5 facts about speed hillclimbing you might not know.

5 Facts about Speed Hillclimbing you might not know:

1. It's one of the oldest forms of motor sport. The first recorded hillclimb event took place in La Turbie near Nice, France on 31st January 1897!
2. The oldest hillclimbing event that has continued uninterrupted is the hillclimb event at Shelsley Walsh, in Worcestershire. It was established in 1905 and has been held on the same course throughout.
3. Hillclimbing is popular around the world, not just in the UK. Even Romania, during the rule of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu events were held. In fact the history of hillclimbing goes back to 1930 when it was part of the European Hillclimbing Championship.
4. Switzerland even banned all motorsport in 1955 after a fatal crash at the 24 Le Mans Race. However, as hillclimbing was a race against the clock and only indirectly against other drivers, it escaped the ban! Hillclimbing is still popular and Switzerland offers some spectacular courses due to it's mountainous terrain.
5. Hillclimbing is not just for the the 'professional' driver but is open to the spectator too. You can even compete in your own vehicle! This makes hillclimbing as a sport very accessible and means even someone of modest means can be an active participant. There are numerous classes which cover almost every type of vehicle, whether one that is purely for competition or is a road legal vehicle, modified or unmodified.

In this post is another short video of one driver (Paul Nutter) and his vehicle (a Mk2 Ford Escort) taking part in a hillclimbing event at Harewood Speed Hillclimb circuit. The circuit was established in 1922 and is a very accessible for spectators, with access to the paddock and great viewing positions close to the track. This also means that even if you a modest camera you can still get plenty of great shots. You can get great shots at Farmhouse Bend as cars make their final run up to the finish line.

Check out the Harewood Speed Hillclimb site here.

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