Help - I want to get started in Sprint/Hillclimb!
Discussion
Hello all,
I am keen on getting started into sprint/hillclimb and have am planning on building a car to race.
I have a 2001 polo 1.4 16v, which will require a bit of work to get it going. This was my first car and I do not plan on "getting something different".
Plus, I like the challenge.
I understand that there are classes for sprint/hillclimb, and that the car must comply with regulations to each class.
I am however, finding it rather difficult to pinpoint what extent I can modify my car for any certain class.
The engine in the car was ruined, and I plan on using a similar engine from another 2001 polo, albeit a "stroker" 1.6.
I wish to run it on CBR600 carbs.
I have seen hillclimb cars with similar specifications, but I can never find the regulations to work out what class it would conform to.
Am I going down the right track for building my car?
How would I get started in sprint/hillclimb?
TIA
Please advise if this is in the wrong section, I am new to PistonHeads.
I am keen on getting started into sprint/hillclimb and have am planning on building a car to race.
I have a 2001 polo 1.4 16v, which will require a bit of work to get it going. This was my first car and I do not plan on "getting something different".
Plus, I like the challenge.
I understand that there are classes for sprint/hillclimb, and that the car must comply with regulations to each class.
I am however, finding it rather difficult to pinpoint what extent I can modify my car for any certain class.
The engine in the car was ruined, and I plan on using a similar engine from another 2001 polo, albeit a "stroker" 1.6.
I wish to run it on CBR600 carbs.
I have seen hillclimb cars with similar specifications, but I can never find the regulations to work out what class it would conform to.
Am I going down the right track for building my car?
How would I get started in sprint/hillclimb?
TIA
Please advise if this is in the wrong section, I am new to PistonHeads.
Useful information here, and I am sure someone will be able to help with the class your car is eligible for.
Some clubs/regions have different class rules (e.g. four wheel drive) which can make it more difficult to work out which class you should be in, but once sorted you will find the entry process straight forward.
I have competed in the Road Going Class over 2 litres since 2003 and really enjoy it.
https://www.motorsportuk.org/competitors/guidance-...
Track guides and more information:
https://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/
Some clubs/regions have different class rules (e.g. four wheel drive) which can make it more difficult to work out which class you should be in, but once sorted you will find the entry process straight forward.
I have competed in the Road Going Class over 2 litres since 2003 and really enjoy it.
https://www.motorsportuk.org/competitors/guidance-...
Track guides and more information:
https://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/
Where are you based?
Shenstone and District Car Club hold an intro to sprinting day at Curborough (just off A38 near Lichfield) every year ; when this lockdown is eased i would expect them to run a day sometime.
Have a look at their website:
https://www.curborough.co.uk/location-of-curboroug...
Shenstone and District Car Club hold an intro to sprinting day at Curborough (just off A38 near Lichfield) every year ; when this lockdown is eased i would expect them to run a day sometime.
Have a look at their website:
https://www.curborough.co.uk/location-of-curboroug...
Edited by andy97 on Sunday 26th April 13:54
I will start by saying that if you want to compete and win, then what you are looking at is unlikely (not impossible though) to achieve that. If you just want to have fun and be with a friendly/helpful group of competitors, then go for it.
If you tell us where you are based then I will endeavour to point you in the right direction.
As has already been said different clubs run classes in different ways. So frustrating though it may be, don't do anything till you have an understanding of what you need to do. You could end up spending a lot of money and end up with a totally uncompetitive car.
DO read the "blue book" link here: https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/20...
It will point you in the right direction
If you tell us where you are based then I will endeavour to point you in the right direction.
As has already been said different clubs run classes in different ways. So frustrating though it may be, don't do anything till you have an understanding of what you need to do. You could end up spending a lot of money and end up with a totally uncompetitive car.
DO read the "blue book" link here: https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/20...
It will point you in the right direction
Look for an active motor club in your area.
There will be a regional association and championship.
https://www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/regi...
Talk to the club members before you spend any money.
Once you’ve done that, worked out the cost of safety gear, acquired a competition licence, talked through the eligibility of your car (this is really important, you can’t just ,air engine swaps or mods without impacting the class you are in and what your competitors are driving!), marshal at an event, get a feel for what happens, then enter an event.
Personally I’d buy a cheap MX5, keep it standard and enjoy it. The polo sounds like more trouble than it’s worth. The best way to interpreting regulations is to assume that if it doesn’t explicitly say you can modify it, assume you can’t. Thus if it says “intake modifications are free” you can use bike carbs etc, if it doesn’t, assume you have to run stock.
There will be a regional association and championship.
https://www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/regi...
Talk to the club members before you spend any money.
Once you’ve done that, worked out the cost of safety gear, acquired a competition licence, talked through the eligibility of your car (this is really important, you can’t just ,air engine swaps or mods without impacting the class you are in and what your competitors are driving!), marshal at an event, get a feel for what happens, then enter an event.
Personally I’d buy a cheap MX5, keep it standard and enjoy it. The polo sounds like more trouble than it’s worth. The best way to interpreting regulations is to assume that if it doesn’t explicitly say you can modify it, assume you can’t. Thus if it says “intake modifications are free” you can use bike carbs etc, if it doesn’t, assume you have to run stock.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 27th April 07:31
Your best bet is joining the "uphill racers " forum. This is where the community hang out and what the members dont know isn't worth knowing..You will get all the guidance you need and I would listen carefully as it could save you a load of time and money. I started 10 years ago and went straight to single seaters. In hindsight I should've done more research on class structure first as I probably didn't buy the best car at the time and needed to swap engine after two years to change class...( at which point I became much more competitive as a result )
By starting with a competitive car you will enjoy your weekends far more...I cant be sure but looking at your proposal I think you'll straightaway be on mod prod class due to the engine change. This will land you in with 205 GTis running all steel engines and sequential boxes, trick suspension, slicks, stripped bodies etc..Add to that turbo charged minis or lightweight lotus elise's etc and you're at the back for good.
A subtle mod can easily land you in a a class where many other mods are then allowed which completely changes things..
As I mentioned. Ask in UHR and you'll get good guidance, ( which will prob start with either keeping current engine in order to stay in a road going class or swapping car to something better suited ).
Lastly remember that the best avenue in any class is buying the best power to weight ratio package that fits within the upper limit of the class. If your class allows cars " up to 2000cc " then dont start with 1500cc. In addition if your car is 2000cc but weighs 1.2 tons whilst other 2ltr cars in class weigh 850kgs then again you are peeing in the wind. By a car that is 2ltr/850kgs and you might already have a good base for a competitive car, ( with further provisions that it handles reasonably well and the 2ltr lumb is not asthmatic)..
Good luck and enjoy..
By starting with a competitive car you will enjoy your weekends far more...I cant be sure but looking at your proposal I think you'll straightaway be on mod prod class due to the engine change. This will land you in with 205 GTis running all steel engines and sequential boxes, trick suspension, slicks, stripped bodies etc..Add to that turbo charged minis or lightweight lotus elise's etc and you're at the back for good.
A subtle mod can easily land you in a a class where many other mods are then allowed which completely changes things..
As I mentioned. Ask in UHR and you'll get good guidance, ( which will prob start with either keeping current engine in order to stay in a road going class or swapping car to something better suited ).
Lastly remember that the best avenue in any class is buying the best power to weight ratio package that fits within the upper limit of the class. If your class allows cars " up to 2000cc " then dont start with 1500cc. In addition if your car is 2000cc but weighs 1.2 tons whilst other 2ltr cars in class weigh 850kgs then again you are peeing in the wind. By a car that is 2ltr/850kgs and you might already have a good base for a competitive car, ( with further provisions that it handles reasonably well and the 2ltr lumb is not asthmatic)..
Good luck and enjoy..
Hello everyone,
Thank you for your swift replies.
I understand the concerns for running a car to race and win.
I only plan to get into the sport and have some fun.
The car is more of a challenge project for myself.
I am based in Southampton, but I'm not sure which tracks are best around me?
I will have a look through what you all have sent me.
Thank you very much for your support.
Thank you for your swift replies.
I understand the concerns for running a car to race and win.
I only plan to get into the sport and have some fun.
The car is more of a challenge project for myself.
I am based in Southampton, but I'm not sure which tracks are best around me?
I will have a look through what you all have sent me.
Thank you very much for your support.
Your closest cicuits will be Goodwood and Thruxton, however, AFAIK Thruxton doesn't do sprints and Goodwood only do a small number per year.
Your best option would be to enter a championship such as the HSA http://speed.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/calendar-new... or the ASWMC https://www.aswmc.org.uk/aswmc-championships/sprin... This will then give you a listing of the venues they use, the different classes you can enter and what the requirements for those classes are, and you will automatically be sent the regs as a registered contender. You are under no obligation to enter these events but will have preference over non contenders if you wish to do so.
Finally, you will also need to join a motor club that is MUK affiliated, and this can be any club of your choosing as it is a 'tick box' requirement unless you wish to get involved with the running of a club.
Your best option would be to enter a championship such as the HSA http://speed.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/calendar-new... or the ASWMC https://www.aswmc.org.uk/aswmc-championships/sprin... This will then give you a listing of the venues they use, the different classes you can enter and what the requirements for those classes are, and you will automatically be sent the regs as a registered contender. You are under no obligation to enter these events but will have preference over non contenders if you wish to do so.
Finally, you will also need to join a motor club that is MUK affiliated, and this can be any club of your choosing as it is a 'tick box' requirement unless you wish to get involved with the running of a club.
Have a look at the MSA website for club details.
You can enter your post code and choose a club up to 50 miles from your location:
https://www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/find...
Most of the clubs listed have a website that show the types of motorsport events they run and some of the regional organisations will be able to help:
https://www.aswmc.org.uk/
You can enter your post code and choose a club up to 50 miles from your location:
https://www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/find...
Most of the clubs listed have a website that show the types of motorsport events they run and some of the regional organisations will be able to help:
https://www.aswmc.org.uk/
If you're still looking at hillclimb, then Gurston Down, near Salisbury is your best bet, only half an hour up the road.
You can view the MSUK 'Blue Book' online which is chapter and verse on what can & can't be done class by class. It's not an easy read though.
Be aware that what may be legal in speed (sprint & hillclimb) events may not be for circuit racing, so make sure you prepare the car for the events that you want to compete in.
As above, best 'toe in the water' path would be put the car in bog standard spec, put a decent set of (listed) tyres and decent brake pads on it and go and have a laugh in the road going class
. Then have a look at what liberties are being taken by your competitors and have a weep!! 
But above all, have fun and don't add up what it costs.
Kim
You can view the MSUK 'Blue Book' online which is chapter and verse on what can & can't be done class by class. It's not an easy read though.
Be aware that what may be legal in speed (sprint & hillclimb) events may not be for circuit racing, so make sure you prepare the car for the events that you want to compete in.
As above, best 'toe in the water' path would be put the car in bog standard spec, put a decent set of (listed) tyres and decent brake pads on it and go and have a laugh in the road going class
. Then have a look at what liberties are being taken by your competitors and have a weep!! But above all, have fun and don't add up what it costs.
Kim
Here is a link to the ACSM web site, https://acsmcsite.wordpress.com/speed-championship... it is a bit of a rubbish site but at least you can see the class structure you can enter in.
You do have to join a car club to enter any MSUK speed competitions and by looking on the their site https://www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/find... you can find the best club for you or the nearest.
I would recommend, as others have said having a taster day at Gurston Hill, you can take any car and they will show you how to tackle a hillclimb or sprint track. You then take your car out and have a go, it is not a timed run but they do have spotters out to advise you where you can improve you driving.
As others have suggested I would first go along to spectate and see if this is what you want to do, talk to the drivers to get their thoughts. Do not modify your car until you know exactly what you can and can't do. Tyre selection makes a huge difference even on a "standard" car to compete in, again you can get this info from talking to others.
I compete with a Seat Ibiza so it is very similar to your Polo, and by following the rules & regs you can have some real fun and even surprise a few people.
You do have to join a car club to enter any MSUK speed competitions and by looking on the their site https://www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/find... you can find the best club for you or the nearest.
I would recommend, as others have said having a taster day at Gurston Hill, you can take any car and they will show you how to tackle a hillclimb or sprint track. You then take your car out and have a go, it is not a timed run but they do have spotters out to advise you where you can improve you driving.
As others have suggested I would first go along to spectate and see if this is what you want to do, talk to the drivers to get their thoughts. Do not modify your car until you know exactly what you can and can't do. Tyre selection makes a huge difference even on a "standard" car to compete in, again you can get this info from talking to others.
I compete with a Seat Ibiza so it is very similar to your Polo, and by following the rules & regs you can have some real fun and even surprise a few people.
Having competed in road going classes in the south for the last decade, can only repeat the advice that has previously been given. You have to read the regulations and understand them 100% before starting anything, and also attend a few events to speak with competitors / look over the competition. Look at the ACSMC events.
Not convinced that the Polo is the right starter project and swapping engines need to be treated with care (original block and gearbox casing has to be retained otherwise you will find yourself in a libre class with significant safety requirements).
Not convinced that the Polo is the right starter project and swapping engines need to be treated with care (original block and gearbox casing has to be retained otherwise you will find yourself in a libre class with significant safety requirements).
poor-polo said:
Hello everyone,
I am based in Southampton, but I'm not sure which tracks are best around me?
I will have a look through what you all have sent me.
Thank you very much for your support.
Hi, I'm based in Southampton and compete at Gurston Down, near Salisbury, which is a great friendly venue. They also have school days to really help you to entering your first event. I'm happy to give any advice to get you started. I am based in Southampton, but I'm not sure which tracks are best around me?
I will have a look through what you all have sent me.
Thank you very much for your support.
There's a 1400 class as well, so you could fit into that without modifying the engine.
df76 said:
Not convinced that the Polo is the right starter project and swapping engines need to be treated with care (original block and gearbox casing has to be retained otherwise you will find yourself in a libre class with significant safety requirements).
If he already has the car and knows his way around, then its OK as a getting into the sport first project.But, as you say, he needs to find another 1400 engine for it, not his proposed 1600, for the very valid reasons you state.
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