The 2026 British Hillclimb Championship, presented by Nova Motorsport, roars into life this weekend at Prescott, where the traditional curtain-raiser once again sets the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

With 26 rounds across 10 venues, and points awarded through the high-stakes Top Twelve run offs, every fraction of a second counts from the very first climb this weekend.

Prescott’s narrow, technical course is a unique early test—rewarding commitment, rhythm, and bravery in equal measure. As ever, the spotlight will fall on the championship’s elite: the Top 12 contenders expected to dominate the run offs in 2026. It isn’t just the top 12 machines in action—there is a whole host of classes, all finely poised and ready for battle. With the weather set to be dry and warm, could the opening weekend see records tumble?

The Leading Contenders

At the head of the field is reigning champion Matt Ryder, carrying the coveted number one on his Gould. After a dominant 2025 campaign, he arrives as the benchmark—if he hits top form early, others may be chasing shadows. However, in hillclimbing it’s never so simple; there will always be a pack eager to snatch the #1 from the defending top seed.

Four-time champion Wallace Menzies remains the most formidable challenger. A relentless competitor with proven title-winning pedigree, Menzies will be eager to strike first and lay down a marker in pursuit of a fifth crown by the time the series returns to Prescott in September.

Close behind, Will Hall continues his push for a maiden title. Having shown front-running pace and Top 12 run off success last season, a strong Prescott weekend could be crucial in converting promise into a genuine championship bid.

Sean Gould is another on the rise, building momentum after a strong 2025. Sharing machinery with Ryder, his pace – particularly on faster hills – makes him a genuine threat for run off wins.

A trio of experienced frontrunners adds further depth. Three-time champion Trevor Willis remains a master at extracting results from his OMS, while Dave Uren continues to edge closer to consistent podium contention across the British Isles. Former champion Alex Summers, even on a partial programme, is always capable of upsetting the established order and, with his self-built AFS P4t, run off wins would taste even sweeter.

The next wave is equally compelling. Alex Coles proved his giant-killing potential last season, especially in tricky conditions, while Jack Cottrill brings consistency and upward momentum after consecutive strong campaigns. Paul Haimes, a perennial top-ten finisher, will once again target a solid points haul from the outset to kick-start his 2026 season.

Who else to watch at Prescott

The opening weekend is about more than just points – it’s about intent. Early victories can define momentum, and with two scoring rounds on offer, Prescott provides an immediate opportunity to seize control.

In the Tin Tops, the tantalising battle between Steven Darley (Subaru Impreza) and Stephen Moore (Mitsubishi Evo 6) enters another season and is always spectacular to watch.

Former champions Roger and Scott Moran return to blow away the cobwebs. 1997 champion Roger Moran will campaign his Skoda Fabia R5 as he continues to dial it into the British hills, while multiple champion Scott is behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Evo 6 for the BHC opener.

In other news, from the land down under, Dean Tighe – an Australian Hillclimb Champion – arrives with his Empire Wraith, shipped from Australia. It will be fascinating to see how he fares on the British hills.

Expect razor-thin margins, evolving track conditions, and a fascinating blend of experience versus rising talent. Whether Ryder asserts dominance, Menzies responds with authority, Hall builds on his 2025 form, or a new challenger emerges, the 2026 British Hillclimb Championship begins with intrigue – and Prescott is ready to deliver.

You can watch all the pulsating action on Sunday courtesy of the fantastic coverage provided by Hillclimb TV – www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV