Get into hillclimbing

There are two things that you need to know before you read the rest of this article. 1. Motorsport is expensive and 2. motorsport is dangerous. If you can’t accept this then stop reading now.

Here at Classic Yorkshire we like to encourage you to use your car and participate in events. Whether that be motorsport or car shows it is important that we get cars out there to inspire the next generation enthusiasts.

There are cheaper forms of motorsport and you can find plenty of information about low cost events on the MSA website. But if fancy getting into hillclimbing here are a few tips.

The best place to start is simply to go to a few meetings. Have a chat with participants, especially the ones driving the type of car you are thinking of entering.

If you want to go ahead then you will need to join the local club and apply for a Motorsport UK RS Inter Club competition licence.

If you have a suitable car which you can afford to crash then you could start there with no additional modifications. My first experience was in a SAAB 900 convertible. But I think a fun low cost option would be an MX5.

Don’t buy a specialist car until you have had a few goes and decided that this for you.

Your biggest expense is likely to be the helmet and fireproof overalls which are compulsory in all classes.

I would highly recommend taking the Harewood Academy course. This will give you a taste for the sport as well as teaching you about the racing line.

Harewood academy

Following signing on and early morning coffee your day will start with a brief introductory talk. You will be introduced to your instructor, who will then lead your group in a “walk of the hill”. This is an essential part of the tuition, explaining the characteristics of the corners, entry points, clipping points and exit points which are marked out with cones to help you remember.

You will then collect your car and drive up to the paddock. On your first run of the day you will be accompanied by your instructor, followed by individual runs. Each run is filmed with the camera moving from corner to corner.

At lunch time the morning’s runs will be reviewed with the instructors commenting and highlighting both the good points and areas where there is room for improvement.

After lunch the remaining corners will be filmed. During the afternoon runs you will once again be accompanied by your instructor and the final assessment of your driving talents will be made!!

Whilst taking afternoon tea there will be a further review of the afternoon’s runs followed by the presentation of certificates with two awards, one for the “Highest points scorer” and one for the “Most improved driver of the day”.

academy@harewoodhill.com

Become a marshal

A great way to get up close to the action, learn new skills and support motorsport is to be come a marshal. Without the support of these volunteers there would be no motorsport and it provides a great insight if you decide to go on to compete.

Marshals new to the sport are provided with on-the-job training to a high standard, and are carefully looked after by very experienced and more senior marshals. The annual Marshal Training Day, held each year, two to three weeks before the start of the new season, ensures that new recruits receive effective and well-structured training from Motorsport UK Licensed Training Instructors, whilst existing marshals attend these training days in order to sharpen up their skills again.

In addition to the theory sessions also included in the day’s events are practical simulation of incident handling along with Fire Theory and Fire Practical sessions when you get the opportunity to try out and use firefighting equipment in a controlled and safe environment. 

There is also the opportunity to go to other venues and Marshal on any of the other many branches of Motorsport. Currently we require that all Marshals marshalling on the Hill Climb Course are aged 18 or over. 

Marshalling days run to a similar pattern:- Sign On from around 8:15am. Normally there are 2 Practice Runs then depending on time they either start the first timed run or break for lunch. The day will finish at approximately 6pm. Generally there is a Raffle at each event with various prizes such as Bottles of Wine, Beers, chocolates and other prizes, supplied by BARC Yorkshire and also donated by many of the Drivers on the day. 

​​If you are Interested in joining the Harewood team of marshals or for more information about marshalling contact the Chief Marshal:

chiefmarshal@harewoodhill.com

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