Hey All,
Just thought I'd spread the word of an extremely fun and (for us) unique
SOVREN event that was held this past weekend. Nearly 60 cars participated
in a revival of the Mary Hill Loops Road hillclimb in eastern Washington
State. Fellow digesti Dick Buckingham can tell you more of the actual
details, but speaking as a participant I just can't tell you how pleased I
was with the event. The road was about 2.1 miles in length with a 1000ft
(305m) elevation gain. The event was held along the huge golden
wheat-covered volcanic bluffs of the Columbia River.
We had a concours on Saturday about 5 miles from the hillclimb, so we had
the state troopers essentially close the road down and give us a guided
transit to the museum. Imagine following nearly 60 vintage race cars of all
types down public roads. I was following a Formula Vee and had a Porsce 906
on my tail. We caused quite a ruckus pulling into the Sam Hill Museum
grassy area.
The hillclimb road has the distinction of being the first asphalt paved road
in this state, dating back to 1913. The hillclimb was an SCCA event from
1955-1963 when the road was washed out. The road has been repaved and is
now closed off to the public, it is on private lands. SOVREN secured the
road and organized this revival hillclimb. For an event not held for 36
years or so, they did a hell of job with all the logistics of getting cars
and spectators up and down the road (there was no loop back, just THE road).
The course wound its way through the steepest of culverts. We were warned
that on some turns there probably wasn't a long enough cable to reach the
car once it had gone down the culvert. After walking the course, I saw that
they weren't kidding, we were staring death in the face on this hillclimb.
Driving the course was just wonderful, imagine finding the twistiest
switchback road you could find and having your way with it. Most of the
approx. 27 corners were quite blind, which limited speeds considerably.
Nobody had 'home course' advantage on this track, so it really was a test of
driver skill and how comfortable you felt with your car at the limit
(Sunbeam Tigers need not apply! :) ) I got into 3rd gear a few times, but
mostly a 2nd gear track that really rewarded a locked rear end. I was able
to dirt track it around several corners, all in view of the folks up above.
It was 2:27 of pure adrenaline rush, nothing like it. Got to watch those
cold tires and brakes the first few corners.
I'll try to post a few photos on my website soon.
Steve S.
Seattle, WA
'67 Alfa Romeo GTV
Just another satisfied customer
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