But what can I compete in?
To start off with, you can use your road car. Once you are more experienced you can then look at buying a purpose-built saloon, sports or single-seater.
Specialist motorsport magazines carry classified ads with suitable cars for sale, which should give you some idea of cost.
Many competition cars are well-used, but they are usually well looked-after. However, check for hidden damage and mechanical wellbeing before you buy. Once you have a suitable car, most of your budget will probably go on running costs and spare parts.
Am I ready to get out there now?
You just need to join a motor club to compete in events. Obviously, which one to choose depends on which area of the country you live in.
Equipment Required
Clearly, this type of motorsport can be dangerous, so you’ll need to buy fire-resistant racewear and a helmet.
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This page was last modified on Sunday 20 July 2008