Starting hillclimbing in the UK

ooo-arr27 · 18 Jul 2006, 12:22 (Ref:1659074)

Hello everyone,
Here is the score - I want to start hillclimbing. I have a car (standard road car) that will be converted to race spec, but that is about it!
Basically I would like some details of clubs / associations to join in my local area - Bristol, and any details of licences required etc etc..
I have family commitments so it wouldn't be an every weekend activity to begin with (need to work on the mrs a bit!), so is it possible do 'arrive & drive' type events??
Any info / help would be very much appreciated

Steve Wilkinson · 18 Jul 2006, 15:40 (Ref:1659230)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooo-arr27

Hello everyone,
Basically I would like some details of clubs / associations to join in my local area - Bristol, and any details of licences required etc etc..

Any info / help would be very much appreciated

Try either of the following:

Bristol Motor Club - www.bristolmc.org.uk

Bristol Pegasus Motor Club - www.bristolpegasus.co.uk

Speed eventing in the South West has more competitors than any other region. There are plenty of venues and I would recommend attending a couple of events to get the flavour of what people are running and also what the opposition looks like.

There are slight variations in the class structure in the South West with differing capacity splits. They also hive off the 4-w-d and turbo cars to make life easier for the normally aspirated vehicles.

Enjoy.

b1ackcr0w · 18 Jul 2006, 16:07 (Ref:1659247)

In order to help you more, could I ask a couple of questions..

Have you done any Hill Climb school days?

Which Hillclimbs have you been to?

daj · 18 Jul 2006, 19:58 (Ref:1659400)

HSA , The Aldon automotive speed championship is great !! Goes to all the right places , its well run very frendly and is aimed at "Speed B " licence drivers aswell as joining the big boys on some events. I really enjoyed my time with them.

MGDavid · 18 Jul 2006, 21:25 (Ref:1659481)

not sure what you mean exactly by 'arrive and drive' - but 99% have closing dates for entries a week or so before the event. Register for a series or two such as the ASWMC speed championship and plenty of regs will come through your letter-box...

ooo-arr27 · 19 Jul 2006, 07:26 (Ref:1659729)

Thank you all,
In answer to the questions - B1ackcr0w, no I have not done a hillclimb school day (sounds good though!), I have been to Gurston down a couple of times, as with Longleat, and I have been to colerne on four or five occassions - all as a spectator.
MGDavid- what I mean by 'arrive and drive' is can I register for certain events only rather than having to commit to a whole season - I have been fairly naive with regards to how events as organised - this will change of course!

Steve Wilkinson · 19 Jul 2006, 08:09 (Ref:1659762)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooo-arr27

Thank you all,
In answer to the questions - B1ackcr0w, no I have not done a hillclimb school day (sounds good though!), I have been to Gurston down a couple of times, as with Longleat, and I have been to colerne on four or five occassions - all as a spectator.
MGDavid- what I mean by 'arrive and drive' is can I register for certain events only rather than having to commit to a whole season - I have been fairly naive with regards to how events as organised - this will change of course!

The best thing is to pick a championship that will allow you to do the venues local to you &/or the ones that you fancy doing. Then all you do is enter the rounds you want to do. It will mean you don't have a chance of winning anything other than your class on the day but it does help getting entries. If you don't register for the championship then you might not get an entry especially in the South West which is a hotbed of competitors.

zac510 · 19 Jul 2006, 08:27 (Ref:1659776)

I've been day dreaming about this even though I'm not really in a financial position to play just yet. I'd be considering something like a mini or pug 205 so I could compete in rallycross and hillclimb in one car.. Although a much closer inspection of the rules will be required.
Admittedly it wouldn't be a serious hillclimb weapon it would be enough to have good fun!

jonners · 19 Jul 2006, 09:16 (Ref:1659809)

Although I live and work in London my hillclimb and sprint car lives in Bristol and I therefore only compete in south west events as and when time permits.

This is possible in the south west as there are lots of great venues for sprints as well as hillclimbs. In other words there's enough going on to pick and choose.

As mentioned above you will still need to register as a championship competitor with the ASWMC (do a google for the website) to receive the entry forms but a nmber of organising clubs are now very strict on the basis of who does and who does not get an entry

for example the Woolbridge Club organise the Longleat weekend (one of the best) and they accept entries strictly on a first come first served basis - my view is that this is fair because otherwise there are lots of moans from championship competitors who get their entries in late.

I've been in the Bristol Pegasus club for years and can't recommend it highly enough - very very friedly.

A good way of getting close to the action and learning more is to volunteer for a bit of marshalling - they're always looking for volunteers - this is a good way of understanding what sort of driving you're up against - it's easy to assume everybody out there is an expert but things often look different out the back.....

The regulations are a minefield when you're starting off - or at least i thought they were - the interaction between the blue book and the local regs can be a nightmare so you could save yourself a lot of grief money and time by chatting things through with someone - if you want any advice particularly on the local scene in the south west send me a pm - i could also offer lots of advice on how not to try and fit all this around a young family.....

Steve Wilkinson · 19 Jul 2006, 09:51 (Ref:1659831)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zac510

I've been day dreaming about this even though I'm not really in a financial position to play just yet. I'd be considering something like a mini or pug 205 so I could compete in rallycross and hillclimb in one car.. Although a much closer inspection of the rules will be required.
Admittedly it wouldn't be a serious hillclimb weapon it would be enough to have good fun!

Then you would be talking a fair additional outlay to do both disciplines. Extra wheels and tyres would be needed for the Speed Events as you will be in the MOD PROD class with a 'rallycross' tin-top.

Of the two you mentioned I would go for the 1.9 litre 205. Plenty available at a relatively low cost. In the 1400 to 2000cc Mod Prod class there are usually a fair few entries whilst in the Up to 1400cc class there are fewer and quiet often you would be amalgamated up to the next class!

The Blue Book that you get with your license tells you all the appropriate regs however dependant on the championship you enter there may be 'local' regs that impact on what you can or cannot do.

As for a 1.9 205 NOT being a serious weapon they usually do very well in their class and should give loads of fun! Enjoy!

zac510 · 19 Jul 2006, 10:07 (Ref:1659844)

Thanks Steve.

Does Mod Prod allow engine/induction modifications?

From my limited understanding the rallycross stock hatch regulations exclude any engine/intake modifications so unless you want to go changing induction gear between events (and you wouldn't really) you might be down on engine power when it comes to the hillclimb events.

An extra set of wheels/tyres isn't really that much of a hassle!

How safe do you think it would be on a London street?

Sorry I'm starting to get off topic, but Ithink as an amateur/beginner it would be best to have a car that is versatile.

jonners · 19 Jul 2006, 11:23 (Ref:1659893)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zac510

How safe do you think it would be on a London street?

Sorry I'm starting to get off topic, but Ithink as an amateur/beginner it would be best to have a car that is versatile.

Presumably you mean parked? Will a competition car attract unwanted attention when parked on a street?

We drive our car to all events but it is always stored in a garage. Nevertheless there is one point to bear in mind. You will (believe me, you will) want to do more and more to the car as the bug bites.

The car may start out looking quite standard but this will change as it acquires the patina of competition so it may be worth making an effort to keep it low key.

It will be very hard to do that if the car is to be a triple purpose machine (road, rallycross and sprint/hillclimb).

Our biggest problem is waking the whole neighbourhood as we set off at the crack of dawn - I think it likely that someone would let our tyres down (or something) if it wasn't locked up in a garage.

Rallycross for a beginner in a road car that's parked on the road is very ambitious - nothing wrong with that, but you WILL worry about whether you're going to have a driveable means of transport home from the event and you may also fret about your pride and joy outside open to the hoodies whilst you're indoors snoozing.

Don't let me put you off - I'm a big believer in roadgoing competition cars but it will limit your options and it's best to accept that at the outset. The real fun happens when you're competing against others in a similar position - and that's unlikely in rallycross - unless there's a roadgoing class???

ooo-arr27 · 19 Jul 2006, 12:30 (Ref:1659947)

Thanks for all your info Steve, jonners & b1ackcr0w - I will no doubt meet you guys in the future. I will keep you all posted of my progress.
Ash

Steve Wilkinson · 19 Jul 2006, 12:51 (Ref:1659961)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zac510

Thanks Steve.

Does Mod Prod allow engine/induction modifications?

From my limited understanding the rallycross stock hatch regulations exclude any engine/intake modifications so unless you want to go changing induction gear between events (and you wouldn't really) you might be down on engine power when it comes to the hillclimb events.

An extra set of wheels/tyres isn't really that much of a hassle!

How safe do you think it would be on a London street?

Sorry I'm starting to get off topic, but Ithink as an amateur/beginner it would be best to have a car that is versatile.

Let me try to answer your supplemental questions:

1. Mod Prod and forced induction: Yes you can fit turbochargers but all that means is you are bumped UP a class or two. I would NOT recommend it.

2. Parking on the Streets: This implies the car will be road legal; if this is the case then I would advise against going Mod Prod and suggest that you go for the less severe Road Modified class. Take a look at Dave Marshall's excellent 205 as an example.

3. Driving your competition car to events: A lot of people drive their competition car to events but as the pressure builds to get better results they often invested in a trailer. This requires a second car to tow the outfit and of course ups the cost. However you do have the peace of mind of having a sure fire guaranteed way of getting your car home if you are unlucky enough to either have a major mechanical failure or worse still an accident. I have seen one or two people turn up not only driving their competition car but also with a small trailer behind in which is all the tools and gear needed.

4. On Street Parking: this is not the best place to work on your car! If you can get a lock-up nearby then do so as a roof over your head especially in the Winter is far better than freezing your nuts off in the street.

Another car to consider if you do go Road Modified is the Renault 5 Turbo, there are a few already competing and they are pretty quick and usually reliable. Others to consider are:

2.0 Ford Escort RS2000
1.8 VW Golf GTi
1.6 Peugeot 106 GTi
1.3 Peugeot 205 or 106 Rallye

Recommendation: Next time you are at a sprint ask some of the competitors how they cope, you will be surprised how helpful people in Speed Eventing are.

HoTWire · 24 Jul 2006, 14:01 (Ref:1663391)

Ahh this is a timely thread... I recently moved to Bradford-On-Avon and I've been thinking of doing the same thing.

I have a 1979 Datsun B310 (140Y) that I wish to take hillclimbing.. it's stock(ish) at the moment. I've got a Bluebook from a couple of years back via a friend to give me a flavour of what I can and can't do in various classes. I've been thinking Mod Prod <1400cc ..

What sort of thing would I be running against,.. any results lists? Car specs for the class etc.?

I'm thinking Longleat in September would be an ideal place to go and get a flavour for whats going on, before doing a build over winter.

As a side note, if anyone is around West Wiltshire and has a garage/shed/thing with a roof to rent I'm looking (car is currently still in Swansea).

ooo-arr27 · 24 Jul 2006, 14:13 (Ref:1663393)

Thanks to jonners for your knowlegeable pm the other day - I promise I will reply when I have time!!
I have joined the Bath Motor Club (during my visit to the Rallyday at Castle Combe at the weekend) and the plan is to get along to some of their social clubs at gather info - HoTWire - being in Bradford-on-Avon, this may be an option for you?? I can pm you their details if you wish?

HoTWire · 24 Jul 2006, 14:15 (Ref:1663394)

Yeah that would be great if you could,.. I had a quick look around before we moved but couldn't find any info... and haven't had the chance since... so if you can PM info that would be great

.... hmm... I just needlessly repeated myself.

zac510 · 24 Jul 2006, 14:22 (Ref:1663397)

Perfect! I used to be pretty into the Datsuns back home (see flag). Is it an A-series or L-series? Likely to be the former. No powerhouse but you should be able to get it to handle well if you focus on that. I think they are a 4 link live axle but sometimes in different countries the spec gets changed.

HoTWire · 24 Jul 2006, 14:27 (Ref:1663402)

yeah its an A-series (1397cc) 4 link rear. I'm hoping to covnert to coil overs.. The steering is a little vague at times, but I'm hoping that sorting the suspension will fix that up.

I've got a friend in Japan so when I've saved up enough cash money I can get some parts from Pitroad and Tomei

... there are probably easier/cheaper ways to get started in motorsport, but I love me some Datsuns...

zac510 · 24 Jul 2006, 14:37 (Ref:1663408)

The old steering box will do that when it gets tired. It's no R&P that's for sure! Then if the tie rod and idler arm is a bit loose too it just gets worse.

Good thing about the small Datsuns is that you can get most all of the good parts from the higher spec or later model cars. I don't see many in London but I know they're out there in the regional areas.

HoTWire · 24 Jul 2006, 14:39 (Ref:1663409)

Yeah there is a growing following in the UK... I've been very tempted to do an engine swap (CA18DE)... but then I end up in sports libre, and that is the path to insanity.

Managed to pick up the car with 32,000 miles 1 owner from new, last year

zac510 · 24 Jul 2006, 14:44 (Ref:1663412)

Engine swaps are cool but you can lose track of your original goal along the way (been there, done that).

Are you registered on datsun1200.com forum? There is a good community there for B-series Datsuns.

HoTWire · 24 Jul 2006, 14:46 (Ref:1663415)

Yeah

... excellent source of information.

armchair racer · 6 Aug 2006, 18:47 (Ref:1675769)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoTWire

Ahh this is a timely thread... I recently moved to Bradford-On-Avon and I've been thinking of doing the same thing.

I have a 1979 Datsun B310 (140Y) that I wish to take hillclimbing.. it's stock(ish) at the moment. I've got a Bluebook from a couple of years back via a friend to give me a flavour of what I can and can't do in various classes. I've been thinking Mod Prod <1400cc ..

What sort of thing would I be running against,.. any results lists? Car specs for the class etc.?

I'm thinking Longleat in September would be an ideal place to go and get a flavour for whats going on, before doing a build over winter.

As a side note, if anyone is around West Wiltshire and has a garage/shed/thing with a roof to rent I'm looking (car is currently still in Swansea).

the cars in the under 1400cc are ..citroen ax gt/gti ( mine) , peugeot 205xs/rallye, citroen 106 xs/xsi, citroen 106 rallye , suzuki swift gti , daihatsu charade gtti ( fastest production 1000cc in the world ) , mini/metro 16v ..these are the main ones and all fast in standard trim

b1ackcr0w · 6 Aug 2006, 23:54 (Ref:1676078)

Occasionally, Ben 240Z posts on this forum. I would suggest that if anybody's considering getting into speed hilling anything Jap in the South West, he would be an excellent contact to cultivate. Not only is he the douienne of Beasty club level Datsuns/Nissans, also the sort of bloke you'd like to spend the weekend with.

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