The branch of Motor Sports categorised as Speed Events in the U.K. fall into five disciplines. All are competitive on the basis of timing rather than position "on the road". All fall under the general authority of the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and ultimately the FIA, however the very specialised disciplines of Drag Racing and Sand Racing have their own separate governing bodies. Since I have only competed in one Drag Race and have never even seen a Sand Race I will concentrate on the three disciplines I know a little about.
As the name suggests these events are time trials over a tarmac or concrete road and up hill. In fact the rules are a little more specific that that, with the finish line having to be at least 25 metres higher than the start. That doesn't mean a straight up hill blast however, all hillclimb courses are narrow and twisting often with one or more 180 degree hairpin bend. Nor does it have to be all up hill, Gurston Down in Wiltshire actually starts on a down hill slope and drops down rapidly before begining to rise rapidly to the finish. Several other famous hills also have flat or down hill sections. The length of the course is not fixed and in the UK range from about 900 meters upto 2 kilometers, in Europe where public roads are closed for events course length is usually around 4.5 Km.
Starting the long climb from the lowest point of Gurston Down
On 'the hills' cars always start singlely and only on the longer hills will a car leave the start before the previous car has crossed the finish line. Overtaking is strictly forbidden, on some hills it is impossible, and if you catch the previous competitor and thus loose time you are awarded another attempt.
This might sound boring, it isn't! Not only are results often as close as one thousandth of a second, the nature of the course and the attacking style needed to obtain results make the short time you are on the hill a most intense experience every time. Add to this the variety and specialisation of the cars, top National Challengers run Single Seaters with more power and grip than an F1, and hillclimbing is also a popular spectator sport.
The
Rhodedenrhon Bush Esses at Valance School. Taken at 80+ MPH.
As with all branches of Speed Events two drivers can share or 'double drive' a car in hillclimbing. This helps to spread costs and cuts down on development time.
Because of the nature of hillclimb courses there is no class for Standard ProductionCars, Modified Production being the 'lowest' class. All cars must be fitted with Roll Cages. There are a wide range of vehicles used on the hills, many of which have or are also competitive in other Speed Events and Racing, in general however the very best hillclimb cars require at very least major alteration to make successful race or sprint cars and vice versa.
The quick way through Pardon Hairpin at Prescott Hill. Lots of power to 'hang' the tail.
Although there is some dispute, between Shellsey Hillclimb and the Brighton Speed Trials, over which venue is the longest running in the UK. It is safe to say that Speed Trials are the oldest form of competitive Motor Sport in the world. Certainly several such events took place in France before 1900.
The format for Speed Trials is similar to that of Drag Racing, being a straight line run across a measured distance from a standing start. Originally two cars would run "head to head" but as timing equipment became more sophisticated and safety factors became more important the Sprint format of single runs became the rule.
Today Speed Trials are a test of the vehicles power, acceleration and traction as well as the drivers ability to make a "good" start. By "good" I mean absolutely scintilating because when thousandths of a second matter the start does have to be perfect.
The
moment of concentration. On the Start Line at Brighton, watching
the lights.
Although not the most challenging of disciplines Speed Trials are still great fun, in part because they are usually events with a long history and tradition. Usually held at high profile venues, such as Brighton Sea Front, they attract a large entry of cars of all ages and types. Add to this a lot of enthusiastic spectators and you will have a good day.
Today the classes for Speed Events are as for Sprints with a class for any car from a standard Fiat 500 to Racing Single Seaters.
Some times called Circuit Sprints these are timed trials around a course which is either part or all of a dedicated Race Circuit or one laid out on an airfield or similar location. Usually cars will run singlely, however on circuits such as Goodwood or Lydden several cars will be started on each "lap" separated by a predetermined gap to prevent the second vehicle catching the first and so on. Of course this doesn't always work and so as on hills overtaking is prohibited and a secong run must be claimed if you catch the car ahead before the finish.
Goodwood Circuit, Sussex. Lap 2.54 Miles... ..................................................................................Lydden Circuit, Kent. Lap 1 Mile
A nice example of an Airfield Circuit. This is the layout Green Belt MC use at North Weald. This layout gives 1.4 Km.
Few sprints are spectator events, even so interest is high and the competition fierce. Forget F1 qualifying, they have a flying start and lots of practice, Sprint drivers do it with cold tyres!
Again there's a class for any car you can think of.
Feel like having a go? Well you need a few things, a car is good for a start, it should be in sound condition and fitted a laminated windscreen and working seat belts. Note here if you have not held a competition licence before, you can only apply for a 'National B' grade. This does not allow you to drive Single Seaters straight away. To apply for a licence you will need to join an MSA recognised Motor Club.
You will also need personal safety equipment, an MSA approved Crash Helmet and FIA approved flame proof overalls. If you have an open car flame proof gloves are also advised as are race boots. Although not mandatory on Production Cars, "full harness" seat belts and a supportive competition seat are worth investing in.
Go to our 'Links' page to visit Motor Clubs and Motor Sports related sites to learn more about how and where to take part.