Looked for a local one and there was none to be found. Probably b/c it's pretty damn flat around here. But who says I can't start one? So my question is . . . has anyone started one?

I haven't the foggest about what's involved but don't want that to extinguish the spark.

Anything . . . and I mean any suggestion is appreciated.

 

Ok man I have no clue what I am talking about but I am just taking a shot in the dark. First I would try to pattern the overall layout after some other Racing series, that will get you started. As for the actual hill climb course you are going to have to search for a site, find out who owns it or operates it, find out the legal bullsh*t behind it. You know like renting it, insurance, etc...Then its just a question of if you have enough interest where you are, and getting people to chip in the money to sponsor it. Well I hope that you get a general Idea about what I was trying to convey, good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

 

Yikes...that's a tall order. I assume you mean something like Beech Mtn used to be - a Solo 1 race on a public road which has been closed off. Here's some things you need off the top of my head...

1. The backing of a club. Like a local autocross club or a chapter of the SCCA. You'll need that for the money, the insurance, and the credibility.

2. A hill. More specifically, a paved, twisty section of road that is relatively safe...meaning not in a residential area with houses 100 feet from the curb.

That's all I've got unfortunately. Get involved, if you haven't already, with a motorsports club near you and see if there are any takers. Good luck...

 

Also, you'll need to pitch the idea to the city council and get their approval. After all, you'll need to shut down their street for the event. You'll need Police help for traffic control.

This is not something that is going to come together in a week like an autocross. If you want to do this this summer, you need to borrow a way-back machine and go back in time a few months to get things rolling.

Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.

 

No no, this is exactly what I wanted to hear. I figured it wasn't going to be overnight deal and that next year, '03, was going to be realistic. I was thinking about patterning it a little after the one in Virginia City, of http://www.nsxfiles.com fame. Can anyone give me organizer contact info for a Hill Climb in their area?

 

I'm on the team that is finding sites for the SCCA SeDiv. Basically a hillclimb is when the finish line is at a higher elevation than the start....seriously.

As stated above, you'll need a club with a big insurance policy ($1MM +). Plus you'll need a club that can fork out $$$ to repair what racers may break. For example, last year we had a car center a utility pole at about 90 mph. Pole destroyed, worst part was that this was a primary utility pole (bunches of wires, transformers, etc on the pole), to make matters worse this was on a Sunday so you have to pay for double overtime. Basically can you or club stroke a $10M check if necessary. You'll have to rent a couple of ambulances. You'll have to rent the fire department (emergency). You may be asked to have a Doctor on site. You'll need to rent the police department (for closing the road...usually around 4 to 6 officers). The city/town is going to be asking "what do I/we get out of this". You basically rent the road (maybe $1M to $2M per day). You're bringing $ income to the city/town in form of lodging, food, other stuff that usually would not be there. You'll do advertising of the event (get more people to spectate which in turn they will spend $). Blah Blah Blah

Where do you live and I may be able to give you a "Hillclimb" contact in your area.

It is more difficult to host a Hillclimb event than it is a track event. Good luck...

[Edit]: see this thread also: https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=112223


[Modified by J28S, 8:12 AM 1/15/2002]

 

WHAT!!! You've got to be kidding me. I don't know of any car club that could write out a check for $10 Million. Fixing things that racers break is what insurance is for. The insurance covers the club's liability in the case of an accident, specifically regarding property.

Oh...and getting a $1 Million dollar insurance policy from K&K Insurance is pretty inexpensive. With K&K's rising rates, we'll be paying around $220/event come spring. A $3M policy is under $300. If you really think that you might need to write a check for $10M, get that in insurance. It'd probably cost around $1000.

 

Sorry to confuse. I'm a financial guy where MM=Million and M=Thousand and B=Billion

From what I have been told, Hillclimb Insurance isn't as easy to obtain. Pretty much bank on having an accident. I haven't been to a hillclimb where there has not been an accident or property damage. I'm not saying it is impossible to do without a big club, but I am saying it is more difficult and there is no way my name would go on any policy that goes to obtain a hillclimb. BMW and Porsche clubs use to have Hillclimb event way back when, haven't heard of any in the past 5+ years. Only hillclimbs I've heard has been sponsored by the SCCA. I would suggest going through the local SCCA Region to get a hillclimb event.


[Modified by J28S, 11:56 AM 1/15/2002]

 

Well, that makes a little more sense. I should point out, though, that a $1 Million policy is pretty small. Out in the public, a $10 M policy would probably be a good idea.

 

I'm probably not talking "apples to apples". Best way I can explain the coverage is: http://www.scca.org/interactive/SectionA.pdf
I've always thought these were pretty good limits, but of course higher would be much better...I'm with you $10MM would be ideal...

Good luck...