Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 British Hillclimb Championship AET Turbos Tin Top Challenge
- teamlegacyuk
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
The 2026 British Hillclimb Championship AET Turbos Tin Top Challenge promises to be one of the most exciting motorsport events of the year. With a blend of high-powered cars and the intense competition of hillclimbing, this championship attracts drivers and fans eager to witness thrilling races on some of the UK’s most challenging courses. Whether you are a seasoned motorsport enthusiast or new to hillclimbing, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the event, its format, key competitors, and what to expect in 2026.
What Is the British Hillclimb Championship AET Turbos Tin Top Challenge?
The British Hillclimb Championship is a long-established motorsport series where drivers race against the clock on steep, twisty hill courses. The AET Turbos Tin Top Challenge is a specific category within this championship that features N/A and turbocharged cars with closed bodywork, often resembling touring cars or modified road cars.
The 2026 season will continue to showcase the best of this format, with drivers competing in a series of events across the UK. The challenge tests not only speed but precision, car setup, and driver skill on narrow, often uneven surfaces.
Key Features of the 2026 Season
Diverse and Challenging Venues
The championship visits a variety of hillclimb venues, each with unique characteristics:
Doune: A technical course with tricky bends and elevation changes often leaving drivers with the "Doune shakes" at the end of a run.
Shelsley Walsh: One of the oldest hillclimb courses in the world, featuring a steep climb with tight corners.
Harewood Hill: The longest Tin Top Hill, like a mini Nürburgring, it demands high-speed control.
Wiscombe Park: A stunning venue which requires both the car and driver to be at their absolute best.
Prescott: Combines technical tight corners and long sweeping bends, testing acceleration and braking.
Each venue requires different car setups and driving styles, making the championship a true test of versatility.
Format and Scoring
Drivers compete in timed runs up the hill, usually with two qualifying attempts per event (1 at Shelsley Walsh with double points). The fastest time in the shootout counts toward their championship points. Points are awarded based on finishing positions.
The championship runs over 9 rounds (Shelsley Walsh is double points for 1 round), with cumulative points determining the overall winner at the end of the season.
Who to Watch in 2026
The 2026 season features a mix of experienced hillclimb veterans and rising stars. Some drivers to keep an eye on include:
Simon Bainbridge: Tin Top Champion 2024 and 2025 Known for his consistent performances and technical skill Simon will do everything he can to secure a hattrick!.
Damien Bradley: A regular on the hills across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Damien has even competed at the world famous Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. The Tin Top Champion in 2023 has impressive speed and control on technical courses, could Damien take the crown in 2026?
Roger Moran: An incredibly successful veteran driver, bringing experience and strategy to the Tin Top Challenge. Roger has the choice of 4 hillclimb monsters of which one has over 1200bhp!
Steven Darley: Driver of one of the best looking cars in the championship. Steven's 700bhp Subaru Impreza is a work of art and has the pace to match. Steven narrowly missed out on the championship win in 2023 so will want to take the top spot in 2026.
These drivers, among others, will push the limits of their cars and the courses, making every event unpredictable and exciting.
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