The quiet hills above Holywood in County Down come alive each spring to the sounds and smells of racing cars and 2023 was no different as the ANICC Motorsport Supplies Hillclimb Championship got underway in April.
Here’s how the season unfolded:
15th April – TSCC, Croft
Ryan McGimpsey got off to a great start with a maximum points haul at the opening round in his Jedi MkI. His brother, Ricky, hot on his heels finished second, with Phil Dorman picking up third placed points. John Donnelly and Robert McGimpsey finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Roger Gage was a sight to behold on his way to top modified points. Colin McDowell took top roadgoing points on what could be classed as his home event. Maximum specialist points went to Jack Boal.
29th April – UAC, Craigantlet
David Kane claimed his only full points haul of the series here, finishing ahead of Gerard O’Connell in the championship, with George Stevenson third in the registered competitors. Ricky McGimpsey and John Donnelly finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Daniel Campbell found his form to take maximum modified points. Conor Hamill bagged his first maximum roadgoing points. In the specialist category, Jack Boal extended his lead.
13th May – Newry MC, Drumhorc
Ricky McGimpsey made the most of bonus points available to score full points ahead of Ryan, with John Donnelly finishing as the third registered driver. William Loughridge and Daniel Campbell finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Daniel added to his modified haul. Conor Hamill took another top roadgoing points finish. Jack Boal looked unstoppable with another maximum specialist points.
27th May – Omagh MC, Spamount
Once again Ricky McGimpsey made the most of some bonus points on this event and it was a repeat of the previous round with Ryan and John taking points for second and third. Daniel Campbell and Jack Boal finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Daniel was stamping his modified authority. Colin McDowell took another roadgoing win. Specialist driver Jack Boal now looked unstoppable with more maximum points.
23rd June – Larne MC, Cairncastle
Ryan McGimpsey surpassed all expectations with full points haul from Ricky, with Gerard O’Connell claiming points for third placed registered driver. Roger Gage and George Stevenson finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Roger Gage took the modified spoils with a hair-raising drive. Conor Hamill added to his roadgoing points haul. David Hawthorne took his only full specialist points haul of the season.
24th June – Larne MC, Cairncastle
Ryan McGimpsey made it two in a row on this, the pinnacle of Hillclimb championship, from John Donnelly with David Kane gathering great points for third registered driver on the time sheets. Daniel Campbell and Roger Gage finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Daniel Campbell took full modified points. Conor Hamill extended his roadgoing lead with top points. Jack Boal got back to winning ways in the specialists.
12th August – Mid Antrim MC, Garron Point
Ryan McGimpsey’s top points finish here put him one point in front of his brother, Ricky, in the overall championship. Ricky taking points for second on the event, with Tim Woodside the third placed registered driver. Jack Boal and Daniel Campbell finishing the top five respectively.
In the categories, Campbell’s maximum points here put him three points clear of Gage in the modified’s. Conor Hamill’s top points in roadgoing put him one point ahead of McDowell. Jack Boal took a commanding lead in the specialist’s with yet another top points haul.
09th September – UAC, Knockagh
For yet another year this event was cancelled prior to it starting due to a lack of entries and interest.
With no final points available at time of writing, final championship positions are to be confirmed.
Conor Hamill 
Daniel Campbell Jack Boal 
John Donnelly Ricky McGimpsey 
Ryan McGimpsey
Words and Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
