Classic trials


Classic trials are one of the oldest forms of motor sport, dating from the beginning of the 20th century. In those days, the challenge was just to complete a long road journey. The three Motor Cycling Club long distance trials in the UK - the Land's End, the Exeter and the Edinburgh - date from that time. All three are still held today.
As vehicles became more reliable, the events became easier and the concept of observed non-stop sections was introduced. On these, the car or motorcycle is stopped at the foot of a hill and has to make a non-stop ascent.
On a classic trial today, there will typically be around fifteen such observed "sections" with a road mileage between 40 and 400.
Other forms of car trial are PCTs for production cars, and sporting trials for special "flyweights". These trials are restricted to one venue without any road mileage.