Hillclimbs: The Ultimate Beginner Motorsport Experience
When it comes to getting up close and personal with the action, there is no better motorsport than hillclimbing. The thrill of watching cars speed up a short course, giving it their all to set the fastest time of the day, is unmatched in the world of amateur motorsport.
My love affair with hillclimbing began over 40 years ago when I attended my first event after emigrating to this country. The diversity of cars on the track, from new to old, road cars to racers, and the mix of skilled drivers and beginners, immediately captured my attention. It was clear that everyone had an equal chance to shine.
As a spectator, one of the greatest perks of hillclimbing is the accessibility to the cars and drivers. You can get right up to the edge of the track, peer into the engines, chat with the drivers (who are often the owners), and truly immerse yourself in the experience.
My journey into hillclimbing began when I bought my first hillclimb-ready car, a yellow Caterham Seven Supersprint, in the late 1990s. It was a way for me to channel my competitive spirit and spend quality time with my teenage son, who was just learning to drive. We double-drove the same car at our first event at Prescott, near Cheltenham, and the bond we formed over hillclimbing has lasted to this day.
One of the things I quickly learned about hillclimbing is the welcoming and inclusive nature of the community. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, everyone is friendly and supportive. I’ve parked my Lotus Elise S1 next to a professional single-seater racer and found them to be down-to-earth and approachable.
The venues for hillclimbing events are often breathtakingly beautiful, adding to the overall experience. The short, intense nature of the competition suits my preference for quick bursts of adrenaline rather than prolonged concentration. The pressure to deliver a perfect run, without any room for error, keeps me on my toes and constantly striving for improvement.
Hillclimbing is also gentle on your car, as you push it to the limit for short bursts without causing excessive wear and tear. Accidents are rare and typically your own doing, rather than the result of someone else’s mistake on the track. With a wide range of road car classes available, the need for trailers is minimized, making it a convenient and accessible motorsport option.
In recent years, I’ve become intrigued by the potential for electric vehicles in motorsport. The short-course format of hillclimbing makes it an ideal platform for EV racing, and I’m excited to see how this new technology will revolutionize the sport.
Hillclimbing may not be as well-known as other forms of motorsport, but for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it offers a unique and thrilling experience that is unmatched in its accessibility, camaraderie, and adrenaline-pumping action. Embracing the challenge of a hillclimb is a decision you won’t regret.
