Motorsport of the Month: Hill Climbs

Hill climbs are another one of those sports that date back to the dark ages of motorcyling. The sport is alive and well, if not mainstream. The premis is simple enough; find a steep rutted hill, and see who can get up it the fastest. In the past racers used big inch Harleys, Indians, or Excesiors with little more than tire chains. In the 60's and 70's riders used scambler bikes and early moto-cross bikes. Today there are three classes: 450cc and under, 450-700cc, and 701+ (the unlimited class). The 450cc class in mostly moto-cross bikes with extended swingarms and paddle tires. The unlimited class is open to pretty wild machines. It is popular to put sportbike engines (ex. CBR1000RR, Hayabusa, etc) in to moto-cross frames. Hill climbing offers some of the most exciting racing around its a wonder the sport is not more popular.

Then
Now

Here's some videos of hill climbers in action

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7818375133160709492&hl=en