Sometimes, motorsport is a multi-billionpound international spectacle taking in high-stakes, high-risk endeavour at ludicrous speeds. At other times though, it is a bloke in his car trying to beat the clock to get to the top of a hill in the fastest time possible. Indeed, this is what one does when one visits Shelsley Walsh, the oldest purpose-built motor racing track in the world. The one-kilometre course enables drivers to test their skills on its winding route up the hill first opened in 1905 in rural Worcestershire, and is still being used today. Supported by major sponsors including lubricant specialists Motul, the course runs a number of events through the year, enabling both beginners and experienced drivers to try and beat the clock One of the regular sessions that runs through the year is the Hill Climbing School, where drivers can learn the art of hill climbing via the able assistance of experienced instructors. Up until this point, I had no motorsport experience whatsoever, so of course immediately said yes to attending. What could possibly go wrong? The day began with a briefing from the instructors, explaining the course, and how the day was going to run. All 28 cars would get four runs up the hill, with fluorescent 54 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 EDITOR’S LOG www.aftermarketonline.net Aftermarket’s Editor is a famously steady driver, but that all went out the window when he tried hill climb racing at Shelsley Walsh yellow bollards to help with maximising the use of the road most effectively. At a number of points you would be stopped to have feedback provided on your progress. Then, after lunch everyone got another four runs, but this time without the visual aids. Before we got into our cars, we were walked up the course, taking in the various turns. It was surprisingly steep when you walk it – as if the gravity had been turned up a bit higher. Imagine the effect that has on your car. We then CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
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