IMAGINE sitting in an open-topped sports car. Stretching out in front of you are 1,000 yards of single-track, tarmac road: sinuous, uphill and closed to all other traffic. There are no speed limits as you are on a private country estate. The tarmac is yours alone to enjoy. For me that dream became reality. My car was a three-liter Morgan Roadster Lightweight and the place was Shelsley Walsh, a legendary motorsport venue in rural Worcestershire whose first event was held in 1905, meaning it predates the likes of Indianapolis (1909), Monza (1922) and Le Mans (1923). What car would you choose? And where would you like to experience your thrill on a hill?
My need for speed was first satisfied at Shelsley Walsh by taking part in a hillclimb school. The day started in the classroom and ended with multiple runs up the hill, trying to learn the best racing lines and braking points while having fun. There was no one else on track with me, so I could drive at my own pace. While my Morgan was in full race trim, all roadworthy cars were welcome, with most others taking part in normal family saloons and even the odd 4x4. There was an equally enjoyable day at the Prescott hillclimb school, set in 69 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside.
While most participants simply want to experience the exhilaration of driving at a famous venue, my ultimate aim was to compete. This I did at Shelsley's Autumn Speed Finale. That is when the strange mix of adrenaline, anticipation and anxiety kicks in. What if I am really slow? Or too fast and find myself in an unforgiving barrier? Will I make a small mistake: a lift of the throttle too early; a fluffed gear change; a lock of the brakes; or miss an apex? Any error will impact on the time it takes me to complete the course. All these thoughts whirl through my mind as I sit on the start line. Then the lights go out, I increase the revs and drop the clutch.
THE ROOTS OF HILLCLIMBING
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av The Field.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays
Heaven is a High Four
A team of guns enjoy a day of the finest sport Devon has to offer, courtesy of the GWCT and a quartet of generous shoot owners
