About the HillClimb Challenge

My lifelong interest in motorsport began at a very early age. My first attendance as a spectator at a hill climb was at Shelsley Walsh, aged 18. It is still my favourite venue. After decades of watching, on reaching that milestone age where life is supposed to begin again, I decided it was 'now or never'. I applied for a competition licence and entered the Ian Walker Racing Elan which I had rebuilt over the years, in the first available event, which was Loton Park, and persuaded a couple of good friends to have a go with me. I was hooked and so were they!

For a year or so, I had an idea of creating a new class comprising of as many different and diverse models of Lotus's I could gather, which spectators would really enjoy watching. The Paul Matty Sportscars Lotus Championship was born. It has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams, gathering a huge range of Lotus's from road-going 'baby' Elans to new Elises, powerful and rare racing cars such as the formidable Lotus 30 and Lotus 70, built for the American circuits, and 6's, 11's, 51's, 61's, 69's… the list goes on.

The Championship celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It has grown each year to its current position, where there is a waiting list of people wishing to join. Although the class is competitive, the main priority is enjoyment. It is an eclectic mix of people with at least two things in common, Lotus's and having fun. What more does one need?

My hope for the future of the Championship is that it will continue, with more types of Lotus coming in to the fold to keep the class fresh and interesting for both competitors and spectators.

Paul Matty