Records are tumbling early this year in the Victorian Hill Climb competition season, with Mike Barker winning the overall trophy earning the Outright win during Round 1 of the 2026 Trydel EZIUP Victorian Hillclimb Championship.

Barker went on to beat his own record for the Rob Roy Long Track, as he steered his Hayward 06 to a 23.70 (his previous record being 23.81).

Harrison Bishop followed closely behind seven hundredths of a second slower in his Hayward, posting a best of 23.77 to get him second overall and beating Barker’s previous record. Damien Brand placed third on the podium in his WRX STI, with a 26.00.

Organisers stated it was perfect weather for a hill climb with excellent support from the MG Car Club Victoria who hosted the event.

Class winners included Scott Slater in Formula Vee with a best time of 33.31 seconds, Bishop claimed the best time among Formula Libre drivers with his best time of 23.77.

Steven Buffinton (28.73), David Casey (29.34), Glenn Latter (28.80), Ian Maud (30.88), Michael Hill (30.56), David Cantwell (31.12), Steven Grinstead (28.13), Brand (26.00), Brenton Bydifield (27.56), Ayrton Williams (30.89), Steven Baird (28.99), Colin Newitt (28.06), Andrew Brooks (33.97), Zachary Hanlin (27.72), Thomas Inkster (28.93), Steven W-Wilson (30.51) and Lachlan Timms (30.33) all claimed wins in their respective classes.

Round 2 of the Victorian Hillclimb Championship will be held at Bryant Park in Yallourn on 22 February, using the ‘Clockwise’ layout. Entries are already open.