Policies and Safety
Everything you need to know about safety requirements and event policies
General Information
The Virginia City Hillclimb is a driving event that is intended for street legal (per Nevada DOT requirements), registered, insured road cars. Our full safety requirements are outlined in the tech sheet posted each year. This is not a competitive, wheel to wheel racing event. This is an opportunity to drive on a closed mountain road at speed, without oncoming traffic or police to spoil the fun. The road is yours to enjoy within the bounds of your ability. Driver comfort is key. Our timing system and radio communications allow us to monitor you all the way up the hill, so if you are unsure about a turn or line, do not push it. You can always do another run, as long as you drive within your limits.
This is also an event for fun and socializing with like-minded people. There is something very unique about the people who attend this event, and the regular attendees are a rare breed of fun and interesting folks from all walks of life.
Our timing system exists primarily for safety: run times are used to keep vehicles well spaced all the way up the hill, so no one catches up to the car ahead if a driver spins or has a problem. While we do record times, we do not provide live timing, and this is in keeping with the spirit of the event. We strongly emphasize safety, however we do not require roll cages or other equipment that is destructive to your vehicle's usefulness. Many participants daily drive their Hillclimb cars, and to keep it that way, we do require that participants strictly follow the staff instructions and drive in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others.
How We Keep Participants Safe
How does the Virginia City Hillclimb manage 400+ runs in a day while maintaining safety? Our custom timing software averages the run times of each participant for the timing chief, aiming to separate each vehicle by at least 30 seconds. What happens if a much faster car pulls up in line behind you? The software will give the timing chief a countdown, letting him know when it is safe to send the faster car. We keep cars apart all the way to the top of the hill, allowing time to respond to an incident with our flagging and safety crew. These averages are created during Saturday which is "practice day." Do not push it; you will have dozens of opportunities to improve over the course of the weekend.
Corner workers are stationed at each corner equipped with flags, radios and fire extinguishers. The corner workers monitor the condition of the road as well as the drivers. If you put a couple wheels off the pavement, or momentarily lose control, the corner workers will alert our safety stewards and one of them will come check in with you before you are allowed to make your next run. At the top and bottom of the hill we have EMTs stationed and ready, a fully equipped and manned fire truck, and Lyon and Storey county Sheriffs deputies. We also have the assistance of the Nevada Highway Patrol to help us keep wayward spectators, vehicles, and animals off the course while we are operating.
Safety Equipment Requirements
Until our fire crews are able to handle an electric vehicle battery fire, we are not able to permit all-electric vehicles.
The car's factory safety equipment or better must be present and fully functional. A complete checklist is part of the tech sheet included in your acceptance email, and is also posted on the Tech Sheets and Schedule page.
We require at the very minimum long sleeve cotton, but strongly recommend Nomex, including gloves. Helmets MUST be SA rated, SA2020 or newer. NO "M" or motorcycle helmets allowed as they do not pass fire safety testing like SA rated helmets do.
Passenger Rules
- •Passengers are allowed to ride with the drivers in the event at the driver's discretion, provided that they sign a waiver and obtain a wristband.
- •New drivers may not carry passengers.
- •Passengers must be a family member or crew member of the car's driver.
- •Passengers must be 18 years of age or older.
- •Passenger rides must be run slower than 3:40.
- •Passengers must bring their own helmet, and the helmet must be Snell SA2020 or newer.
- •Roll-over protection is required in open top vehicles for passengers to be allowed.
- •Mandatory: must wear long pants, no sweat pants or leggings, leather shoes, no open toe shoes or sandals, long sleeve shirts are recommended.
Refund and Liability Policy
Refunds
Refunds will be issued until August 1. 50% refunds will be issued between August 1 and August 23. No refunds will be issued after August 23. This event is run by volunteers and we pay for services such as the NVDOT deposit, fire crews, dinners, etc. ahead of the event.
Liability
Drivers who pose a significant risk to themselves or others may be warned or removed from the event. This is done at the sole discretion of our safety coordinators. Participation in the event is subject to the permission and approval of the event operating committee at all times.
Each entrant is fully responsible to pay for any damage done by their car (regardless of who is driving it) to the road, to snow stakes and armco road side, to signage, to mile markers and to fencing adjacent to the road. This requirement applies from the intersection of Highway 341 and Highway 342 to the Sheriff's substation just past the bridge at the top of the Hill. A bond is posted and Nevada DOT collects from the deposit. We then bill you for that amount plus any costs attendant on dealing with NDOT. Your entry to the event constitutes your contractual agreement to this stipulation.
Waivers
These apply to anyone participating in the event in any capacity. Read them and expect to sign them at the beginning of the event.
Drivers / Passengers
Driver/passenger waiver will be posted here once available.
Privacy
For details on what personal information we collect when you register and create an account, how we use it, and how we protect it, see our Privacy Policy.