Beginner's Guide to NEHA Hillclimb: Getting Started in New England Hillclimb Racing

What is NEHA Hillclimb & How to Get Started

Hillclimb racing is exactly what it sounds like, drivers compete individually against the clock, racing uphill on closed paved mountain roads. There's no wheel-to-wheel combat, no drafting, and no traffic. It's just you, your car, and the mountain. The goal is simple: post the fastest time to the top.

The New England Hillclimb Association (NEHA) is the regional organization that hosts these events across Vermont. NEHA operates under the governance of the New England Sports Car Club Council (NESCCC) and is made up of three member clubs:

• Killington Sports Car Club (KSCC)
• Sports Car Club of New Hampshire (SCCNH)
• Sports Car Club of Vermont (SCCV)

Together, these clubs organize and staff events throughout the season at some of New England's most scenic mountain venues.

2026 NEHA Event Schedule

NEHA typically hosts six official events per season, each taking place over a weekend. Saturday runs are for practice and familiarization (times are recorded but unofficial), while Sunday runs count as your official competition times.

Note: The Mt. Washington Hillclimb (August 7–9, 2026) is a separate, non-NEHA event hosted by SCCNH and the Mt Washington Autoroad.

How to Register

Registration for NEHA events is handled through MotorsportReg.com. You'll find links to upcoming events on the official NEHA website at hillclimb.org. Registration typically opens a few weeks before each event, and spots can fill up — so don't wait until the last minute.

Gregory Wilcox, NEHA Event Chairman and Tech Inspector, explains how welcoming the community is to newcomers: "There's always a group willing to help you figure out what you need to do. Just show up, ask questions, and you'll be pointed in the right direction."

Understanding the Three Classes

NEHA categorizes competitors into three main classes based on vehicle preparation level. This keeps competition fair and ensures safety requirements scale appropriately with speed.

• Unprepared — Essentially stock vehicles with minimal modifications. This is where most beginners start. You can compete in your daily driver with basic safety equipment.
• Street Prepared — Allows more modifications while still maintaining street-legal status. Upgraded suspension, exhaust, and intake modifications are common in this class.
• Prepared — Full race cars with extensive modifications, roll cages, and competition-spec safety equipment. This class has the fastest cars and the most stringent safety requirements.

Patrick Martin, NEHA Tech Inspector and competitor, breaks it down simply: "If you have a car that's in good working order and you can get some basic safety equipment together, you can probably run Unprepared class. That's the beauty of hillclimb — the barrier to entry is really low."

Preparing Your Car & Passing Tech Inspection

One of the best things about hillclimb racing is that you don't need a dedicated race car to compete. Many first-timers show up in their daily drivers such as Miatas, WRXs, Civics, BMWs, and everything in between. If your car is mechanically sound and you can meet a few basic safety requirements, you're most of the way there.

The Good News: Minimal Modifications Required

For the Unprepared class, you don't need to make performance modifications to your vehicle. The focus is on safety and mechanical reliability, not horsepower. Patrick Martin puts it plainly: "You don't need a fast car. You need a safe car that won't break. A bone-stock Civic that's well-maintained is unlikely to have issues during tech inspection."

That said, your car does need to be in good working order. Tech inspectors will be looking at the overall condition of your vehicle to ensure it's safe to send up a mountain at speed.

Pre-Event Mechanical Checklist

Before arriving at the event, go through your car with a critical eye. Address any issues ahead of time. You don't want to be scrambling in the paddock or, worse, get turned away at tech inspection.

• Brakes — Fresh brake fluid is highly recommended. Check pad thickness and rotor condition. Hillclimb is surprisingly hard on brakes due to the elevation change and the spirited descent back down.
• Tires — Must have adequate tread depth and no visible damage, cracking, or dry rot. No spare "donut" tires. All four tires should be appropriate for performance driving.
• Fluids — Check oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Top off as needed and look for any leaks.
• Battery — Must be securely mounted. If your battery is in the trunk or cabin, it must be in a sealed container or have a spill-proof design.
• Throttle return — Your throttle must return to idle freely and consistently. This is a critical safety check.
• Loose items — Remove everything from your interior that isn't bolted down. Floor mats, garage door openers, phone mounts, water bottles — all of it comes out.
• Wheel bearings and suspension — No excessive play or clunking. Inspectors will check for worn components.

The Fire Extinguisher Requirement

Every car competing in NEHA events must have a fire extinguisher mounted inside the vehicle. This is non-negotiable, and it's one of the most common areas where first-timers run into trouble.

Key requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 lb. ABC rated extinguisher that is no older than three years old
• Must be mounted with a metal bracket to the vehicle — no plastic brackets, no velcro, no bungee cords
• Must be within reach of the driver while belted in
• Must be fully charged (check the gauge)
• Must be no older than 3 years old, or tagged

Gregory Wilcox, who inspects cars at every event, says this is the number one issue he sees: "People show up with an extinguisher rattling around in their trunk or held in with a plastic mount. It has to be metal, and it has to be secure. If there's an incident, you need to be able to grab it instantly."

Understanding the Breakout Time System

NEHA uses a "breakout time" system to manage safety requirements for cars without roll cages. Here's how it works:

If you're running an uncaged car, there's a minimum time threshold for your class and venue. If you go faster than the breakout time twice, you'll be required to add additional safety equipment (such as a roll cage) before returning to the mountain in that vehicle.

This system allows beginners to compete safely in street cars while ensuring that as speeds increase, safety equipment scales accordingly. For most newcomers running Unprepared class, breakout times won't be an immediate concern, but it's good to understand the system as you progress.

Patrick Martin explains the reasoning: "The breakout system lets us keep the door open for people in street cars. But if you're getting seriously fast, we want to make sure your car can protect you. It's a fair compromise."

Tire Considerations

You don't need R-compound race tires to compete, but your tires do matter. A good set of performance summer tires will serve most beginners well. Avoid all-seasons if possible as they're a compound that doesn't excel in dry, spirited driving conditions.

More important than the tire compound is the tire's condition. Inspectors will reject tires with:

• Insufficient tread depth
• Sidewall damage or bulges
• Excessive age (look for cracking in the rubber)
• Mismatched sizes on the same axle

What Happens at Tech Inspection

Tech inspection typically takes place on Friday evening or Saturday morning before practice runs begin. You'll drive your car to the tech area, where inspectors will go through a standardized checklist.

Expect them to:

• Check your fire extinguisher and mounting bracket
• Verify your helmet certification (more on this in the next section)
• Inspect brakes, tires, and suspension components
• Look for fluid leaks
• Ensure your battery is properly secured
• Confirm your interior is clear of loose items
• Test throttle return
• Check that your seatbelt or harness is in good condition

If something doesn't pass, don't panic. Inspectors are there to help, not to gatekeep. Minor issues can often be resolved on-site, and experienced competitors in the paddock are usually happy to lend a hand or a tool.

Safety Gear Requirements

Safety is taken seriously at NEHA events, but the requirements are designed to be achievable for newcomers without breaking the bank. What you need depends on your class, your car's preparation level, and how fast you're running. Let's break down the essentials.

Helmet Requirements

Your helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment you'll bring. NEHA has specific certification requirements, and inspectors will check your helmet's Snell or FIA sticker at tech inspection.

For the 2026 season, the following helmets are accepted:

• Snell SA2015 or newer (SA2020, SA2025)
• FIA 8859-2015 or newer, within 10 years of manufacture date

Important: M-rated (motorcycle) helmets are not accepted, even if they carry a current Snell M certification. The SA (Special Application) rating is required because it includes fire resistance standards that M-rated helmets do not meet.

Gregory Wilcox sees helmet issues at nearly every event: "People show up with motorcycle helmets or old SA2010 helmets that have aged out. Check your helmet before you leave home. The Snell sticker is inside the helmet, usually under the padding near the back."

Fire Extinguisher

As covered in the previous section, a fire extinguisher is mandatory for all competitors. To recap the requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 lb. BC or ABC rated
• Mounted with a metal bracket within driver's reach
• Fully charged (green zone on gauge)

This is a hard requirement — no exceptions. If your extinguisher or bracket doesn't meet spec, you will not pass tech inspection.

Air Horn

Every competitor must have a functioning air horn in the vehicle. This is used as an emergency signal if you have an incident on course and need to alert corner workers of driver and / or vehicle status if stopped.

A simple compressed-air horn (the kind used for boating or sporting events) is sufficient. Make sure it's:

• Easily accessible while belted in
• Fully charged and tested before the event

Patrick Martin emphasizes why this matters: "If you spin or go off, you need to be able to signal immediately. The air horn is your way of notifying the nearest corner volunteer of your status. Test it before you leave home — they do run out of air."

Fire Suits and PPE: What's Required vs. Recommended

Fire-resistant clothing requirements scale with your class and speed. Here's the general breakdown:

For most beginners in Unprepared class running above breakout times, you can compete in street clothes, but they must be long pants and long sleeves made of natural fibers (cotton, wool) or fire-resistant materials. No synthetic athletic wear, as it can melt in a fire.

Gregory Wilcox offers practical advice: "If you're just starting out, a good pair of jeans and a cotton long-sleeve shirt will get you through tech. But if you're going to stick with this, invest in at least a single-layer suit. It's not that expensive, and it's real protection."

Harnesses and Seatbelts

For Unprepared class cars without roll cages, your factory three-point seatbelt is acceptable, provided it's in good working condition with no fraying, cuts, or retractor issues.

If you're running a harness (5-point, or 6-point), it must be:

• SFI 16.1 or FIA 8853 certified
• Within its expiration date (typically 2 years from manufacture for SFI, 5 years for FIA)
• Properly mounted to approved points

Head and Neck Restraints

HANS devices or similar head and neck restraints (such as the Simpson Hybrid) are not mandatory for Unprepared class, but they are strongly recommended for anyone running a harness.

For caged cars, a head and neck restraint is required. Check the current NEHA rulebook or ask at tech inspection if you're unsure about your specific situation.

Summary: Minimum Gear for Beginners

If you're running Unprepared or Street Prepared class( and slower than breakout) in a street car for the first time, here's your minimum shopping list:

• Helmet — Snell SA2015 or newer, or FIA 8859-2015 or newer
• Fire extinguisher — 2.5 lb. minimum, metal bracket, hard mounted within reach
• Air horn — Compressed air type, tested and accessible
• Clothing — Long pants, long sleeves, natural fibers or FR material
• Footwear — Closed-toe shoes (no sandals, no flip-flops)

That's it. You don't need a $1,500 multi-layer suit to get started. As Patrick Martin puts it: "Start with the basics, see if you love it, then invest in better gear as you go faster. Nobody expects a first-timer to show up kitted out like a pro."

Event Day Breakdown & The Right Mindset

You've registered, prepped your car, gathered your safety gear, and made the drive to the venue. Now what? Understanding the rhythm of a hillclimb weekend will help you stay calm, make the most of your track time, and actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling overwhelmed.

The Typical NEHA Weekend Schedule

While schedules vary by venue, most NEHA events follow a similar structure:

Friday (Optional but Recommended)

• Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at venue, set up paddock space
• Evening: Tech inspection opens (usually 5-Dusk)
• Night: Socialize, meet new people, get rest

Saturday

• Early Morning: Tech inspection continues for those who didn't complete Friday
• Morning: Mandatory driver's meeting
• Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Practice runs 
• Evening: Dinner, socializing, sleeping

Sunday

• Morning: Brief driver's meeting with any updates
• Morning to Afternoon: Timed competition runs 
• Afternoon: Awards, pack up, head home

Patrick Martin describes the pacing: "It's not non-stop action like a track day. There's a lot of waiting between runs, which is actually good for beginners. You have time to process each run, talk to people, and mentally prepare for the next one."

The Driver's Meeting: Don't Miss It

The driver's meeting is mandatory, miss it and you don't run. This isn't bureaucratic box-checking; it's where you'll learn critical information about:

• Course conditions and any changes from previous events
• Corner worker positions and flag stations
• Specific hazards or areas of concern
• Start procedures and timing
• What to do if you have an incident
• Emergency protocols

As a newcomer, pay close attention. If anything is unclear, ask questions, nobody will think less of you for it. Gregory Wilcox encourages first-timers to speak up: "I'd rather answer a 'dumb' question at the meeting than have someone confused on course. There are no stupid questions when safety is involved."

Practice Runs: Your Learning Laboratory

Practice runs on Saturday are where the real learning happens. This is your opportunity to:

• Learn the course layout and commit corners to memory
• Find braking points and turn-in references
• Understand how your car behaves on the specific road surface
• Build speed gradually and safely

The most important advice for your first practice runs: Go slow.

This sounds counterintuitive at a racing event, but it's the fastest path to getting fast. Your first run should be at 60-70% pace, enough to keep the car stable and learn the course, not enough to get in trouble. Each subsequent run, you can add pace as the course becomes familiar.

Patrick Martin is emphatic about this: "Every year I see first-timers try to hero it on their first practice run. They either scare themselves, spin, or worse. The people who go slow on Saturday and build up are the ones posting good times on Sunday. Trust the process."

Competition Runs: Putting It Together

Sunday's timed runs are what it's all been building toward. Your best time from your competition runs determines your finishing position in class.

By Sunday, you should know the course well enough to push harder — but "harder" doesn't mean reckless. The goal is smooth, committed driving with minimal mistakes. A clean run at 90% is almost always faster than a ragged run at 100%.

Gregory Wilcox shares a mindset that helps many competitors: "You're not racing the person who ran before you. You're racing the course and yourself. Focus on your marks, your inputs, your breathing. The clock takes care of itself."

Between Runs: What to Do With the Downtime

There can be significant gaps between your runs, sometimes an hour or more depending on the entry count. Use this time wisely:

• Check your car — Walk around it, look for leaks, check tire pressures, make sure nothing's loose
• Hydrate and eat — It's easy to forget basics when you're focused on driving. Keep water and snacks accessible
• Talk to other competitors — Ask about specific corners, share what you're experiencing, learn from their approach
• Watch other cars — If you can see a section of the course from the paddock, watch different drivers' lines
• Rest — Mental fatigue is real. A few minutes of quiet with your eyes closed can help reset your focus

The Right Mindset for Your First Event

Managing expectations is crucial for enjoying your first hillclimb. Here's the mindset that will serve you best:

Goal #1: Finish Every Run

Seriously. Your primary objective is to complete every practice and competition run without incident. No spins, no offs, no mechanical failures caused by driver error. If you accomplish this, your first event is a success! Regardless of where you place.

Goal #2: Learn the Format

Understand how the weekend flows, how grid works, what the flags mean, how to communicate with corner workers. This knowledge compounds over time and makes every future event smoother.

Goal #3: Have Fun

This might sound obvious, but it's easy to lose sight of when you're nervous about performance. You're driving a mountain road at speed in a timed competition. That's inherently awesome. Let yourself enjoy it.

Patrick Martin's advice to every first-timer: "Throw away any thoughts about winning or even being competitive at your first event. Your job is to learn, finish clean, and decide if you want to come back. If you do those three things, you've had a perfect weekend."

After the Event: Building on the Experience

When the weekend ends and you're driving home, you'll likely be replaying every corner in your head. That's a good sign, it means you're hooked. (See you again soon!)

In the days following your first event:

• Review any video — If you had a camera mounted, watch your runs and note areas for improvement
• Write notes — Document what you learned while it's fresh: corner names, braking references, car behavior
• Check the NEHA schedule — Look at upcoming events and consider registering for another
• Connect with the community — Follow up with people you met, join online forums or social media groups
• Service your car — Check brakes, fluids, and tires. Address anything that needs attention before the next event

Gregory Wilcox sees a pattern with first-timers: "About 80% of the people who do one event come back for more. Once you experience what hillclimb is — the community, the roads, the challenge — it's hard to walk away. We've created a lot of addicts over the years."

Final Thoughts

Hillclimbing is one of motorsport's best-kept secrets — a discipline that rewards precision over raw power, welcomes newcomers with open arms, and offers an experience that's fundamentally different from anything else you can do with a car. The New England Hillclimb Association has spent decades building a community that makes this accessible to anyone willing to show up prepared and ready to learn.

Let's recap what you need to get started:

• A safe, well-maintained car — Your Subaru is already a strong platform. Focus on solid brakes, good tires, fresh fluids, and removing loose items from the interior.
• Basic safety gear — A Snell SA2015+ helmet, a properly mounted fire extinguisher, an air horn, and appropriate clothing will get you through tech inspection.
• The right mindset — Come to learn, not to win. Build speed gradually, finish every run clean, and let the experience unfold naturally.
• Registration and preparation — Sign up early through MotorsportReg, read the rules, and show up with your paperwork in order.

The barriers to entry are lower than you might think. You don't need a built engine, a roll cage, or a trailer full of spares. You need a car that's safe, gear that meets the requirements, and the willingness to try something new.

As Gregory Wilcox puts it: "We're not looking for the fastest drivers in New England. We're looking for people who love driving, respect the sport, and want to be part of something special. Speed comes with time. Passion is what you bring on day one."

Patrick Martin offers a final piece of encouragement: "I've seen people show up to their first hillclimb in bone-stock Imprezas and fall in love with the sport. Ten years later, they're still here, maybe with a faster car, maybe not — but they're still chasing that feeling of a perfect run up the mountain. That never gets old."

Your Subaru was born in the mountains. It's time to take it where it belongs.

Ready to start your hillclimb journey? Visit the New England Hillclimb Association website to view the current schedule, read the full rulebook, and register for your first event.

Join the NEHA Facebook group, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

We'll see you at the mountain!