Hillclimbs take place on closed roads where competitors compete to achieve the fastest time driving up a hill of a slight gradient. The hill is usually between 1 and 2.5km long with competitors getting a practice run and usually, three timed runs. Sprints are run to the same regulations as Hillclimbs but take place on relatively flat surfaces, and the venues are usually racetracks.
TYPES OF VEHICLES
Hillclimbs and Sprints cater for a wide variety of vehicles with the majority of cars competing also eligible for Circuit Racing and Rallying. Saloon Cars and Single Seater Racing Cars are permitted. All vehicles must comply with Appendix 2 of the Motorsport Ireland Yearbook.
WHERE AND WHEN
The 12-round Irish Hillclimb and Sprint Championship takes places between March and September with MEC, Galway, Wexford, Carlow, Limerick, and Donegal hosting counting rounds. Some clubs also host non-championship events. See the Motorsport Ireland Calendar of Events for details.
View Events Calendar
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS AND STARTING AGE
A Speed “National B” is the minimum licence requirement to drive in a Hillclimb or Sprint and you can start competing from the age of 16. A doctor’s certificate is required for a first time licence and this is part of the licence form. You do not need to hold a valid Road Traffic Act driving licence. Competitors under 18 years of age require written permission from parents or guardians. A first time licence costs as little as €50 if you are a member of a Motorsport Ireland affiliated Motor Club. Junior Speed licences are available for 14-16 year old drivers although they can only compete on events run on private property not in events run on the public road. All “Junior” licences must be accompanied by a valid Competitors Entrants Licence.
Apply for a Competition Licence
HOW TO GET STARTED
If you are interested in getting started in Hillclimbs and Sprints, the first step is to contact Motorsport Ireland by phone on 01 677 5628 or email [email protected]. Motorsport Ireland annually publishes a Yearbook containing all the rules and regulations for Irish Motorsport with Appendices 80-81 catering for Hillclimbs and Sprints. The full Yearbook is available to view on this website as is the calendar of events. For further information, please visit www.irishhillclimb.com
View Yearbook
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
All vehicles must have safety rollover structures, safety harnesses, seats of specified standard, fire extinguishers, firewalls, and electrical isolation switches. All cars and equipment must comply with Appendix 2 of the Motorsport Ireland Yearbook. All vehicles must pass scrutiny each time to compete in an event. All vehicles must have an MI logbook obtainable from the Motorsport Ireland Technical Commission at [email protected]
SPECIAL CLOTHING
You will require a helmet, fireproof overalls, boots, gloves, socks, and underclothing. Details of helmet and clothing standards are published in Appendix 2 of the Motorsport Ireland Yearbook.
Learn about our Hillclimb & Sprint Championship