The Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Avon Tyres signed off its 2022 season in style in late September with Wallace Menzies successfully retaining his title following a thrilling finale at Loton Park.
Bringing the curtain down on a season that saw high drama, the emergence of new talent and numerous hill records smashed, Menzies held his nerve to join an exclusive club of drivers to win three titles in consecutive years.
Following a sensational, season-long battle for supremacy, the destiny of the coveted crown went down to the wire with both Menzies and perennial protagonist Alex Summers in contention.
The first of two run-offs at the Shropshire venue saw its fair share of thrills as Summers threaded his DJ Firestorm Cosworth XD around the course. Looking good against the stopwatch, a small mistake late on the run saw the multiple runner-up lose vital time.
With one hand on the title, Menzies produced a virtuoso performance behind the wheel of his Gould GR59M to score victory by nearly half a second and with it, ensured the number one stays on his machine for next year.
For those wishing to view the full race report from the 2022 season finale, click here.
“To secure a hat-trick of BHC Championships is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Menzies. “My team of Tom, Duncan and Russ have been absolutely key to the success that we have achieved over the past few years.
“The car has been absolutely bullet proof, which is down to them and their attention to detail. After the first round at Prescott I was firmly on the back foot. With Alex starting the season so well and Scott and Matt being in the picture too, it took until after the Channel Island rounds for me to open up a small gap at the top; even then I could not blink at any stage.”
In addition to closing out its campaign, organisers of the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Avon Tyres has also announced a provisional 2023 calendar.
Comprising of 30 rounds across ten venues, the championship will visit some of the best hillclimb courses across the length and breadth of the UK whilst also making trips off the mainland to Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey.
British Hillclimb Championship – Provisional 2023 Calendar
April 22/23 – Prescott
April 29 – Craigantlet
May 7 – Harewood
May 27/28 – Gurston Down
June 3/4 – Shelsley Walsh
June 17/18 – Doune
July 1/2 – Harewood
July 19 – Bouley Bay
July 22 – Val des Terres
July 29/30 – Wiscombe Park
August 12/13 – Shelsley Walsh
August 26/27 – Loton Park
September 2/3 – Prescott
September 23/24 – Loton Park