Photographer Credit: D. Hunter Turner, Little River Creative
Introduction to the SCCA and the HillClimb Series
The Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) HillClimb series is a Time Trials Competition that takes place on a closed public road rather than on a designed course. Our Dragon HillClimb up Maple Springs Gap Rd (SR 1127) is one of three in the SCCA Appalachian HillClimb Series and is one of the most popular HillClimb races in the country – second perhaps only to the Pikes Peak International HillClimb. Dragon HillClimb racers gain a thousand feet of elevation over the course. Prior to the Dragon HillClimb, racers will have already completed trials in Kentucky and Virginia this year.
Drivers are competing for class championships in ten classes that include multiple sport car categories, a stock car category, an outlaw category, and more. If you’re a motorsport enthusiast and would like to read up on all the categories, requirements, allowances, and modification rules you can do so here.
Drivers in the Dragon HillClimb series are organized into small groups of two or three cars each making a ‘run’ up the course for their best time. HillClimbs are exciting because it’s just the driver, the car, and the road with few if any safety barriers and all are competing for the titles, “King of the Hill” and “Queen of the Hill”. Unlike any other HillClimb race in the country, the King and Queen of the Hill of the Dragon HillClimb are given the title of Dragon Slayer and each receives an engraved sword forged in a famed Toledo, Spain foundry which has been known for its steel and swords for centuries.
The Spectator Experience
When you enter the race area on Maple Springs Gap Road (SR 1127) you will be met by a volunteer and directed to Spectator Parking which is three miles below the Start Line which is accessible by on-demand shuttles throughout the day. The area between Spectator Parking and the Start Line is known as the Paddock where cars are staged along the roadside waiting for their turn to race. As you ride toward the start line, take the time to take it all in – look at the cars and meet people along the way!
When you come out to experience the Dragon HillClimb you are more than just a spectator. Unlike Nascar and other motor races which require you to sit on the sidelines separated from all the action, here you may walk through the Paddock to visit and talk with the drivers, take a close look at the cars, get autographs, and take photos. With the owner’s permission it’s not uncommon for kids (or even adults) to have a driver’s seat photo opportunity.
Enjoy being out in the fresh air in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest –the largest of North Carolina’s four National Forests – surrounded by ancient trees bursting with summer life. The engine sounds as cars line up for their runs are interspersed with the sounds of nature – it’s a very different experience than sitting around a race track.
The area between the Start Line and the finish line at the top of the Maple Springs Overlook is called the Red Zone. There is one designated Spectator area located just after the sharp right turn of Racer’s Elbow (see the course map below). This designated area, marked and monitored by safety workers, is in the middle of the fastest stretch on the course. Both the Spectator Viewing Area and the Maple Springs Overlook and trails (which remain open throughout the race) are accessible to visitors only by shuttle.
Take a few minutes to watch our mini documentary – Uphill Road Racing: National Forest Edition below.
Course Map & Event Schedule
Dragon HillClimb course map provided courtesy of the SCCA.
Friday
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Event Set Up
Event staff will be on site setting up equipment, signage, safety equipment and marking parking. Maple Springs Overlook will be open to visitors by car but expect higher than normal traffic volumes as competitors inspect the course. Please exercise additional caution for the safety of event staff and volunteers.
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm Inspection & Meet & Greet
Drivers will begin positioning cars off the shoulders in the Paddock for inspection. This is an official Meet & Greet opportunity for spectators and local citizens.
Saturday
5:00 am Red Zone
Cars begin setting up and traffic access to the overlook is restricted.
7:45 am First Shuttle to Spectator Area
9:00 am Course goes “Green”
Cars are grouped in threes to prepare for a ‘run’. Each car in the set remains at the top of the overlook until all cars in that group have completed their run. The group is escorted slowly down in line while the next group of cars is being staged. Safety workers will be tracking cars, monitoring spectators, and checking the course surface.
12:00 pm Lunch Break
This is a great time to catch a shuttle to get where you are going before the race resumes.
1:00 Course goes “Green”
Runs resume; sometime between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm there will be a safety worker break. The schedule will depend on race pace and course conditions.
5:00 pm Timed Runs Completed
Shuttle buses will continue to run to remove spectators first and then staff members.
Sunday
5:00 am Red Zone
Cars begin setting up and traffic access to the overlook is restricted.
7:45 am First Shuttle to Spectator Area
8:15 am Course goes “Green”
Cars are grouped in threes to prepare for a ‘run’. Each car in the set remains at the top of the overlook until all cars in that group have completed their run. The groups are escorted slowly down in line while the next group of cars is being staged. Safety workers will be tracking cars, monitoring spectators, and checking the course surface.
10:30 am Course Closed for Quiet Hour
No engines. Course opens and racing resumes after lunch.
12:30 pm Course goes “Green”
Runs resume; sometime between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm there will be a safety worker break. The schedule will depend on race, pace, and course conditions.
3:30 pm Competition Completed
Shuttle runs bring spectators and workers in. Trophy presentation at the Start Line.
6:00 pm Maple Springs Gap Rd. Reopened
Photographer Credit: D. Hunter Turner, Little River Creative
Tips for Enjoying The Race
- Patience – the Dragon HillClimb schedule is a guide. The safety of drivers, staff and spectators is of utmost priority. Any number of issues can delay a run and therefore potentially the schedule. It’s important to stay flexible.
- Like any outdoor excursion please be prepared with basics like water, lunch or snacks, sun protection, insect repellant, and protection in case of rain.
- When visiting cars and drivers in the Paddock, keep in mind that you are in a Hot Paddock with cars moving back and forth to the Start Line. Please be aware of your surroundings and supervise children closely.
- Bleachers will be available at the Spectator Areas but you are welcome to bring a chair for comfort.
- There will be a food truck at the Start Line serving both spectators, drivers and staff.
- There are strategically located portable restrooms throughout the Spectator and course areas.
- Understanding the shuttle system is key to enjoying the day – there is a lower shuttle running from Spectator parking to the Start Line all day long. The upper shuttle runs from the Start Line to the Maple Springs Overlook stopping at the Spectator Viewing Area along the way. This shuttle runs approximately at the top of every hour and during scheduled breaks. If you have any questions about the shuttle, feel free to ask participants or those in the tents near the start line. Everyone is very friendly and will happily answers questions to the best of their ability.
- Accessibility Considerations – there are lots of smooth blacktop surfaces but keep in mind parking is in loose gravel and the bleachers are on a soft, grass surface; Graham County Transit shuttles are ADA compliant, paths from parking at the top to Maple Springs Overlook are paved with smooth surfaces and a gentle grade.
- Emergency plans are in place. If you need assistance or need to report an emergency please do so with Start Line officials. In case of an emergency response, please respect and follow all instructions whether from official emergency responders, SCCA staff and volunteers, or from volunteer or support organizations.
- Show your appreciation to staff workers and volunteers, emergency and safety personnel, as well as support organizations like the Partners of Joyce Kilmer – Slickrock Wilderness. The success of this event is a community effort and everyone appreciates a friendly smile or word of encouragement.
