Tag: British Hillclimb Championship

The British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport delivered one of the most talked-about contests in hillclimbing history at Craigantlet earlier this month, and the drama continued back across the water at Harewood Hill in Yorkshire last weekend (10th May).

After lowering the Craigantlet record in Northern Ireland, Matt Ryder headed to Harewood with a spring in his step as the championship leader looked to continue that form at the longest hill on the British calendar.

In the opening run-off, round five of the series, it was Wallace Menzies who scooped the 10 points. The Flying Scotsman threaded his Gould up the 1,584-yard course quickest with a 47.11-second run to take his first run-off victory of the year – a confidence booster to get his title tilt back on course.

The reigning number two was pushed hard by the in-form and ultra-consistent Will Hall, who produced another electric performance to bag second place, just seven hundredths of a second behind. Matt Ryder – normally a regular in the podium tussle – suffered a disastrous run, with launch control gremlins affecting the #1 Gould and leaving him 12th in the top-12 shootout and, crucially, without points.

Ryder’s disappointment opened the door for another driver to take the final rostrum spot. Up stepped the evergreen Trevor Willis, who powered the OMS to third – his best result of the season. Alex Coles was another driver in top form as he secured another top-five run-off finish in his nimble Force in fourth.

Paul Haimes, fifth had endured a troubled start to his campaign but was pleased to bank crucial points ahead of Dave Uren in sixth, who confessed Harewood was a challenging hill. Will Hamer, Jonathan Varley and Harry Pick all gathered points in run-off one, while David Tatham collected his first point of the year in tenth. Stephen Owen and Matt Ryder were the unfortunate pair to miss out on points in the opening bout.

The second run-off brought the final action on Harewood Hill on Sunday afternoon.

Having resolved his earlier launch control woes, Matt Ryder went from zero points to hero in the second run-off. The Englishman channelled his earlier frustration to dip below the 47-second barrier – the only driver to do so across the run-offs – and claim the second set of 10 points.

The ever-consistent Will Hall was there in second once more. His brace of runner-up finishes puts him into the overall championship lead after Harewood. Wallace Menzies couldn’t quite repeat his earlier victory and settled for third, while a resurgent Paul Haimes finished equal fourth with Trevor Willis, ahead of Alex Coles in sixth.

Dave Uren, Jonathan Varley, David Tatham and Stephen Owen rounded out the points-paying positions – with Ben Hamer and Will Hamer – missing out this time.

The championship now enjoys a fortnight’s break before Gurston Down looms as the next challenge. The BARC South West event will take place across the weekend of 23–24 May. Who will emerge with the points haul on one of the most extreme hills in the country?

Next stop… Wiltshire.

The British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport delivered one of the most intense contests in hillclimbing history at Craigantlet on 3 May, where three drivers dipped under the hill record — with a new benchmark laid down on the Northern Irish course.

Matthew Ryder and Will Hall went toe-to-toe during the opening weekend at Prescott just six days earlier, and that rivalry continued across the Irish Sea for Rounds Three and Four on the daunting closed-road hillclimb course on the outskirts of Belfast.

With conditions perfect for the one-day meeting, sights were firmly set on the run-offs in the latter part of the afternoon, which were ultimately decided by the finest of margins as the leading contenders pushed the limits of commitment on the fast and unforgiving public road venue.

Ryder pips Hall in ultra-close Round Three

Round Three set the tone for the day with a remarkably tight finish at the top. Wallace Menzies was first to dip under the 39.12-second benchmark set by Scott Moran in 2016 and later equalled by Dave Uren in 2019 on the 1,300-yard course.

He found a turn of pace to lower the target to 39.03 seconds. However, the new hill record would stand for only a matter of seconds, as Matthew Ryder took to the road and etched his name into the history books with a 38.97-second run — becoming the first driver to break the 39-second barrier.

Will Hall, like his two rivals, also picked up a bonus point as he stormed to a 39.01-second run, leaving the top three covered by just six hundredths of a second.

A gap then opened to David Uren, who secured fourth with a 40.60s effort, while Trevor Willis rounded out the top five on 40.80s. Paul Haimes followed closely in sixth, narrowly ahead of Alex Coles, who was visiting the Northern Irish hill for the first time.

Further down the points, the ever-present David Warburton collected a handful of points, as did first-time scorers Dean Tighe and Gary Warren.

Even closer in Round Four as Ryder doubles up

If Round Three was close, Round Four somehow raised the bar even further.

Ryder again came out on top, this time lowering the benchmark to a blistering 38.60 seconds. Hall pushed him all the way once more but fell just 0.04 seconds short for the second time in succession, recording his first sub-39 run with a 38.64s effort.

Menzies again completed the podium, his 39.12s effort matching the previous record benchmark and reinforcing his consistency across the day.

Behind the front three, Willis moved up to fourth with a strong 40.35s, while Coles improved to fifth ahead of Haimes in sixth — both drivers continuing to bank valuable points in the fight for a top-eight championship finish in 2026.

Further down the order, Tighe, Warren and Warburton remained tightly grouped, separated by only a few tenths as the fight for points stayed fiercely competitive. Tighe, who became the first Australian to qualify for a run-off at Prescott, continued to impress at Craigantlet by scoring his first championship points in only his second event.

Aaron Colbourne completed the top ten, while Darren Gumbley and Uren — who failed to record a time in the second run-off following contact with the wall — rounded out the classification.

Early momentum building

With four rounds now complete, Ryder’s double victory provides a significant early boost in the championship standings. However, Hall’s back-to-back second-place finishes — each by the narrowest of margins — ensure the fight is far from settled.

Menzies’ pair of third-place finishes also keep him firmly in contention, forming a clear leading trio as the season begins to take shape.
The championship now moves on to Harewood next weekend (10 May), where momentum will continue to build. If Craigantlet is any indication, the 2026 title battle could be one of the closest in recent years.

The 2026 British Hillclimb Championship, presented by Nova Motorsport, burst into life last weekend (26/27 April) at Prescott Hillclimb for the opening two rounds of the series.

Glorious sunshine bathed the Gloucestershire venue, with quick times there for the taking right from the off. After a day of practice on Saturday, allowing competitors two runs to dial themselves into the new season, Sunday was where it all counted — with round one at lunchtime and the second coming in the early evening.

How it played out

All the way from Australia, Dean Tighe became the first Australian to make it into a BHC run-off. Running first, the former Australian champion set the benchmark for others to beat in his 1300cc Empire with a 39.23. The experienced David Warburton was next up and slashed that to 37.67. The times kept tumbling as 2015 champion Alex Summers dragged his 1100cc DJ Firehawk to a 37.61 — an impressive time that would see him high up the order.

Then, the big five were unleashed. Dave Uren (36.09) moved to the top, while Trevor Willis (36.13) slotted in just behind. Wallace Menzies was the first to dip under the 36-second barrier with a 35.65 in his Gould GR59. Reigning champion Matt Ryder produced a clinical run to snatch the lead just minutes later with a 35.29.

Will Hall, who qualified with the same time as Ryder, went last with the tension building. Could he repeat his run-off win of 12 months ago? Visor down, it was super smooth from the off. After 1,128 yards of climbing, three hundredths of a second made the difference. An exciting start to the year.

Elsewhere, fireworks were lit when Alex Coles took to the hill. The exciting Plymouth-based driver has more power at his disposal for 2026 and looked ready to giant-slay on run one — but a few scrappy moments left him in 10th, just enough to score the final point.

Jonathan Varley (GWR) and Harry Pick (OMS) were also delighted with their runs, bagging their first points of the season — both eager to secure a top-10 number in 2026. Sadly, Paul Haimes suffered a difficult weekend, with mechanical gremlins hitting his 1300cc turbocharged Gould, which limped its way to the top of the hill.

The final bout of the day

David Warburton, who produced a strong run in the first run-off, was the first driver to get the final shoot-out underway with a 38.10. Harry Pick went two hundredths slower just a few minutes later, while Jason Tunnicliffe — who qualified for his first run-off of the year — made a small mistake at Ettore’s, scrubbing off speed and losing time. The Empire driver had to settle for a 39.69.

Alex Summers produced more gold in run-off two, confirming a minimum of two championship points with a 37.77 to set the target time — albeit only briefly — before a reinvigorated Jonathan Varley went quicker by half a second.

The bigger cars came next, with Trevor Willis hustling his OMS to a 36.72 before Alex Coles, in the rapid Force, slotted into second behind the experienced Willis.

Paul Haimes was looking to salvage some points after being dogged by mechanical gremlins earlier in the day. Coming into Ettore’s, the Farnham-based driver lost the back end of his Gould as it rotated — ending with the rear of the car in the wall. Paul jumped out unscathed, but the course had to be cleared before proceedings could resume.

After a short delay, Dave Uren in the Gould GR55B was up next and, despite a slower start at the bottom of the hill, produced a pulsating run to snatch the lead from Willis with a 36.65.

Then came the top three. A pressure-cooker environment. The final runs of the day — who would leave Prescott with the bragging rights?

Matt Ryder stepped up first and beat Uren’s marker, lowering the time to beat to 35.41. Will Hall was next, and the Englishman gave it everything, leaving nothing on the table to record a 35.28.

All eyes then turned to four-time champion Wallace Menzies. The flying Scotsman wasn’t fully at one with his Gould but managed to wrestle his GR59 into another third-place finish.

Will Hall and Matt Ryder shared the spoils with a win and a second apiece. Hall left with the bragging rights, having been just one hundredth quicker than Ryder’s first run-off victory. He rounded out the weekend with a celebratory drive up the hill to great applause from marshals and spectators alike.

The next round of the series takes place this weekend, with a first trip overseas to Craigantlet for a one-day tussle on the closed-road course above Belfast on Saturday 2 May.

Photography kindly provided by Tom Gay Photography

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

Matt Ryder has written a new sublime chapter in British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport history after successfully retaining his title this year.

The Gould GR59 Judd driver claimed his maiden crown in 2024 and entered this season as the defending champion, with everyone wondering whether he would be able to reign supreme once more.

Ryder did just that in emphatic fashion as he chalked up a total of 14 run-off victories to become a two-time champion in the sport.

As always, Ryder didn’t have things his own way with former four-time champion Wallace Menzies providing a stern test over the course of the campaign. Menzies would take six run-off wins of his own whilst Will Hall, Alex Summers and Matt’s co-driver Sean Gould took two apiece.

Ryder’s triumph sets up an exciting prospect in 2026 as he begins his quest for a third successive title. He’ll do so as a father too with he and his wife Kirsty expecting their first child in the coming months.

To find out more information on Ryder’s title-winning year, head to https://www.britishhillclimb.co.uk/news.

1995… Pierce Brosnan stepped into the role of James Bond, the Britpop era was at its height with Blur going toe-to-toe with Oasis, while Blackburn Rovers lifted the Premier League title. Meanwhile, a young Chris Fox, or Foxy as he is known to many in the club, volunteered to marshal at Sleemans corner at Bouley Bay for the first time. 30 years on – Foxy has become a regular fixture on the officials list – helping the team to put on four hillclimbs each year. We let Chris pick up the next part of the story… how did it all begin?

“I remember going down to Bouley Bay as early as 1975 or 1976 to watch, and then I used to go and watch friends compete as I got older, but it wasn’t until 1995 I started to volunteer and help out. I was doing the Jersey Rally and offered to marshal for someone for a couple of hillclimbs, who would in return marshal for me on the rally. Something I still do to this day. I wanted to marshal there as it was my favourite part of the hill, and soon after I was given more and more responsibility – and now look after the Sleemans section of the hill.”

But why was it Sleemans in particular?

“The vantage point at Sleemans – I think it’s one of the best on the hill. You are high up on the bank and you can see quite a lot of the course as riders and drivers come out of Cafe, into Sleemans and off into Les Platons corner. Somebody kindly laid down a concrete plinth for my chair and I also have a banner now which has: Foxy’s since 1995. It’s my home and I love it and I think I would be scared to go anywhere else now!

“I have only missed two events, and I have been lucky enough to compete once on a racing scooter I used to have. I really wanted to say, I had done one and to see what it was like as a competitor – I loved it, but love my place on the bank.”

Foxy has seen it all, from first time competitors to the British Championship hopefuls and everyone in between. Infact, the Jerseyman has seen all but one record set on the hill – quite impressive when you think about it. So in those 30 years – has anything stood out?

“One of my highlights was seeing Guernsey driver Andy Priaulx take the hill record. The atmosphere was incredible, and as a Channel Islander you felt proud. You could see he was just special behind the wheel and to see what he went on to go and do in motorsport speaks for itself.

“But, I think the thing I love is being fortunate enough to witness different generations from the same family compete. For some families they are now into their third generation which is very special for me.”

Now hitting the magic milestone of 30 what does the future hold for Foxy at Sleemans?

“Things have changed in my life over the years, but Sleemans has been the contestant, and I love doing it. I love the respect from the competitors, giving advice to newcomers and enjoy the company of those joining me on the bank. I am only 63 and fit and well, and will keep doing this for as long as I can keep climbing the bank – that is for sure.”

We would like to thank Chris for his 30 years of incredible service to motorsport at Bouley Bay. We would also like to extend our appreciation to every official, marshal and volunteer helping today and all season long. Thank you!

Everything turns into magic when Trevor Willis arrives in Jersey. There is something about Bouley Bay that just clicks with the three-time British Champion – nobody is more successful up Bouley Bay. Carrying the #5 on his V8 powered OMS in 2025 – this season marks the 25th anniversary of Trevor qualifying for British round run offs. We sat down with the Worcester driver and explored how he delivers top-notch performances on the Trinity hill year in year out.

To start, let’s drill into the numbers. The Englishman set the outright benchmark nine years ago with an eye watering 36.48 seconds. Willis also dominates the stats chart for total run off wins – with an impressive 10 victories, most points amassed in Jersey and has qualified for 41 rounds and recorded points in over 90% of them. Hillclimbing legend Roy Lane is the only man to have amassed more podiums and appearances than the Wizard of Bouley Bay.

“It’s so picturesque and completely unique with the views, and paddock right next to the sea,” said an enthusiastic Willis.”Every year I come back I have a great fondness and energy when arriving at the hill. It has been good to me over the years!

Why do you love the place and why has it been a happy hunting ground?

“I think it suits my car first and foremost. My car is at a power disadvantage against the latest cars from Gould, and Bouley Bay is somewhere where you need a good chassis, good acceleration and not all about top end speed or sheer grunt, as it’s relatively low speed to other hills. You need experience with this hill to get on the pace and commit for those vital tenths. It is one of the most technical – you have to carry speed and also brake while steering and setting up the car for a corner whilst going through another.

Where did the love affair begin with Bouley Bay?

“I always wanted to win a round – never thought I could though. I remember in 2007 I qualified well and was about to warm up the tyres and the late, great Roy Lane leant into the cockpit and said. ‘You could win this’ – that was all I needed it seemed, as I took my first run off win in Jersey minutes later and with that special memory of Roy as well – it will always be a place and moment dear to my heart.

Can we talk about 2016? Do you remember it all unfolding in those 34 and a bit seconds?

“I held the record and Wallace (Menzies) then took it from me – so that gave me a bit of fire in the belly as I really wanted it back. The record run was really on the edge. I do remember it vividly – even nine years on. I came into Radio Corner way too hot, and way too late on the brakes. When I did brake, the car rotated very quickly and actually got me pointing perfectly for the climb up to the top bend. I came out of Radio in a gear too high as well, but I think the slower exit was made up by a quick entry. Apart from that corner – it was near perfect everywhere. There is more time to be had, for sure.”

It’s been one of the longest standing records on the calendar. Can we see times tumble in 2025?

“Can the record go? Of course it can. Technology is always evolving. Cars are getting more sophisticated, more powerful and more importantly more efficient at putting that power into the road. Tyres are getting grippier and I think there is a big group of drivers now all very closely matched and that spurs you on because if you see a quick time – it shows the conditions are right for everyone.”

There is more in the tank for Trevor. The OMS driver is just two podiums away from equalling hill climb master Roy Lane on the rostrum count on the most southerly trip in the British Isles. You can also bet your bottom dollar he would love to win the final run off of the day – the 100th British round to be held on the island. Another impressive milestone to add to his ever growing collection.

Looking ahead to Guernsey at the weekend – a perhaps even bigger milestone is there for the taking… “Val de Terres is another story. I love that hill – but I don’t think it loves me back. I have won everywhere else on the calendar except in Guernsey and would love to tick that one off. You have to ride and float over the pavements there which does need a car with a good chassis and is also a power venue too. In the wet or damp conditions that does help me, so if it rains I would like to be able to challenge for a win to complete the set.”

Some of the quickest cars and drivers in the UK are about to be let loose for the second half of the British Hillclimb Championship Presented by Nova Motorsport. The Channel Island double header hosts four decisive rounds that make or break a championship campaign – as you start to see who could be lifting the trophy and carrying the number one on the car the following year after a good tour in the most southerly part of the British Isles. Jersey is first up with the fiercely steep amphitheatre that is Bouley Bay on Tuesday and the fast and flowing Val de Terres hill in Guernsey on Saturday.

Single-seaters with up to 700bhp will be unleashed on the closed public roads, when F1 meets garden path for an exciting, thrilling combination. So who will be King of the hills? With 40 points up for grabs – We take a look at who will be eyeing up the points from the island visits.

Defending Champion Matt Ryder has bever won a round in the Channel Islands, despite loving the two hills. The Gould GR59J driver who has won nine rounds this year, wont be sharing the car with owner Sean Gould this week – so the number one seed will be able to dial the fearsome four-litre machine to his liking completely. We tip Bouley Bay to be the location of the Englishman to break his Channel Island duck. Watch this space!

Ryder’s closest opposition this season is four-time British Champion Wallace Menzies – who is back for a full season and eager to claim his fifth title and snatch back the number one spot in the process. The Gould GR59M is perhaps the most state of the art hill climbing car in the country today, and in the hands of Menzies – will be explosive to watch in both Jersey and Guernsey. The Flying Scotsman knows how to do the business across the water having sealed 10 previous run off wins on previous visits – six in Jersey and four in Guernsey. Watch out too for Nicola Menzies who be eyeing further points to add to her previous Channel Island forays.

Trevor Willis is the ‘Wizard of Bouley Bay’ – there is something about Bouley Bay and Trevor Willis that just clicks. The OMS 28 might be an older car and unable to keep tabs on the newer Gould machinery on the faster UK hills, but at Bouley Bay – Willis is a major force and still holds the record nine years on. His 10 wins, 26 podiums and points scoring rate of over 90% makes him the man to beat. Will he lower the record – that will be a challenge. Can he win a round – absolutely.

Will Hall is one of the best drivers to have never lifted the BHC title. The Gould driver on his day is almost untouchable and with two wins already this year at Doune and Prescott – Hall is the person looking to extract the most from this double-header – eyeing the biggest points haul from both Jersey and Guernsey. Having won on both hills, he along with Menzies are the most rounded and can adapt to both closed road challenges..

Dave Uren is a man yet to win a Channel Island run-off, but in the right conditions could well be fighting for one if everything falls into place for the Gould driver. Scott and Emma Rayson in their little one-litre Empire will be praying for wet conditions to make it a level playing field, as will Nigel Pitt in his OMS and Darren Gumbley and Paul Jones in their shared 1600cc Force.

Jersey hopes will be carried by Michael Salmon in his two-litre OMS CF04. The local driver has been the fastest driver of the day on local events over the last few years and is ready to step-up against UK opposition. Salmon qualified last year but missed out on a point by six hundredths of a second. Can the first local points be claimed after a six year wait? This is the man to do it.

Jeremy Phillips was the last Jersey driver to score on home soil back in 2019 in his massive 6.2-litre Gould GR37, and could well throw his hat into the ring if it’s dry. As could Michael’s brother Alex – who is sharing the beastly Gould with Phillips, as he prepares to battle his brother and for his first point on his first BHC round in a top car with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Glyn Moignard will also be eyeing his first BHC points in his 1600cc OMS while Father Barry Moignard – who has been campaigning a V8 Skoda for over 30 years jumps into a OMS single-seater – with locals looking forward to seeing how he gets on, on his first attempt.

Andy Bougourd and Nick Saunders are the two favourites from Guernsey. Both will be using Bouley Bay as warm-up to their home hill Val de Terres, where both will be working towards big points hauls – taking away points from the mainlanders, and in the right circumstances would challenge for a top five or even higher. Wouldn’t that be a treat for the home crowd!

The Jersey round at Bouley Bay will be held on a Tuesday for the first time with the first Channel Island leg on Tuesday 15h July, with the Guernsey round at Val des Terres on Saturday 19th July.

We wish everyone involved in the British Hillclimb Championship a safe and successful second half of the season.