Here's something pretty cool: Hagerty, as we well know, is getting into the car enthusiast community in a pretty big way. Hiring Sam Smith from Road & Track, buying Radwood, going public - it's been a big couple of years for the boutique insurance company.
Of course, you're always worried the other foot is going to drop. When are they going to pull the rug out from under us and say, "Surprise! We're just Liberty Mutual, disguised as a good guy, and we secretly hate all of those modifications you've been making. Claim DENIED." I'm one of those people, as I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to the Radwood show after Hagerty took over.
Thankfully, my fears haven't been realized just yet, and with Hagerty's UK division hosting its first hillclimb event at the historic Shelsley Walsh course over the holiday weekend, our reassurance meter just jumped a few pegs. If nothing else, even if there is a finite horizon in place, Hagerty is using its time embedded with the enthusiast community to exceed our expectations.
On top of that, they're shining a light on some of the lesser-known aspects of the hobby. Most of us have the basics - autocross, track days, LeMans, Lime Rock - but to get into hillclimbs and stack the deck with numerous priceless and historic open-wheel racers is just a whole 'nother level. Kudos to Hagerty for bringing more enthusiasts into the fold who gleefully pay their premiums every year, all while showcasing the intricate layers of motorsports, car collecting, and the enthusiast lifestyle.
Check out the full photo gallery from this weekend's event here: https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/events-articles/the-only-way-is-up-you-meet-all-sorts-at-a-hagerty-hillclimb/