Tag: British Hillclimb Championship

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.

The 2025 British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport is one of the quickest and most intense series on the British Automobile Racing Club roster. With four-litre V8 single-seater monsters pushing out 700bhp, fighting for hundredths of a second at 10 different hills across the British Isles – the championship is like F1 down a garden path!

Matt Ryder fulfilled a family dream last season by claiming his first domestic title after a season-long battle with rival and friend Alex Summers. Carrying the number one on his Gould GR59 into 2025 – the number one seed speaks to the BARC about his title triumph and what we can look forward to in 2025.

Thank you for joining us Matt – Let’s start with last year. 2024 was a bit special wasn’t it!

“Winning the title last year was an unbelievable feeling. I have grown up with hillclimbing and been around it all my life as my Mum and Dad both competed or have been involved in the sport so in 2024, it was very special – to lift the pinnacle title in the sport in this country in only my third year in the ‘big cars’. The year was so intense, not going to lie, it was a long hard effort, but it’s something I will never forget!”

Hilclimbing was always going to the end destination then? What does it take to be at the top?

“I didn’t really start driving in hillclimbing. We actually took some time away from it when I was younger. I did karting and then a bit of circuit racing in things like Formula Jedi – so I did have some single-seater experience before coming to the hills again in the smaller-engined cars.

“Some people are veterans and have been up these hills so many times they know every lump, bump and surface change – so it is nice to compete against them. It might not be the most physical form of motorsport as people go ‘ how can you get tired after 4-5 runs at 30-60 seconds in length – but because of the speeds and intensity it’s one of the most mentally draining forms of motorsport in my opinion. Having to get it all right in such a small space and short time period needs everything to go right. I have shared a run-off win with someone else as we have matched times to the hundredth of a second – it’s that close!”

The calendar for 2025 features all the classic hills once more and we start off at one of the best – Prescott. You’re the record holder, so you know it well?

“I love Prescott – it’s my home hill. What I like about it is, that it;s quite technical with a few tight hairpins, which you need to get right to get good exits in order to open up the power quickly. In the bigger cars – traction is vitally important to use all the power at your disposal. My favourite part is the final third of the hill. Into a fast chicane – big commitment there picks you up lots of time.

“I got the hill record last season – but also you know what don’t know how at the same time – it wasn’t the cleanest of runs – it was a little scrappy in places. There is plenty more time to be had in the bottom half. The second half however was a special feeling – the car was dancing and I really could use all the power through the chicane and esses – it just felt like you were on the knife edge of grip.”

New season – now you go from hunted to hunter – who will want the top spot from you?

New year, new challenges – I don’t know who will be there come the end of the year. You will have the regular guys, but also some local drivers to certain hills – especially when you get to like the Channel Islands. Wallace [Menzies] is the man to beat before any season – super consistent, quick car and very good driver – he is the one everyone wants to aim at. Alex Summers sadly won’t be doing a full season – but wherever he turns up he will be super quick. Will Hall is getting quicker and quicker and could get onto a roll. Trevor Willis on the right day and right hill will be untouchable, I could keep going on!

There are so many locations and so much variety – talk us through some of your favourites…

“I am looking forward to Prescott – it’s always close to my heart, the atmosphere there is great and it is my home round. I also like Wiscombe Park in Devon. I had the best weekend of hillclimbing there previously. I took 1.2 seconds off my best time throughout the weekend and clinched the record as well.

“Shelsley Walsh is always so magical because of its history. The emotion and pressure is right up there because it’s the ‘home’ of hillclimbing in this country. For 22 or so seconds you have to show what you can do and deliver if you want to be near the front. The car has to be on rails as you fit the car between hedges and banks!

“The most extreme is Doune in Scotland. There is nothing quite like it. You have to be nutty to be at the very front there. Your life flashes before your eyes up as you have no time to think, with no margin for error. Makes Shelsley feel like a race circuit!

“They are all special and I like the characteristics of them all – going over to Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands – all three hills are very different and all offer different road surfaces compared to the English hills.”

Carrying the number one is something everybody wants to do. How does that feel – feel any pressure?

“We used it at a warm up event at Loton Park earlier in the year, it’s an amazing feeling to carry the number one. I get to use that on all the hills I enter this year – which is an honour.”

“As to pressure – think there was more getting to this stage – but it might be different when defending it this season. I think it can be a massive help as you get to run last in the class running order when trying to qualify for the top 12 run-offs. You get to see everyone go up before you so you can manage your own performance a little better, as you know the pace and also the minimum time you need to qualify. Also if you see the record broken – it gives you every confidence to know that it’s possible!”

Matt Ryder will begin his 2025 British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport title defence at Prescott this weekend (26/27 April). The series features 30 rounds across England, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey with the championship decided at Loton Park in September.

More information can be found at www.britishhillclimb.co.uk

The British Automobile Racing Club can announce that AET Turbos have been named as title sponsors of the BHC Tin Top – Top Ten Challenge.

Formed in 1974, the company – which is a major provider of remanufactured and re-engineered turbochargers – is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and will mark the occasion by partnering with the popular series.

“We are delighted to have AET Turbos on board as partner and title sponsor of the 2024 BHC Tin Top – Top Ten Challenge,” said Tim Wilson, British Hillclimb Championship Co-ordinator.

“Due to its popularity with both competitors and spectators, we have increased the Tin Top – Top Ten Challenge to five events for the season ahead. With events spread across the country at many of the top UK Hillclimb venues, this season should be very exciting. We look forward to working in partnership with AET over the coming months and years ahead.”

Andy Taylor, Managing Director of AET Turbos, added: “After supporting 2023 BHC Tin Top – Top Ten Challenge winner Damien Bradley and Team Legacy for a number of years, the next logical step for us is to support the Championship.

“The AET Turbos team look forward to offering our advice and servicing to competitors and supporters of the BHC, BHC Cup and the world of Hillclimbing in general in 2024 and for many seasons ahead.”

The opening round of the BHC Tin Top – Top Ten Challenge takes place at Harewood Hillclimb in Yorkshire on July 6/7.

The British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport has announced that its opening rounds of the 2024 season at Prescott have been postponed due to extreme wet weather.

Originally scheduled to take place on April 20/21, the recent torrential rain that has battered large parts of the United Kingdom has made it unviable for the meeting to proceed as planned.

With Prescott being moved back to a later date in the season, the 2024 campaign will now commence in Northern Ireland at Craigantlet on Saturday 4th May.

“We appreciate this decision will cause disappointment, but would like to reassure everyone that it has not been taken lightly,” read a statement from championship organisers.

Nova Motorsport has announced the signing of a landmark five-year strategic partnership with the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship, which has in-turn secured the future of the premier hillclimb series in the United Kingdom.

Inspired by heritage and dedicated to technical excellence, Nova Motorsport has acquired the assets of Avon Motorsport from Cooper Tire – who have been long-term tyre suppliers for the championship.

Supported by BMTR, that partnership is set to continue moving forward this year with Nova Motorsport committing themselves as official tyre suppliers and also developing new products for the future.

Wallace Menzies continued his reign in the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Avon Tyres this year after wrapping up a fourth consecutive title at Prescott at the start of the month (September 2/3).

Having been the benchmark in the prestigious series over the course of the last three seasons, the Gould GR59M driver third and fourth place run-off finishes at the Gloucestershire venue to clinch the coveted crown with a round to spare. 

Menzies’ championship triumph also saw him join a very elite club too as he became the first person since Ken Wharton in 1951 to 1954 to win the title four years on the bounce. 

Commenting on his title success, Menzies said: “You can’t win the Championship in a weekend, but you can definitely lose it in a weekend. We had to hang onto Scott’s shirt tails these last two weekends, just to make sure. 

“To win one British Hillclimb Championship title was amazing and fantastic; so this will take some time to sink in.”

The British Hillclimb Championship now moves onto its final round, which takes place at Loton Park in Shropshire, over the weekend of the 23/24 September. 

The Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Avon Tyres signed off its 2022 season in style in late September with Wallace Menzies successfully retaining his title following a thrilling finale at Loton Park.

Bringing the curtain down on a season that saw high drama, the emergence of new talent and numerous hill records smashed, Menzies held his nerve to join an exclusive club of drivers to win three titles in consecutive years.

Following a sensational, season-long battle for supremacy, the destiny of the coveted crown went down to the wire with both Menzies and perennial protagonist Alex Summers in contention. 

The first of two run-offs at the Shropshire venue saw its fair share of thrills as Summers threaded his DJ Firestorm Cosworth XD around the course. Looking good against the stopwatch, a small mistake late on the run saw the multiple runner-up lose vital time.

With one hand on the title, Menzies produced a virtuoso performance behind the wheel of his Gould GR59M to score victory by nearly half a second and with it, ensured the number one stays on his machine for next year.

For those wishing to view the full race report from the 2022 season finale, click here.

“To secure a hat-trick of BHC Championships is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Menzies. “My team of Tom, Duncan and Russ have been absolutely key to the success that we have achieved over the past few years. 

“The car has been absolutely bullet proof, which is down to them and their attention to detail. After the first round at Prescott I was firmly on the back foot. With Alex starting the season so well and Scott and Matt being in the picture too, it took until after the Channel Island rounds for me to open up a small gap at the top; even then I could not blink at any stage.”

In addition to closing out its campaign, organisers of the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Avon Tyres has also announced a provisional 2023 calendar.

Comprising of 30 rounds across ten venues, the championship will visit some of the best hillclimb courses across the length and breadth of the UK whilst also making trips off the mainland to Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey.

British Hillclimb Championship – Provisional 2023 Calendar

April 22/23 – Prescott

April 29 – Craigantlet

May 7 – Harewood

May 27/28 – Gurston Down

June 3/4 – Shelsley Walsh

June 17/18 – Doune

July 1/2 – Harewood

July 19 – Bouley Bay

July 22 – Val des Terres

July 29/30 – Wiscombe Park

August 12/13 – Shelsley Walsh

August 26/27 – Loton Park

September 2/3 – Prescott

September 23/24 – Loton Park