Live theatre comes to Shelsley Walsh this weekend… in all senses of the term!
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE
8/9 August 2026
Top drivers from the Midlands and from across the UK will be driving in fierce competition as the Midland Championship and British Hill Climb Championships descend on the historic hill climb venue of Shelsley Walsh, near Worcester.
Billed as the “Championship Challenge” it has long become the premier event in the national hill climb calendar and, more so this season as only a few rounds remain and things are very close indeed at the top of the points table. As an added bonus, all of the non-stop action will be live-streamed on a giant screen in The Courtyard at Shelsley Walsh.
JUST SIX POINTS SEPARATE THE TOP DRIVERS
Only half a dozen points separate the top drivers and ‘local hero’, Will Hall, arrives leading the British standings with 175 points, while former multiple champion Wallace Menzies has moved into second place on 171 points following a recent resurgence in form and four wins in the Channel Islands. Reigning champion Matthew Ryder is in third position on 169 points and is in great form after setting a new outright hill record at the last meeting at Wiscombe Park in Devon two weeks ago, so competition will definitely be very closely fought.
EVERY CLASS HAS SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR
The Midland Hill Climb Championship is a class-based competition and always attracts a large entry with vastly differing cars, ranging from classics, saloons, sports and specials, through to high-tech racing cars. Veteran campaigner Rodney Eyles currently leads by three points in his road-legal Porsche Turbo, from Richard Snow in a Porsche GT4 RS on 110 points. They are closely followed by Richard Price, Rob Lloyd and Jonathen Varley, all scoring in the nineties. Varley is also currently leading the national class-based British Hill Climb Cup competition in his GWR Predator single-seater racing car.
Saturday will also host guests in a mixed interclub meeting for various invited championships, combined with practice and qualifying taking place for national event drivers. On Sunday two ‘Top Twelve Run-Offs’ will take place after each batch of timed competition runs for the fastest 12 cars, together with ‘Tin-Top Challenge’ run-offs for the top ten times set by fixed roof cars.
GATES OPEN AT 8AM. FIRST CAR RUNS AT 9AM.
Entry for the weekend includes full access to cars and drivers in the paddock, assorted catering outlets, Courtyard restaurant and bar, with the added bonus of the large screen and seating for those not wishing to tackle the hill. Apex Race Rooms are once again providing authentic Sim Racing on consoles in the restored paddock barn.
Visitors from £17 per day.
MAC Members Free.
CAN'T MAKE IT TO SHELSLEY WALSH THIS WEEKEND? DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE ACTION.
We'll be streaming the event live throughout the weekend on the Shelsley Walsh YouTube channel, bringing you all the championship battles, spectacular cars and live commentary direct from the hill. Simply click the button below to tune in and follow all the action as it happens.
Photos thanks to: Rob MacDonald, Tom Gay, Stuart Wing and @shelsleywalsh
