A Chilling Challenge Under the Spotlights
At Classic Yorkshire we like to champion new events and encourage readers to visit, compete or display. After all, if an event is poorly attended it is unlikely to happen again and will be unable to grow to its full potential. So for all you motorsport, hillclimb and rallying enthusiasts let’s get behind the new Rallye Harewood event (December 13th 2025). At only £12.50 a ticket its a bargain and children under 14 are free.
Below you can see me (in the navigators seat) tackling Harewood in the Lombard Rally demonstration event. But I am sure there will be many faster and more dramatic cars taking to the track in December.
If you have a suitable car then you can find the regulations here
882d72_d0310f0320ff4eefbbb866bce49eea25.pdf
It might make a good practice or test event and as it will be on tarmac with good run off spaces it should be gentle on your car. A good turnup of historic cars will make the event.
For spectators, Harewood Hillclimb will light up with a rally-style motorsport spectacle on Saturday, 13th December 2025. This one-of-a-kind event will feature practice and competitive runs in both daylight and darkness, offering drivers and spectators a rare chance to experience Harewood in a whole new light.
With Harewood’s rich rallying heritage—including its role as a special stage in the Lombard RAC Rally and Rally GB through to the early 1990s—the hill has seen legends like Hannu Mikkola, Juha Kankkunen, and Britain’s own Roger Clark carve their names into motorsport history. Now, a new generation of drivers will face the hill in a format that blends tradition with innovation.
Each competitive run will be treated as a “special stage,” with cumulative timing used to determine the winners in each class. This rally-style scoring adds a strategic edge, rewarding consistency and precision across multiple runs. Drivers will need to master the course in changing conditions, from crisp daylight to the cold, slippery challenge of nightfall.
As the sun sets and temperatures drop, the drama intensifies. Spotlights will illuminate the twisting course, casting long shadows as competitors battle slick surfaces and fading visibility. It’s a test of nerve, skill, and adaptability—where every second counts.
“We wanted to create something that honours Harewood’s rallying past while pushing drivers in new ways,” said centre Marketing Manager Mike Geen. “Running in darkness, with the track slick from winter conditions, adds a whole new layer of excitement. It’s motorsport at its rawest.”
Open to a wide range of vehicles and experience levels, the event invites seasoned competitors and brave newcomers alike to take on the hill in its most unpredictable state. Spectators will enjoy a full day of action, with commentary, catering, and warm refreshments to keep spirits high as the temperature drops.
Entries open on November 3rd via the Yorkshire Centre of BARC website. Whether you’re behind the wheel or wrapped up trackside, this is your chance to be part of a thrilling new chapter in Harewood’s motorsport legacy. See ticket and entry information on the Harewoodhill website Home | Harewood Speed Hillclimb
Experience thrilling motorsport in the heart of Yorkshire, in daylight and through into darkness, with classes ranging from modified road-going cars to powerful specialist rally cars – Harewood Hill offers unparalleled views of the track.
Finally: Are you planning on competing? Classic Yorkshire would like to follow a Yorkshire based team through the event with a view to publishing an article in the future. Let us know in the comments or yorkshirepublications@gmail.com