It has been said that the hillclimb is the purest form of motor racing. The driver competes, uphill, on a public road, against the clock. It isn't a matter of outcornering the other guy on track, at risk of sending the both of you into the great beyond, it's a contest between you and the trees, the cliffside, the drop of hundreds of feet if you make an error. During my brief time as a road racer I also participated in Ontario hillclimbs and regardless of achieving track success I actually had more fun going uphill. And yes (he said immodestly) I won, every time out. But those were small-time events compared to the European hillclimb championships.
Grand Prix and sports car endurance drivers participated as factory team members in lengthy mountain climbs for rewards that found their way into the history books. Americans seeking their own hillclimb fame drove up Pikes Peak and New Hampshire's "race to the clouds." Both still exist, the latter restricted to classic cars. Thankfully our European enthusiasts continue those climbs, though now as retro-events.
Our friends at Britain's Classic Driver have brought you interesting commentary and photos from the Villars-sur-Ollon historic hillclimb, which they describe as: "held in stunning scenery between snow-capped Alpine peaks and pastures peppered with flower-laden chalets. The delighted spectators were transported to a purer, simpler time, reflecting the roots of racing." Right on guys, and I encourage our viewers to take a peek at what reaching the peak is really all about.
[Photo of AC Cobra: 'Dino Spaghettini']