The 2008 Season
PETER BLANKSTONE MEMORIAL SPORTING TRIAL - 9th March
The World Famous Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb site will host a sporting trial for the first ever time on Sunday March 9th when the Midland Automobile Club's Peter Blankstone Memorial Sporting Trial will be held by kind permission of landowner Sir Anthony Winnington, Bt.
It has often been thought that Shelsley with its existing infrastructure could be a Sporting Trial venue beyond compare. The trial this year will be run on the banks above the main spectator car park. The terrain has been investigated by experienced competitors Bob Dayson and Simon Durling who report that ground that looks fairly unchallenging from the normal car park viewpoint is in fact very changeable and difficult above the bracken line, with plenty of potential sections.
The use of the site this year is somewhat experimental, but it is hoped that with Sir Anthony Winnington's support and cooperation the event can become a regular feature of Shelsley Walsh activity. It is hoped to attract higher numbers of competitors than previous years at Kington and Storridge and the club hope to be able to make a donation to St Andrews Church Charity from the proceeds of the event.
Sporting trials are a little known and specialised form of motor sport that take place in winter. Best described as an uphill slalom over undulating and slippery ground in lightweight hand built cars this is one of the few disciplines with an active passenger, who has to bounce away to help traction. The busy driver also has 'fiddle' brakes to separately control each rear brake.
Note that whilst there is no admission fee to spectators, this is not a hill climb and whilst the event will start from the paddock, the competing cars will not be driving on the sacred Tarmac of the hill climb as strenuous efforts are made to keep this clean. Trials traditionally only attract a handful of viewers aside from competitors, marshals, officials and friends and family, but if you just want to come along and watch the world's best drivers in this challenging and skilful sport you will be most welcome and you will enjoy a great day's motor sport. Please obey the instructions of marshals at all times.
The paddock restaurant will be in operation and toilets etc. will of course be available. The event will start at 10.30 a.m. and continue, with a break for lunch, until about 3.30 p.m.
Photo - Rhodopsin Photography