FAQs
What is a speed hillclimb?
Hillclimbing (also known as hill climbing, speed hillclimbing or speed hill climbing) is a branch of motorsport in which drivers compete against the clock to complete a course uphill on a tarmac surface.
It is one of the oldest forms of motorsport, since the first known hillclimb at La Turbie near Nice, France took place as long ago as 31 January 1897. The hillclimb held at Shelsley Walsh, in Worcestershire, England is the world’s oldest continuously staged motorsport event still staged on its original course, having been first run in 1905.
What is a sprint?
It runs along the same lines as a hillclimb, i.e. only one car on the track competing against the clock, but without the gradients. Sprints are often held on old airfields or circuits, and sometimes have cones which incur penalties if bumped.
Can I bring my dog on a lead to a hill climb meeting?
No, no animals are allowed. The risk of one getting free and running onto the track doesn’t bear thinking about. Dogs on leads are welcome at breakfast clubs, and also at the Sporting Trial where the cars are not going at speed. Assistance dogs are allowed to all events and meetings at Shelsley Walsh.
What facilities do you have for visitors?
When Shelsley is open for an event we have toilets open in the paddock, courtyard, restaurant, car park field and by the spectator stands on the hill. There is a bar in the paddock and by the Esses on event days. In the courtyard is the Stratstone Restaurant which serves hot and cold food and snacks, and the Pit Stop burger and tea hut in the paddock.
Is it possible for a disabled visitor to enjoy the hill climb?
We have a parking area for disabled visitors at the very front of the parking field, so it is an easy tarmac slope down to the paddock. There are disabled toilet facilities in the paddock and car park, and the Clerk of the Course will facilitate a lift to a disabled spectator who wishes to watch the cars from the stands up the hill. We are constantly looking at ways to improve access for our less able visitors.
How many people work in the office?
4, but only 2 full time.
What do you do when the season ends?
Apart from closing the office for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Year, we are busy all year. Once the racing season ends, we are busy organising next year! Forming the basis of next years meetings takes a lot of work, inviting different clubs and championships, class structures etc, for the regulations and making sure our dates don’t clash with other important events. Promotional material needs to be printed with dates for the following season; stands at the Racing Car Show and Race Retro organised and manned; trophies engraved for the Prizegiving Lunch; and in November the club membership renewals flood in!
Why should I join the Club?
If you want to compete, the Motorsport UK rules stipulate that you have to be a fully paid up member of an accredited motor club. If you choose a larger club, such as the MAC, you will receive invitations to events run by other clubs, as well as being eligible for all of our events (as long as your licence is the correct grade). There is a healthy discount on entry fees for our members. For social members, there are quite a lot of events going on that non members are not eligible for, such as trips, talks and classic runs. Membership also entitles you to additional benefits through our partner organisations.