The third annual Corkscrew Hillclimb was held throughout final weekend’s Monterey Pre-Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, setting new information and drawing vital consideration from legendary drivers desirous to show their mettle on the long-lasting flip. This yr’s occasion marked the North American dynamic debut of the 2022 McMurtry Spéirling and the return of the 2024 Drako GTE with skilled racer Andy Pilgrim behind the wheel, additional solidifying the spectacular efficiency of electrical automobiles. Followers had been additionally thrilled by the looks of a brand new crowd favourite, the brand-new Case IH Steiger 620 Quadtrac tractor, which introduced a singular and entertaining twist to the competitors.
A brand new Corkscrew Hillclimb file was clearly inevitable after the McMurtry’s first follow run with System 1 and IndyCar driver Max Chilton on the helm. The middle-cockpit Spéirling launched towards flip 11 for the onerous right-hander with such quickness that spectators stood almost speechless. Whereas the McMurtry was the clear chief of the group, second and the third was tightly contested.
The highest three within the shootout had been:
1st 2022 McMurtry Spéirling Max Chilton 21.958
2nd 1967 Ford Falcon Martin Lauber 29.004
third 2022 Ferrari SF90 Christine Sloss 29.822
The earlier file was held by Chris Locke in his 1976 Lotus Kind 77 System One automobile that set the quickest time in 2023 with a 34.69 time. Whereas the McMurtry shattered the file, the beginning line was barely farther again in 2023 making an an identical comparability troublesome.
Since its inception in 2022, the Hillclimb has attracted a mixture of critical rivals and automobiles entered purely for exhibition and leisure. The inaugural occasion noticed Pixar’s loveable character Doc Hudson tackle the problem, together with skilled drifting driver Matt Area, who wowed spectators with clouds of tire smoke. The 2023 version featured an off-road dune buggy from observe agriculture sponsor Tanimura & Antle, which barely stored greater than two wheels on the bottom at any level. This yr it was the biggest and most superior tractor used at Merrill Farms that was capable of actually seize the passion and delight of the followers.
The Corkscrew Hillclimb all the time brings out the aggressive spirit in drivers. Although the Case tractor was cruising at a high velocity that didn’t even make the timing sheet, driver Jonathan Merrill quipped ,“It was a blast to deliver the tractor out for its Laguna Seca debut and to see the fan reactions was value the complete expertise. We will likely be again subsequent yr larger and higher and able to bury the McMurtry.” He added, “Thanks Sonsray Equipment for offering the tractor and transportation for this occasion. We couldn’t have achieved it with out them.”
Total, it was a really profitable weekend that serves because the official opening of Monterey Automobile Week. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is now up with greater than 400 genuine historic race automobiles invited to compete August 14-17.
