When Wiscombe Park hosted Rounds 23 and 24 of the 2022 British Hillclimb Championship on July 30 and 31, it was celebrating the 60th Anniversary of hosting a round of the UK’s premier speed hillclimbing competition. The Championship itself, celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

Last week, all the competitors and organisers gathered at the Best Western Plus Manor Hotel near Solihull for the British Hillclimb Championship Awards Dinner to see the new British Champion, Wallace Menzies, presented with his trophy. For Scottish businessman Wallace, it was the completion of a high speed hat trick – he was also crowned Champion in 2019 and 2021. The Championship was not held in 2020 because of Covid.

Of course, it is not just the Champion receiving his reward – a number of other prizes are presented to Class winners, individuals and organisations involved in the Championship, recognising their achievements as well.

The South-West and Wiscombe Park regulars were well represented. The 2021 Tillicoultry Quarries Wiscombe Park Champion, Rod Eyles (Alfa Romeo 4C), Jonathan Williamson (Porsche 911 Carrera) and Paul Haimes (Gould GR59 Suzuki) all won their Class. And one of the rising young talents of speed hillclimbing, Plymouth-based 17 year-old Alex Coles, was crowned the BHC Cup Champion.

And it was a very special night for Wiscombe Park – together with Woolbridge Motor Club who organised July’s meeting - they were presented with the prestigious Norrie Galbraith Shield – awarded to the venue and motor club judged to have hosted the best British Championship Round – there were 30 Rounds held at 10 venues.

Wiscombe Ltd MD, Peter Isaac, and Woolbridge MC Chairwoman, Sarah Forsyth, accepted the Award, which was presented by Norrie Galbraith’s daughter, Hazel.

The award is named in honour of Norman “Norrie” Galbraith, a triple Scottish Hillclimb Champion, who sadly lost his life in an accident in 1982 whilst making a promotional film for Scottish Television to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Doune Hillclimb.

The 2023 season gets underway at Wiscombe Park on April 22 and 23 with the Woolbridge MC Spring Meeting. For all the latest news please visit the website www.wiscombepark.co.uk and Facebook page.