Hillclimb and Sprint Events

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History

Shortly after the first cars became available at the turn of the 20th century, a group of gentlemen gathered together and challenged each other to get their cars to the top of a very steep hill. So started the oldest form of Motorsport, Hillclimbing and Sprinting.

As time passed and the motor car became more refined, the simple feat of reaching the top of a hill no longer posed such a problem! An additional facet needed to be added to make the sport more challenging again, so it was decided to add the factor of speed - with cars now being timed individually as they covered the measured distance of the chosen course.

The Birth Of Private Events

As the hazards posed to both drivers and spectators increased, more control and a safety element was required. Hillclimbs moved off the public highways and onto private land. The first private hillclimb course in the country was opened at Shelsley Walsh near Birmingham, in August 1905. Today there are many hillclimb courses throughout the country.

What To Expect At A Hillclimb Or Sprint Event Today

Both hillclimbing and sprinting are very popular forms of clubmans motorsport in Britain, and with very good reason. Events are held on private land or MOD airfields, and in the main are of course staged on sealed or tarmac sufaces. The vehicles used can range from the evergreen Mini to a full blooded Formula One style single seater racing car with 700 to 800 bhp.

Competitors are split into Classes and compete against similar cars to their own to make events more competitive. Each competitor has two practice and two timed runs up a twisty course. Cars are timed down to the last 0.01 of a second using very sophisticated timing equipment at the top and bottom of the course.

Awards are usually presented for Fastest Time of the Day (F.T.D), and for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each Class.

Torbay Motor Club Events

We have joined together in partnership with the North Devon Motor Club, Plymouth Motor Club and Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club under the banner of 'Devon 4 Motorsport' to promote Sprint Racing at the Dunkeswell kart racing circuit near Honiton.

Hillclimbs are also staged every year at the very popular Wiscombe Hill, near Colyton in Devon.

Useful links

• The Hillclimb and Sprint Association - www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk
• Wiscombe Hillclimb Website - www.wiscombepark.co.uk