BARC Yorkshire Centre - Harewood Speed Hillclimb

Report by Chris Bannister

19^th – 20^th  September 2020

The BARC Yorkshire Centre organized its first and last double header event of the 2020 season, over the weekend of the 19/20^th September. Saturday would be the Acespeed Motorsport Hillclimb & Sunday’s, September Sunday ShootoutHillclimb.

This weekend brought something a little bit different to the other two events run so far this year and to the events run in 2019. Competitors from all the different classes would be able to win prizes for the three highest point scorers, on each of the two days, based on the Bogey Target time.

Bogey target times are the current class record at the start of the weekend with 20 seconds added. Points are then awarded at at rate of 0.01 points for each 0.01 seconds competitors beat the bogey time.

The top three drivers with the highest points score would win the prizes.

Due to the on going pandemic and the increase in cases, leading to the introduction of the rule of six by HM Government. Motorsport UK had instructed all competitors along with everyone else that was invited to any Motorsport event, would now have to wear face coverings in the paddock area.



This seemed to be unpopular with some of the drivers on social media but would be essential, so that we can continue with our sport.

However for the officials and marshals, compulsory wearing of face masks, in the following areas Paddock and Start area and unless socially distanced, plus two meters at Marshals posts and Trackside.

All the other previous restrictions would remain in place so the event would be run behind closed doors.

The event was limited to the number of competitors that would be allowed to take part, with each driver only able to have one mechanic or helper to comply with ‘track and trace’ required to run the event, including extra spacing between each competitors cars in the paddock area.

With to no access to the paddock office during the event for drivers, all required documentation would have to be fully completed and returned, electronically days before the events.

However drivers should expect the scrutineers to make checks on a small number of competition cars, observing social distancing, during the day.

All communications over the weekend, with officials, scrutineers etc. to be by email, text message or telephone. Competitors would have access to times through the Harewood live timing website: www.hwtiming.co.uk

Under current Motorsport UK guidelines marshals are not allowed to touch any competition cars. If attending any incident Marshal’s would be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

BARC Yorkshire centre would again be operating the European hillclimb method of starting within a one metre zone. Meaning that it would be the competitors responsibility to ensure that the car is positioned in this zone.

Due to this relaxed start procedure, all class and hill records standing at the end of 2019 will remain in place and no new records would be recognised.

With a wide range of cars competing on both days from road going to full race cars. I still can't quite get used to no commentator and no spectators at Farmhouse or on top of the hill to hear the glories sound of the Martini livered, Listerbell’s V6 engine going up the Yorkshire hill.

On Saturday, competitors had two practice runs and a total of five timed runs during the day.

With a couple of spins and off’s, which meant that the red flag had to be shown to the following competitors, already on the hill. These competitors would be allowed a re-run. Unfortunately a small number of competitors had mechanical issues during the day and had to retire.

With a light blue sky and a little late summer sunshine, though the wind got up a little after the lunch break but at least it did stay dry.

Times for the Acespeed Motorsport Hillclimb meeting can be found here: Event Results Report

Sunday mornings weather however was very different. It was raining even before the event got underway. So with a damp track competitors took to the track for the two practices runs.

However it wasn’t due to the greasy track that we had our first red flag, this was due to a car lost a wheel.

Several other incidents occurred during the day some of which resulted in both rescue and ambulance having to quickly arrive on scene. Thankfully the drivers involved walked away to the ambulance to be checked over. 

A reminder that motorsport can be dangerous and always expect the unexpected. Despite all these incidents most drivers still got five timed runs in.

Times for the September Sunday Shoot-out Hillclimb meeting can be found here: Sunday Event Results Report

Many thanks to BARC Yorkshire centre for the opportunity to cover not only this weekends events but also the other events in this shorten 2020 season. Let’s not forget all the Marshals, Medical and Rescue teams without which, Motorsport events could not take place.