| Hill
Climbing History and Events in the U.S. |
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Hill
climbing is nearly as old as the car itself. With the
invention of the automobile, English, French, and American
inventors wanted to put their new machinery to the test.
The idea of climbing a challenging hill tests both the
skill of the operator, and the durability of their equipment.
The origins of Hill climbing supposedly were in England,
Wales, and Scotland, where there are an incredible amount
of events with history dating back to the 19th century.
Hill climbing is extremely popular on the British Isles,
with several National and Historic series allowing an
event nearly every weekend that weather permits.
This
is a truly time honored tradition of motorsports. And,
since the last few years of the 1800s, "speed trials"
(as they were known back before WWII) have gone on all
over Britain with very little problems. It's
good competition and enjoyment for competitors and spectators
alike.
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| We
are attempting to compile some historical and current
information on hill climbing in the United States. This
is by no means complete, in any order of assumed or implied
importance, and some information might not even be completely
accurate. Please send any additional information that
we could add or correct. This page will grow as we find
and receive information. |
Crow
Mountain Hill Climb, Established 2005 |
History
in the making... |
Pikes
Peak International Hill-climb, 1916
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Nearly
everyone in the racing community, and surprisingly
many outside the motorsport family have heard of Pikes
Peak. It is an historic event and attracts competitors
from around the world. The event history and impact
on racing as a whole is substantial.
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Mt.
Washington Hill-climb, New Hampshire 1904
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The
road up Mount Washington was built in 1861 and the
first hill climb racers up the hill were using steam
engines. This hill climb event is still being held
today as a vintage motorsport event and just celebrated
its centennial.
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Chimney
Rock Hill Climb, North Carolina 1956-1995
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This
North Carolina event was an institution for those
involved. The event was held at Chimney
Rock Park near Asheville, NC, the most storied
and famous of the southern hill climbs. One of the
hill's most interesting personalities was Georgia's
Ted
Tidwell.
This dedicated group of Carolinian Hill Climbers later
formed Beech Mountain Hill Climb, and most recently
the active Blue
Ridge Hill Climb
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Pennsylvania
Hill Climb Association, founded 1963
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The
Pennsylvania Hill Climb Association was formed to
standardize rules between several neighboring hill
climbs. This group is one of the most, if not most
active in the country, holding 9-10 events per year.
Rose Valley Hill Climb est. 1967, Giant's Despair
first run in 1906, revived in 1951, Weatherly Hill
Climb est. 1960 and usually run twice a year, Duryea/Pagota
est. 1951 (Pagota is a shortened-Duryea course)
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New
England Hill-climb Association, established 19??
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New
England Hill-climb Association, is a collaboration
of the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire, the Sports
Car Club of Vermont, founded 1956, and Killington
Sports Car Club. Events are currently at Mount Ascutney,
Mount Philo, Mount Okemo, Burke Mountain, Bolton Valley,
Mount Washington (vintage race).
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Northwest
Hill Climb Association
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The
Northwest Hill Climb Association is an organization
that brings together some smaller clubs. This organization
has been holding events for several years (unknown
how long), and usually hold 6-8 hill climbs per year,
including: Teton Hill Climb, Black Otter Hill Climb,
Bogus Basin Hill Climb, Bible Creek Hill Climb, Larison
Rock Hill Climb, Cascade Hill Climb, Freezeout Hill
Climb, Hoopa Hill Climb.
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