Features

Racing at Harewood Speed Hillclimb

Gearing up for 2006

Harewood is the north's top speed hillclimb venue and is part of the national speed championship circuit.

The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) Yorkshire Centre has used the venue since 1962 when a local group bought the site with its spectaular views over the Wharfe valley.

Hill climbing is about covering the tarmac course in as quick a time as possible. The fastest cars can take as little as 50 seconds and reach speeds of up to 125mph.

Up to 150 drivers will turn out for each meeting this year to fight the fastest time of the day and class wins.

Visitors at the race car paddock

Cars can range from standard road-going Minis to single-seater racing cars powered by Formula 1 engines. At each meeting there are also visiting guest championships including the British Hill Championship, the Ferrari Owners Club and The Porsche Owners Club.

Spectators are welcome to the events and can get close to the action at various points around the course. There is also a chance to walk around the paddock, look at the cars and chat with the drivers. There's also a running commentary for the competitive runs.

2006 season dates

• Sunday 16 April - Spring National hill climb meeting150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars.
• Saturday 13 May - Harewood Open hill climb meeting150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars.
• Sunday 14 May - British Hill Climb Championship meeting and classic car show150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to F1 powered single seater race cars with speeds up to 130 mph. The top UK drivers compete in two rounds of the British Championship, including two Top 12 run-offs. Plus around 250 classic cars on display.
• Sunday 4 June - Jim Thomson Trophy hill climb meeting150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars.
• Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July - British Hill Climb Championship meeting and new car show180 competitors racing cars from saloons to F1 powered single seater race cars with speeds up to 130 mph. Top UK drivers compete in two rounds of the British Championship, including two Top 12 run-offs. Practice Saturday, competition Sunday. Plus a new car motor show on Sunday.
• Sunday 6 August - Montague Burton Trophy hill climb meeting 150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars. 
• Sunday 27 August - Summer Harewood Championship hill climb meeting 150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars.
• Saturday 16 September - Greenwood Cup meeting150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars. 
• Sunday 17 September - Mike Wilson Memorial hill climb meeting and the national classic car show finals150 competitors racing cars from road going saloons to single seater race cars in the final event of the season. Final round of the Richard Alexander Harewood Speed Hill Climb Championship. Over 200 national classic car show finalists on display.