If there's one thing that's quintessentially British, it's Sporting Trials, a unique form of motorsport that's not about speed but about momentum, throttle control, and choosing the right line. At the end of the 2022 championship season, which comprises a series of meets where points are accrued, there's just one event left - the highly prestigious Gold Star Final, where success or failure is determined by points awarded throughout the day.
The course consists of 9 sections, each marked with a set of numbered flag poles indicating the route, and how far each car can progress. The 2-wheel drive cars are extremely maneuverable and aim to complete each section with the lowest possible score, such as a 1 by reaching the last gate, or with a clear round. The driver's goal is to drive as far as possible without stopping, while the passenger can greatly aid progress by transferring weight from one side of the car to the other. The pressure is on as entrants only get one attempt at each section per round, and if they stop early on the section, such as gate 9 or 8, they're out.
Sporting Trials attracts a diverse range of participants from other motorsports, including rallying, hill climbing, and karting, but not all have the skill, patience, and tenacity to succeed in this unique discipline. Unlike other motorsports, it's like solving a puzzle to get a low score on each section, and great skill is involved. Entrants can walk each section to get a sense of the contours and ground conditions before each attempt. The Sporting Trials community is welcoming and has a great sense of camaraderie, including many families who compete together.
The conditions this year were particularly challenging for the 39 cars, with a hard frost on all 9 sections of the course, making for very slippery conditions. Temperatures remained close to or below freezing, and in the final round, round 3, competitors also had to contend with low-lying fog that set in over the hill. However, with just enough visibility for participants and marshals, they concluded the event.
Despite the challenging conditions, the overall winner was car number 10, driven by Thomas Bricknell and with passenger, or as they're known, "bouncers," Lester Smith. They finished a stunning 18 points lower than their closest rival, demonstrating their dominance at the event. It's the first time that driver Bricknell has taken the prestigious Gold Star, despite competing since 2007.