About Hillclimbing
Will racing hurt my car?
Any racing offers additional hazards but assuming you stay out
of the trees and boulders, hill climbing is no more taxing than drag racing.
Are there many crashes?
We have a few, but injury is rare. Off road excursions are most
likely to occur with our veterans who routinely probe the limits of control
and occasionally with rookies who think they have something to prove.
There is no pressure to drive fast. Most rookies assimilate without problem.
Will my car be accepted?
All cars must pass tech inspection. If a car is not safe, it
cannot run. Most non-breakout cars that can pass state inspection should
satisfy our inspectors.
What’s breakout?
Each course has a minimum breakout time. If you run faster than that time
you must upgrade your car with certain safety equipment. Most will not
breakout. Generally faster cars like newer Porsches, Z06s, M-3s, WRXs,
Evos and Audi Ss might breakout. A much modified sports car might also
breakout. MGAs, TRs, Deuce coupes, etc. are unlikely to breakout.
What safety equipment is available?
There are from 5 to 9 checkpoints monitoring your progress up the hill.
If anything happens they are in immediate contact with Fire, Medical EMT
and Tow Truck crews, all of whom have been highly trained to deal with
emergencies. Each checkpoint is equipped with fire extinguishers and warning
flags.
What if I am really slow?
No worries. The driver of a Dodge van has as much fun as the pilot of
the record breaking German-Buick (you’ve got to see this thing).
Camaraderie in the campground takes precedence over finishing position.
There are at least 13 classes. You might be faster than you think. If
not, you’ll never be encouraged to do otherwise.
What about socializing?
We highly recommend it! We have group lunches and huge dinners in the
pits, and monthly club meetings. Many fast friendships have been formed
among members. There is nothing quite as bonding as sharing runs with
other racers at the top of the mountain while awaiting the return down
the hill. We even had a marvelous sunset wedding ceremony at the top of
Burke Mountain. There is an internet forum, and several web sites under
the New England Hill Climb Association banner. Visit their website at
www.hillclimb.org.
What if I do damage my car or someone else’s?
Our liability insurance covers the damage you might cause to another.
Your car is your responsibility. Our insurance also provides medical coverage
for you should an emergency arise during competition.
Will hillclimbing negate my car’s insurance?
Hillclimbing is not racing per-se, because it is a solo time trial. It
is competition because we time the runs. Check with your carrier.
Can I modify my car to go faster?
Certainly, the sky is the limit. Hillclimbing is the last place you can
race what ya brung – there’s a class for anything, even 900
HP Indy cars. As long as your exhaust won’t start a forest fire,
bring your J-79 powered Kenworth. However, it is expected you will also
spend money on the additional safety equipment spelled out in our rules.
The faster you go, the safer your vehicle must be. Be aware that a go-kart
or motorcycle will not meet the safety regulations.
What’s the difference between hillclimbing and autocross?
Imagine running the Nurburgrings Nordschleife circuit up a 20% slope –
and we use trees instead of cones.
What do I need to do next?
Call Brian, Bob, or Sherman if you need more information, or if you just
want to shoot the breeze about hillclimbing. Come to one of our events
and you’ll be hooked. If you want to drive bring an approved fire
extinguisher and helmet Make sure you checkout the rules for drivers and
their cars at www.hillclimb.org. If you want to help man a check point
bring sun protection and a good jacket – we supply a protective
tent and lunch
Is it expensive?
Most events are priced at around $150.00 per driver (or you can save substantially
by becoming a KSCC member for just $20.00). For the money, there is no
other family oriented activity that can compare. Who’s faster –
mom or dad? Parents against children often comprise our most intense competition.