Competing with a Jaguar XJ40

The Hillclimb

Harewood Speed Hillclimb, near Leeds, various dates

In 2000 Dad settled upon Hillclimbing as a relatively inexpensive route (he says!) into competetion. Harewood Speed Hillclimb, located near Harewood House, near Leeds (England, UK), is his local venue, and he attended a training day to seek safety tips, recommendations on the correct "racing line", and to try the car out.

rounding Quarry Corner towards the finish at Harewood Hillclimb, 14th April 2002

He located a limited slip differential for the Jaguar, and fitted it during reconditioning of the cars rear axle and rear suspension subframe unit. The car was then used "as is", with no initial attempts at lightening.

At the Esses, Harewood Hillclimb, 14th April 2002

Photo courtesy of © ROB SPEDDING, RS Photo Images

Despite the Jaguar XJ40's relative bulk and weight, grip proved to be one of the limiting factors, and Dad procured a set of used 9 inch wide 18 inch diamater Jaguar XK8 alloy wheels with tyres. These needed slight modifications to the bodywork to clear the rear wheelarch lip, and the front centre cap badges won't fit with the wheels on the car (these need to be removed anyway for track use, to prevent them flying off in a hazardous manner).

rounding Quarry Corner towards the finish at Harewood Hillclimb [closeup], 14th April 2002

He also fitted a set of SuperFlex front polyeurothane suspension bushes to replace the standard rubber items - this has improved the Jaguar's turn-in.

rounding Country Corner, Harewood Hillclimb, 12th May 2002

Check out his championship Results.

See details of another visit to the hillclimb on 15 September 2002.

20 September 2002.