May 22, 2024
The weekend of Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May bring the British Hill Climb Championship presented by NOVA Motorsport and the BHC Cup presented by BMTR to Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb.
With 120 cars and drivers competing at the twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous Speed Hill Climb Venue, it will be a spectacular weekend. There will be a huge variety of cars, everything from standard road cars, specially prepared hill climb cars and spectacularly fast sport and single seat racing cars.
Spectators have fabulous unrivaled access to the hill, views of the course, paddock and facilities. We have excellent catering and refreshments on site too.
You really can’t get closer to the action!
Saturday and Sunday are separate events with two rounds of the British Hill Climb Championship every day. We start around 08:30 with two practice runs before lunch. Then a restart around 13:00 for two timed runs each run followed by a Top Twelve Run-Off.
The Top Twelve Run-Off of the British Hill Climb Championship presented by NOVA Motorsport give championship drivers registered another run on the hill. This time the fastest ten, score points for the British Championship. Ten points for a win, down to one for tenth. These run-offs ultimately determine who becomes the British Champion! An extra point is awarded to any competitor who beats the current hill record, held by Alex Summers in the DJ Firestorm at 25.00s.
The BHC Cup presented by BMTR is slightly different and doesn’t have a run-off. Each timed run is treated as a separate event, so competitors will score in two rounds on both Saturday and Sunday.
As ever there will be a Fastest Time of Day! Who will it be?
Class Preview:
The Road Cars – Series Production Car Class up to 2000cc – A(i)
The class has a huge entry both days. The current class record holder, Jonathan Langmead in his Lotus Elise is the favourite for the win. There are a number of new drivers in very similar cars so he might have his work cut out.
The Over 2000cc Road Cars – Series Production Car Class – A(ii)
There is a good entry this class. The class record holder, Rodney Eyles in his lovely Alfa Romeo 4c must be favorite for this class. His Gurston experience is likely to pay dividends although you’ll need to look out for Tony Adams in his Lotus Elise.
The Road Cars Specialist Production Car Class – B
Adrian Lewis brings the super fast Westfield Superbusa to the hill. There are a numbers of other Caterhams in the class which well give Adrian a hard time.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(i)
This class might hold a few surprises. James White’s super fast Mini, will probably have to work to beat the other two competitors Andrew Russell in his Ginetta G15 and Eric Morrey in his Hillman Imp. Winner?
The 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(ii)
Just one entrant in this class, Gurston regular Steve Jackman.
The Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(iii)
This will be a tough class, not only does it have a big entry but it has some quick and beautifully presented cars. Stephen Moore in his Mitsubishi Evo, Jim Herbert in his Mitsubishi Evo and Damian Bradley in the Subaru Legacy are likely to be the top three in this class. But which one will take the win?
The Modified Specialist Production Cars Class – D
Steve Holland in his Caterham Hayabusa is alone in this class.
The up to 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – F
There’s another big entry in this class. You will need to look out for Mike Lee in the Force LM and Allan McDonald in the Force SR4 are the likely winners in this class. There are some very fast cars in this class so there might be a surprise here.
The Over 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – G
This class will be quick. Nic Mann in the Manic-Beattie and Duncan Barnes in the Norma FC20 will probably be the top two. However the car and driver that has come the furthest of all our competitor, Wayne Penrose in the VW SuperBug will be competing and he’s come with his car and team from Austrailia.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class – I
The ever popular 1100cc racing car class has another huge entry. This class has so many entrants who could take this class and most of them will be trying to qualify for the top twelve run-off. Winner? Tom Weaver perhaps as he is having such a great season.
Formula Ford Racing Cars up to 1600cc Class – J(i)
Another massive class. Gurtson’s Tim Pitfield competes in his Formula Ford for the first time, Becky Crocombe and Laurence Marks are all Gurston regulars that have the experience to win, but they have a really tough bunch of competitors to get past first. Sarah Bosworth in here Van Dieman is probably favorite.
The 1100cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class – J(ii)
This could be an interesting class, there are so many people who could take this win. But Allan Warburton in the Gould GR59 will probably take first place. You need to watch the Greenen brothers, Adam and Andy, they have a really quick car too. You could say that about all these competitors. They will all be looking for top twelve placings.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated – K(i)
Johnathen Varley in his GWR Preditor starts a favorite here. Yet another tough class to predict!
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Forced Induction – K(ii)
Paul Haines in the Gould GR59 has had some great times at Gurston earlier in the season qnd he will be looking for a top twelve place.
The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class – L
The class brings the fastest cars and drivers to the hill. With Gurston Down being a power hill, the fastest time of the day is likely to be a driver in this class. The British Championship Wallace Menzies in his Gould GR59M had a difficult weekend in Northern Ireland, damaging the car but should be at Gurston. The car is currently being prepared. There are so many potential class winner, Alex Summers, Will Hall, Sean Gould and the current leader Matthew Ryder. Nicola Menzies starts in another Gould, this time a GR55 so the ladies record might be under threat!
The Sports and Racing Car Built up to 1971 Class – M
This class has some beautiful classic racing and sports cars, the Chevron B19 of Amanda and Richard George and Mike Broome’s Alexis Mk17 F3. Both of which are very competitive. The likely winner, probably Mike Broome.
The Sports and Racing Car Built up to 1985 Class – N
Roger Dean in his Lola T142 has the shared Tiga SF83 of Joe Mackrill and Robin Johnson as his competition this weekend. The Lola will be tough to beat.
The BARC South West Members Class
This class has a huge variety of cars entered. Fastest two will be Gary Hull in the Jedi and Martin Watson in the Westfield. Gary’s recent form probably gives him the edge.
- We will also have two Top Twelve Run-offs these will at the end of each timed run.
Another exciting weekend of at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – Don’t Miss It!
Key info
Location: 1 mile west of Broad Chalke, 9 miles SW of Salisbury, Wiltshire. Turn off the A354 at Coombe Bissett on the unclassified road to Broad Chalke, follow AA signs.
Dates: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August
Times: Practice from 0830 until 1230 approx. Timed run 1300 approx followed by the First Top Twelve Run-Off, then lunch and final timed runs again followed by the Second Top Twelve Run-Off.
Admission: £15 for adults, accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking.
Anthony Record – Press Officer Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – BARC SW
May 4, 2024
The 2024 Season Opener at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb went ahead as planned. Running the Test Day earlier in the month as a closed event helped the ground at the hill, in the car park and camping field recover from the unprecedented weather the UK has had for the past few months. There are many people we need to thank.
The 2024 Turbo Dynamics Championship had the first four rounds and the Online Cleaning Technologies Top Ten Challenge, it’s first two rounds. Remember you will need to enter the Championship and Challenge by 8th May 2024.
The current leader is Luke Chard-Maple in his Renault Clio 172.
The April meetings also brought the motorbikes of the Auto Cycle Union for their first of two weekends in the 2024 season – more on that later.
INVITED CLASSES
The Revington TR Triumph Register Sprint and Hill Climb Championship
There was good entry in this class. Len Olds in the lovely TR4 and Steve Small in the TR7 V8 were out front after the first timed run, Len was just ahead of Steve. When the second timed runs were complete, Steve improved his time as did Len but Steve’s improvement was enough to take the win. Steve finished with a 38.93s and Len 39.08s.
Midland Speed Championship
The Midland Speed Championship had a very good entry both days. The Westfield’s dominated both days with Keith Adams taking the wins. Craig Spooner fought hard but could not quite overcome Keith’s consistent performances. Thomas Frankland and Simon Green were third on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The times on Saturday were Keith 36.95s, Craig 37.02s and Thomas 37.25s. Sunday’s were Keith 36.88s, Craig 37.02s and Simon 37.81s.
Downton Motor Club Speed Championship
The Downton Motor Club speed championship had a full entry of Minis both original and BMW versions. The original Mini came out on top both days, James Edmonds in his Mini finished on 39.25s and 38.70s respectively. Adam Holland in the BMW Cooper S was second both days with 40.53s and 40.24s.
Westfield Sports Car Club Racing Speed Series Championship
There were just three entrants in this class, with the result being the same both days. David Smith in his Sport 250 had a great weekend, dominating on both days. His times were impressive with a 36.30s and 35.71s respectively. Second was Mark Bishop in his SE, with 40.93s and 40.34s.
Pre-War Austin 7’s of the Bert Hadley Memorial Championship
There were seven cars entered, the Austin Seven Ulster driven by Colin Danks took the honours with a resounding victory, over two seconds ahead of Terry Griffin on 49.20s who, in turn was over five seconds ahead of Nicholas Turley who finished on 54.32s.
The BARC Speed Championship
A big entry and a great collection of cars featured in this class. Stephen Mallett in the Radical PR6 he shares with Richard had a great weekend, winning both days. After the first timed run on Saturday had Robert Pallett in his Ginetta G20 had the lead. But the second timed runs saw an improvement by Stephen and Matt Bramall, in the Caterham. Finishing times were Stephen 37.28s, Matt 37.97s and Robert 38.70s.
On Sunday, Stephen had connected with the hill and his Radical and set a first run time two seconds ahead of the Matt. The Radical took third in the hands of Richard Mallett with Robert Pallett finishing fourth. Second to fourth separated by just over a second.
Stephen’s time was 35.62s, Matt’s 37.66s, Richard’s 38.25 and Robert’s 38.81s.
The Morgan Sports Car Club Techniques Speed Championship
Simon Baines in his Roadster has Gurston experience and has won this class before and this time that really showed. Simon dominated in the class, he was over three seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Andy Hatch. Simon finished on 38.69s and Andy on 43.34s.
REGULAR CLASSES
Road Cars Mazda MX5 Class
It was great to see a fuller entry in the MX5 class for the first two events. The much battered MK2 RS shared by Richard Morton and Chris Burch was dominant all weekend. Richard matched his times on the two timed runs, finishing on 39.80s, just pipping Chris to first on both days. Richard was just a second ahead on Saturday but just 0.31s on Sunday. This class has a number of new car and driver combinations so it will be interesting to see how the rest of this season goes.
Road Cars Series Production up to 1400cc
David Nutland and his Mini had a great weekend, with two solid performances, winning both days. Saturday saw him ahead of the Ford Fiesta of Andrew Till on Saturday and the Fiesta of Steve Holley on Sunday. David’s times were 42.39s and 41.99s respectively. There were many new driver and car combinations in this class too.
Road Cars Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc
Russell’s Honda Civic Type R has served him well over the past few seasons and this weekend was no exception. Russell took the win both days, Saturday and Sunday’s times were identical, 39.27s. David Newman in his MK1 Mazda MX5 challenged hard but could not quite match Russell. He finished on 39.60s and 39.75s with Daniel Friel in his Honda Civic, third on Saturday, 39.84s and James Wills, Renault Clio, third on Sunday 40.67s.
Over 2000cc Road Cars Series Production Class – Two Wheel Drive
Martin Prescott’s Ford Fiesta ST had a perfect weekend. He took the win on Saturday and Sunday with 38.27s and 38.37s respectively. On Saturday he was pushed by Jim Hood on the MX5 just under a second behind on 39.25s. On Sunday, the lovely Porsche 911RS shared by David Franklin and Chris Stone, in David’s hands pushed Jim into third place. David’s time was 39.46s
Road Cars Series Production Class – Four Wheel Drive
On Saturday there were two entrants in this class Steve Cox in his much campaigned VW Golf R won the class but was unable to return on Sunday.
On Sunday Richard Mullis and Ben Bowdidge brought their Golf R’s and had a great battle. Richard was ahead after the first timed run by just 0.02s. Richard matched 37.32s first timed run time on his second run but Ben went a little quicker. Ben stopped the clock on 37.12s just 0.20s ahead.
Road Cars Specialist Production Class, any capacity
The top two in this class were Clive Skipper and Chris Burridge both in Caterhams. But Clive made the class his own both days. He finished with a 34.77s run on Saturday and 35.15s on Sunday with Chris’s bests being 38.13s and 37.24s respectively.
Over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class
Graham Beale in the Ginetta G33 had the class to himself. Saturday’s time was 35.46s and Sunday’s 35.27s.
Up To 1400cc Modified Cars Series Production Class
This class was dominated by the class record holder and last years class champion, Neil Turner and Jim White both in Minis.
Saturday was Jim’s day, he managed a 37.04s run, just ahead of Neil’s 37.17s.
After the first timed run, it looked like Jim may well pull off a double over Neil. However, Neil went a little better in his second timed run, pushing Jim out with a 36.67s run.
1400cc to 2000cc Modified Cars Series Production Car Class
Luke Chard-Maple in his Renault Clio is having a fantastic start to the season. Not only did he take the class win both days but as a consequence of his performance he currently leads the Turbo Dynamics Gurston Down Championship overall. James Fordham in his Clio was second both days, it’ll be interesting to see how these two get on over the rest of the season.
Modified Series Production Class – Four Wheel Drive
On Saturday Stephen Moore competed in his daughters Clio in the Road Car class but brought one of his Mitubishi Evo 6’s to end the day pn 33.97s.
Modified Specialist Production Class – Supported by Online Cleaning Technologies
Steve Holland, managing director of our Top Ten Challenge sponsor and last years Top Ten winner was on his own in this class. He has made a few improvements to the car over the closed season and it showed in the times and speeds.
Historically Interesting Class
Saturday’s class had four entrants. The Ginetta G12 of James and David Teale, in James’s hands took the win with Mike Broome in the lovely Alexis splitting the two entrants in the Ginetta. James finished on 36.85s and Mike on 38.31s.
On Sunday, the lovely Brabham BT16 of Ian Baxter took the win over Mike. Ian’s time was 35.34s a couple of seconds ahead of Mike’s.
Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class
Tim Pitfield, and his DJ Firecat competed on his own on both days..
Sports Libre 1400cc to 2000cc Class
Mike Lee in his Force LM, had a great weekend, taking the win and qualifing for the Top Ten Runoff. His times were 33.66s and 33.06s.
Sports Libre Over 2000cc Class
The amazing Mannic Beattie of Nick Mann was on his own in this class but managed to take both Fastest Times of the Day. Winning the Richard Gaylard Memorial Trophy on Saturday and the Craig Russell Memorial Trophy on Sunday.
Rally Car Class
Sunday saw our first entrant in the newly created Rally Car Class. Ben Purnell entered his Ford Escort Mk1.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class
A very full 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class meant that everyone needed to perform to their best. James Moore in his Empire came out on top but was chased hard by Nigel Pitt in the OMS and Adrian Lewis in his Empire. It looks like this class will be tough in 2024.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Forced Induction – Class
It was good to see Paul Haimes in the turbo-charged Gould GR59 had a good first timed run but an issue in the second put him out for the weekend. Although he did stay to support his son who was entered in the 1401cc to 2000cc Road Car Class in the car he is sharing with James Wills.
Racing Cars Over 2000cc Class
Paul Crute in the Jaguar powered OMS28 had a great weekend, making it to both Top Ten Challenge Run-Offs and taking almost two seconds off his Saturday time on Sunday.
The Online Cleaning Technologies Top Twelve Run-Off
Saturday’s Run-Off was won by Nick Mann in the Mannic Beattie. Second was James Moore, third Steve Holland and fourth Adrian Lewis.
Sunday’s Run-Off was won by James Moore, meaning he now leads the Top Ten Challenge. Unfortunately, Nick Mann’s Mannic Beattie had a technical issue at the start line. Steve Holland took second and Ben Bonfield third.
More details on the Championship and Top Ten Challenge to follow
E&OE – Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
