YOUNG DRIVERS HILLCLIMB SERIES SET TO EXPAND

The Young Drivers Championship, which gives 17-to-23-year-olds the chance to compete in hillclimbs on the smallest possible budget, is set to expand this season.

Organised by the Midland Automobile Club, the operator of Shelsley Walsh, the competition has been extended for 2022 to take in rounds at Prescott and Loton Park, and is for newcomers in near-standard 1200cc Vauxhall Corsas (below).

Last year, a dozen drivers took part and that number is set to grow further as current champion Lizzy Dudley has confirmed plans to defend her title. The cars must be bought for no more than £2500 and require only modest safety equipment before being used in competition.

Dudley, 19, says her Corsa cost just £1500 and is also used as her everyday transport while at university. “I’d recommend it to anyone,” she said. “My dad has been a VSCC competitor and we did it as a family. It’s really affordable and ideal for complete novices. I’d love to do more in the sport after this.”

The 2022 calendar starts with two test days at Curborough before six hillclimbs, taking in three events at Shelsley Walsh, two at Loton Park and one at Prescott. The dates are grouped into the summer months to help those studying at university.

Experienced racer and hillclimber Mark Goodyear is the series’ instructor. “It’s a really good initiative to get more youngsters into hillclimbing,” he said. “They can share the cars as well, which makes it even cheaper, and you can buy a

1200 Corsa for under £1000.”