What is a hillclimb?

Merriam-Webster says: “The meaning of hill climb is a road race for automobiles or motorcycles in which competitors are individually timed up a hill.” It is not a wheel to wheel competition, but there is competition by classes, and for the overall fastest time also.

The earliest recorded hillclimb was at LaTurbie, near Nice, France in January of 1897. Because it was the third stage of a 3-stage race its definition as a hillclimb is often disputed. In November 27, 1898 a race was held near Paris, and was officially called a “hillclimb race”. It was organized by the editor of the “La France Automobile” magazine. An electric car was the winner. This 1898 event is usually accepted as the official first hillclimb.

Hillclimbs have been run in the U.S. since the early 1900’s. Prior to the 1920’s most hillclimbs were used as an advertising tool to sell their cars. . They were usually stock automobiles, with the manufacturers sending their newest, fastest models. After 1920 motorcycles seemed to take over the hillclimb scene in the US (for the most part). Automobile hillclimbing made a resurgence after the introduction of the ‘sports car” in the late 1940s to early 1950s.

This website focuses on the hillclimbs in the western states of the US, most of which have happened since the 1950’s. The hillclimbs are organized by state and include published articles, photos, and results.

This website is a work of love. I have had the passion for hillclimbs since I attended my first event in 1973 at Keno.

Enjoy browsing the archives. If you have any suggestions or content to contribute, please contact me.