| Hillclimb |
|
Describing a Hill-Climb can be difficult. Some might say that it is a timed race from one point to another, which is generally uphill. But that really doesn't do it justice. Some might say that it is class-based racing, so no matter what you are running you will be competing against vehicles doing similar times, in a great social environment. However, that doesn’t quite work either. Don't get me wrong, it’s definitely those things, however the descriptions don’t capture it. So, what is Hill-Climbing? In a way, you could describe it as aural Motorsport.... The sound of tyres screaming as they are heated during a burnout, prior to staging. This is short lived as the sound drops to a rhythmic thud, while the competitor sits idling, staged and waiting for a green light. The sound builds again as the revs rise slightly to launch, signalling that the action is about to begin... Suddenly, the tyres scream and the engine roars. The sounds builds to a crescendo as the revs rise even higher, then the chirp of a flat change into second, as the sound of the car gets louder and louder. Then it appears around the gentle left-hander. You can tell that the throttle is flat in second for only a moment before it is quickly snapped into third. The engine revs keep rising, and rising. The car that is now visible, hugs the left hand side of the road in preparation for the right-handed kink at a fork in the road. Was there a slight flutter indicating that the driver has lifted ever so slightly, or has he stayed on full noise through the corner? The outside wheels are fully loaded up and it looks as though one might even be off the ground. Suddenly the exhaust note changes as the car flies past the spectator area, and is now receding away. This guy’s not backing off as he scoots up the hill and into the esses. The brakes squeal as they are used for the first time, and you can definitely hear that the throttle a got a slight blip. Did he shift down or has the engine got enough torque to pull the car out of the steep esses? You can almost hear the tyres scrabbling for grip as they desperately try to propel the car into the turns, and out of our line of sight. The roaring echo as the engine is back on full noise going through the last corner, is briefly shattered by the brief crackle of a rev limiter cutting in as the throttle is held flat to cross the finish line. Then silence. Until the next scream of tyres from the bottom of the hill 15 seconds later... What will it be this time? … A Porsche GT3? … A thumping big V8? … A small Corolla or Camry? … A twin-engine Hill-Climb special? … Perhaps it’s a Sports Car? We’ll find out soon enough. What are the tracks like? They are often held public roads which have been closed for the event Is there any run-off? It depends. On some courses, there can be quite a bit. On others ... No. Not really Have you got any tips on how to drive them? Just one ... With caution until you know the track or road What do I need to do to have a go? You will need to be a member of a CAMS Affiliated Car Club such as Southern Sporting You will need a CAMS L2S license. You will need your Club Membership Card You will need a Helmet You will need a Fire Extinguisher mounted in the car What vehicle preparation should I do before attending ? Most members find they need to do no preparation other than show-up However, we suggest the following be checked before any speed event 1.) Check that the oil level is at the Max mark on the dip-stick 2.) Coolant - ensure the overflow/reservoir is full 3.) Brake Fluid - ensure the fluid is at the Max marking in the reservoir 4.) Clutch Fluid - ensure the fluid is at the Max marking in the reservoir 5.) Check that all pipe-work is secure and no hoses are becoming loose 6.) Check that your battery is secure and does not move 7.) Before closing the bonnet, make sure that all caps are on and secure 8.) Ensure you have suitable material left on your brake pads 9.) Ensure tyres are in good condition Is there additional information available to Southern Members? Yes, there is. Southern Sporting maintains an active Internet Forum that contains reference articles for all disciplines of Motorsport. These articles are regularly maintained within the Member Only section of the Forums. They contain all the details required from obtaining your CAMS license, to tips on buying a helmet. Most if not all of the Courses and Events we attend also have a special FAQ series specifically dedicated to that event. Where possible, additional information such as, course photos, maps and drive arounds are also provided. |
Home 
Motorsport Hillclimb
Motorsport Hillclimb