British Hillclimb Championship 2026 – A Spectacular Start to the Season

Matthew Ryder in action at Prescott

From the historic Bugatti Owners’ Club venue at Prescott to the daunting public roads of Craigantlet, the sweeping challenge of Harewood, the technical precision of Gurston Down, and the unforgettable moments of Shelsley Walsh, the championship has already produced some record-breaking performances and a thrillingly competitive battle at the front of the field.

For the Bugatti fans at Prescott

The season opener at Prescott immediately reminded fans why the Gloucestershire venue remains one of the spiritual homes of British hillclimbing. Packed paddocks, enthusiastic crowds and a superb entry list created a fantastic atmosphere as the leading contenders launched their campaigns. The opening rounds saw incredibly close competition between defending champion Matthew Ryder, Wallace Menzies and Will Hall, with mere hundredths of a second separating the top runners. The precision and commitment needed to tackle Prescott’s famous bends and narrow sections produced spectacular viewing throughout the weekend.

Craigantlet once again proved why it remains one of the most revered and intimidating climbs in the championship. Run on closed public roads near Belfast, the event demands immense bravery from competitors as they thread their cars between hedges, walls and fast, unforgiving corners. The event delivered one of the biggest talking points of the season so far, with stunning record-breaking pace from the front runners. Matthew Ryder set new benchmark times during both run-offs, while Will Hall and Wallace Menzies also dipped below previous records in an astonishing display of modern hillclimb performance. The atmosphere around Craigantlet was electric, with fans lining the course and the Northern Irish motorsport community once again putting on a fantastic event.

Harewood Hillclimb in Yorkshire continued the momentum with another superb championship weekend. As the longest speed hillclimb course on mainland Britain, Harewood remains a favourite for competitors and spectators alike, combining technical corners with flat-out speed and spectacular spectator viewing. Wallace Menzies delivered a superb performance to take victory in the opening run-off, while Ryder fought back strongly in the second. The close competition between the leading Gould runners has already created a fascinating championship battle, and Harewood’s flowing nature once again rewarded absolute commitment and precision driving.

The championship then moved to Gurston Down in Wiltshire, one of the fastest and most technical hills in the country. Gurston’s daunting downhill section and fast approach to Karousel always create drama, and this year’s event was no exception. Matthew Ryder returned to dominant form with two superb run-off victories, although Will Hall remained right on his heels throughout the weekend. The increasingly small margins between the leading contenders are highlighting just how competitive the 2026 championship has become, with every hundredth of a second now crucial in the title fight.

Next, the action moved to Shelsley Walsh, where Will Hall made history by setting a new fastest time up the hill. He completed the run in 22.33 seconds, just 4/100ths quicker than the previous record. Reaching 137 mph on the approach and 145 mph at the finish, he now leads the championship standings in his Gould GR59 V8 Judd, with Matthew Ryder close behind. 

One of the defining stories of the season so far has been the incredible level of performance throughout the field. Multiple venues have seen benchmark times threatened or broken, while the leading Gould, OMS and Pilbeam machinery continues to push the limits of what is possible on Britain’s hills. Just as importantly, the championship has once again showcased the remarkable spirit of the hillclimb paddock — a place where professionalism, passion and friendliness combine in a way rarely seen elsewhere in motorsport.

Across Prescott, Craigantlet, Harewood, Gurston Down and Shelsley, competitors, marshals, organisers, photographers and supporters have all contributed to a fantastic opening chapter of the 2026 season. The accessibility of the sport, the variety of machinery and the close-knit atmosphere continue to attract both long-standing enthusiasts and new fans discovering hillclimbing for the very first time.

With thanks to these Prescott volunteers and volunteers throughout the Hillclimb world.

In fact, our driver interview this month with Caroline Ryder also explores this aspect of our sport. Head over to the blog now to discover her personal insights on this unique sense of community.

Caroline Ryder with Tim Wilson, BHC

So, with the championship now fully underway and the title battle intensifying at every round, anticipation is already building for the next events on the calendar as Britain’s fastest hillclimb drivers continue their fight for championship glory. All eyes turn to Doune this weekend, which promises to be another fantastic event and a must-watch as the season heats up.

We can't wait, see you on the other side.

Onward - Upward