What is Hillclimbing?
Hillclimbing (also speed hillclimbing) is a form of motorsport in which drivers compete against the clock to complete an uphill course.
It is one of the oldest forms of motorsport, since the first known hillclimb (at La Turbie near Nice, France) took place as long ago as 31 January 1897. The hillclimb held at Shelsley Walsh, in Worcestershire, England is the world's oldest continuously-staged motorsport event still staged on its original course, having been first run in 1905.
The UK's longest permanent speed hill climb is at Stockton Farm Harewood, which is north of Leeds in Yorkshire. Harewood Hillclimb course is 1448 mtrs long rising from the bottom of the Wharfe Valley up the hill side to the finish at the top. Cars can reach speeds in excess of 130 mph on the tarmac track which is around 4 mtrs wide. The British Automobile Racing Club Yorkshire Centre runs 9 events a year at Harewood Hillclimb, two of which form part of the MSA British Championship. Cars range from road going saloons, through sports cars to full blown single seater race cars with F1 engines.
Hillclimbing usually provides good spectator access and viewing of the action. Whilst the sport is very competitive, it is also has a friendly atmosphere and attracts men and women competitors of all ages.
Unlike many motosport events these days access to the cars and drivers at Hillclimbs is very open with paddock access available to all this gets you into the thick of the action.
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