Trials are one of the earliest forms of motorsport. The Land's End
Trial is the UK's longest running motorsport event, dating back to 1903.
A trial is a series of tests of how far a car can climb an off-road
hill. Needless to say this is made difficult due to the ground being
steep, slippery and often twisty. A passenger is required and they and
the driver both 'bounce' to help get that last bit of traction.
Stopping before the end of the test, going off the course or touching the markers incurs penalty points. Competitors attempt many tests during the course of the day and try to score as few penalties as possible.
We run a trial for production cars every January at
Harlton near Cambridge, in memory of CCC member Roger Holmes. It is on a smooth grass hill and is suitable for
standard road cars, in fact 4x4s and purpose-built trials cars are not
allowed.