The Shelsley Walsh Story

By: Simon Taylor .

Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb is the oldest motorsport event in the world. This very British contest was started by the Midland Automobile Club in 1905, when only wealthy gentlemen had motor cars. Today, still run on the original course, it is the pinnacle of the British Hillclimb Championship, catering for everything from 600-horsepower racing cars with Formula 1 technology, to home-made Specials and vintage collectors' pieces. Its unique atmosphere has always come from its beautiful location in rural Worcestershire, its dauntingly fast, narrow course, its mix of wonderful machinery, and the fascinating cast of characters who have shone at Shelsley down the years.

These ingredients — the place, the cars and the people — make up The Shelsley Walsh Story, told here in full for the first time. From its earliest days with primitive Edwardian cars, Shelsley grew during the 1920s and 1930s to become one of the most important events on the calendar. Top drivers from all over Europe attracted huge crowds.

Today's hillclimbers are disciplined specialists, and speeds of over 140mph are often seen on this steep, narrow country lane. In the close-fought Championship rounds a hundredth of a second can spell the difference between glory and failure. But — in marked contrast to so much of modern motorsport — the spirit of friendly competition, which has always been a vital part of Shelsley's charm, remains.

Simon Taylor has been talking and writing about cars and motorsport all his working life. He has been editor of Autosport, ITV's Formula 1 pundit and, for 20 years, BBC Radio's motorsport commentator, as well as managing director of Europe's most prolific car magazine publisher. He is now Editor at Large of both Classic & Sports Car and Motor Sport. He is a regular hillclimb competitor with his historic HWM sports- racer, and his favourite venue has always been Shelsley Walsh.

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