Getting started in hillclimb events
Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2023 11:19 am
Following Neil's thread about his hillclimb journey, and KS's too in his 914 here is a formal way to see what is required of YOU (first) and then the car (second) of your choice.
To get started is not simple, you do not just turn up and have a blast, quite the opposite.
The sport is governed by Motorsport UK, and a look at their 'Getting Started' section on their web page will pay dividends.
www.motorsportuk.org
Click 'Get Started'
Select Types of motorsort off the menu and scroll down and click Hillclimbs.
Read it all and open the links.
I will add here my take on the details you need to have in mind:
Go to an event near you for the day, chat to competitors and be sure you want to do it, the cost mounts up, so best be sure!
Enrole and do a Hillclimb School day in your nice silent road car (no EV's allowed). This will get you right into the action. You can borrow a helmet from the organizers. Cost is about £225.
If still enthused...
Get started.
Get the correct Licence (see MotorsportUK link)
Buy the clothing that is correct. You CANNOT use a mate's motorcycle helmet, it has to be to the correct spec as will the race overalls and the gloves required. READ all the details in the Blue Book. Cost about £600
All details are in the Motorsport UK 'Blue Book' which is on the link above.
Join a recognised MotorClub. This is a must, about £60 to 80.
The car next:
Using a nice road car is a good way to start. Drive there, do the event drive back. It can be that simple.
The road classes are full of MX5's, Clios, Fiestas etc, I started in my 911 in the road class 32 years ago.
Car prep is essential, reliability and safety paramount. Rust bucket sheds will not pass scrutineering so you will not be allowed to race.
You have sole responsibility to present yourself and car compliant to the details in the blue book.
You will need race numbers on the car, right size and colour (do NOT drive on the road with race numbers on the car)
You will need a 'timing strut' on the front of the car, a simple vertical blade of 2mm aluminium you can attach/detach readily, all details in the Blue book.
Towing loops front and rear incase you need to be removed from the track (accident).
A simple sticker to indicate how to shut the engine off to the marshals in event of a crash.
The event:
Entry to an event is now all on-line and can be very simple. There are lots of details to be given. All events ask the same questions, payment by PayPal or Card.
Entering an even does NOT mean you will get a place!
There are closing dates for events, entering last is pointless, so plan your event well.
Race Day:
Arrive early, walking the course is a MUST, it is good to know where you are going....
If in doubt about anything ask a fellow competitor, marshal or official.
Relax and have fun.
There are many more details that can at first seem obstructive and some answers hard to find.
Do your homework and you will have a great time.
To get started is not simple, you do not just turn up and have a blast, quite the opposite.
The sport is governed by Motorsport UK, and a look at their 'Getting Started' section on their web page will pay dividends.
www.motorsportuk.org
Click 'Get Started'
Select Types of motorsort off the menu and scroll down and click Hillclimbs.
Read it all and open the links.
I will add here my take on the details you need to have in mind:
Go to an event near you for the day, chat to competitors and be sure you want to do it, the cost mounts up, so best be sure!
Enrole and do a Hillclimb School day in your nice silent road car (no EV's allowed). This will get you right into the action. You can borrow a helmet from the organizers. Cost is about £225.
If still enthused...
Get started.
Get the correct Licence (see MotorsportUK link)
Buy the clothing that is correct. You CANNOT use a mate's motorcycle helmet, it has to be to the correct spec as will the race overalls and the gloves required. READ all the details in the Blue Book. Cost about £600
All details are in the Motorsport UK 'Blue Book' which is on the link above.
Join a recognised MotorClub. This is a must, about £60 to 80.
The car next:
Using a nice road car is a good way to start. Drive there, do the event drive back. It can be that simple.
The road classes are full of MX5's, Clios, Fiestas etc, I started in my 911 in the road class 32 years ago.
Car prep is essential, reliability and safety paramount. Rust bucket sheds will not pass scrutineering so you will not be allowed to race.
You have sole responsibility to present yourself and car compliant to the details in the blue book.
You will need race numbers on the car, right size and colour (do NOT drive on the road with race numbers on the car)
You will need a 'timing strut' on the front of the car, a simple vertical blade of 2mm aluminium you can attach/detach readily, all details in the Blue book.
Towing loops front and rear incase you need to be removed from the track (accident).
A simple sticker to indicate how to shut the engine off to the marshals in event of a crash.
The event:
Entry to an event is now all on-line and can be very simple. There are lots of details to be given. All events ask the same questions, payment by PayPal or Card.
Entering an even does NOT mean you will get a place!
There are closing dates for events, entering last is pointless, so plan your event well.
Race Day:
Arrive early, walking the course is a MUST, it is good to know where you are going....
If in doubt about anything ask a fellow competitor, marshal or official.
Relax and have fun.
There are many more details that can at first seem obstructive and some answers hard to find.
Do your homework and you will have a great time.