For a newcomer to UK motorsport, Hillclimbing is another classic and exciting discipline that offers a step up in speed and technicality from Autosolos, while still being relatively accessible.

What is a Hillclimb?

A Hillclimb is a motorsport event where cars compete one at a time against the clock to set the fastest time up a designated uphill course. Here’s what defines it:

• Uphill Course: As the name suggests, the defining feature is that the course is uphill. These courses are typically short, sharp, and winding, often on purpose-built private roads at venues like Shelsley Walsh (the world’s oldest continuously staged motorsport event on its original course) or Prescott, or on country estate drives.
• One Car at a Time: Similar to Autosolos, you’re not racing wheel-to-wheel with other cars. It’s just you, your car, and the clock. This reduces the risk of car-to-car contact.
• Standing Start: Each run begins from a standing start, often with a precise launch required to get the best time.
• Practice and Competition Runs: Competitors typically get a few practice runs to learn the course and dial in their driving, followed by a minimum of two timed competitive runs. Your best time from the competitive runs usually counts towards your result.
• Classes for All Cars: Hillclimbs have a wide variety of classes, ranging from road-legal production cars (often split by engine size and level of modification) to highly specialised single-seater racing cars capable of incredible speeds. This means you can often start with your everyday car.
• Precision and Commitment: While speeds are higher than in Autosolos, hillclimbing still demands immense precision, car control, and a high level of commitment. Every corner, every gear change, and every braking point matters.

Why is it Great for Newcomers?

1. Variety of Entry Points: You can start in a road-legal car, which significantly reduces the initial investment. As you gain experience and decide to progress, there are clear pathways to more modified production cars or even purpose-built hillclimb cars.
2. Learn Advanced Car Control: Hillclimbs teach you how to carry speed through corners, manage grip on challenging surfaces, and execute precise braking and acceleration. The unique nature of narrow uphill courses, with changing gradients and blind crests, adds another layer of skill.
3. Historic Venues: Many UK hillclimb venues are historic and picturesque, offering a fantastic atmosphere for both competitors and spectators.
4. Community: Like most UK motorsport, hillclimbing is typically run by local motor clubs, providing a friendly and supportive environment. Many competitors are happy to offer advice and help to newcomers.
5. Excitement: The intensity of a hillclimb run is unique. You’re pushing hard for a short, concentrated burst of speed, making every second count.
6. Driver Development: It’s an excellent way to develop your driving skills in a controlled yet challenging environment. Hillclimbing can significantly improve your car handling, braking techniques, and ability to read a road.

What do you need to get started?

• Road-legal car (for “Road Car” or “Standard Car” categories): Taxed, insured, and with a valid MOT. As you move into more modified classes, regulations for safety equipment (like roll cages, race seats, harnesses, and fire extinguishers) will become stricter.
• Motorsport UK RS Interclub Competition Licence: This is a step up from the RS Clubman licence needed for Autosolos, although you can use this at events where there is an “Intro” class. You can order it online quite easily.
• Club Membership: Join a motor club that promotes hillclimb events and is typically invited to the events you wish to enter.
• Safety Gear: For hillclimbs, even in road car classes, you will typically need:
  • Helmet: Approved to the latest Motorsport UK standards.
  • Flameproof Overalls (Race Suit): Also to Motorsport UK standards in the Road category and above.
  • Gloves and Racing Boots: Gloves to specific standards are required for Modified Cars and above. Racing boots are for looking cool in the paddock and also recommended for safety.
  • Timing Strut: A small, specified black piece of material fitted to the front of your car to break the timing beams at the start and finish lines.
• Car Preparation: Your car will need to pass a “scrutineering” inspection, where officials check it meets safety regulations for its category. This includes basic mechanical soundness, secure battery, no loose items in the car, and noise testing.
• Entry Fee: These are generally higher than clubman-level events but still represent good value for competitive motorsport, compared to other disciplines like circuit racing and rallying.

Hillclimbing offers a thrilling blend of speed, precision, and history. It’s a fantastic way to experience competitive driving and push your car’s (and your own) limits in a controlled environment.