Annual trial heads back to Shelsley Walsh - 8th March 2009

Following last year's successful event the Midland Automobile Club's Peter Blankstone Memorial Sporting Trial returns to the World Famous Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb site for the second time on Sunday March 8th once again by kind permission of landowner Sir Anthony Winnington, Bt.

Last year's initial event was very successful since the site proved to be excellent trials territory, with the added benefits of the Shelsley Walsh infrastructure, making it unique as a sporting trials venue.

The event last year raised a useful sum of money that was presented to the St Andrews Church Charity towards the upkeep of the ancient and historic church adjacent to the Shelsley paddock. It is hoped to raise a larger sum this year by asking for donations from the spectators parking on the hill to watch.

If you have not seen a sporting trial before, please do come along. It is a very entertaining day with skilful driving over impossible terrain.If you do come, please don't forget to make a donation to the church.

The paddock restaurant will be in operation and toilets etc. will of course be available. The event will start at 10.30 a.m. and continue, with a break for lunch, until about 3.30 p.m.

As with last years event we would like to point out that this is not a hill climb and whilst the event will start from the paddock, the competing cars will not be driving on the sacred Tarmac of the hill climb as strenuous efforts are made to keep this clean. Please obey the instructions of marshals at all times.

Sporting trials are a little known and specialised form of motor sport that take place in winter. Best described as an uphill slalom over undulating and slippery ground in lightweight hand built cars this is one of the few disciplines with an active passenger, who has to bounce away to help traction. The busy driver also has 'fiddle' brakes to separately control each rear brake.