Giants Despair Hillclimb is the fourth event in the PHA Championship series. It is held just outside of Wilkes-Barre PA, in Laurel Run Borough on East Northampton St.
This event was first held in 1906, and is one of the oldest continuing motor racing events in the world. It all started here…May 10th 1906. The overall winner Hugh N. Harding of New York in a 45 HP Daimler. The car was actually entered in two events: Cars $9,000 and under & the Free For All…it won both. It ran a 2:11 in the $9,000 class & a 2:16 in the Free For All. Over 40,000 people watched the English built Daimler hit the 26% grade on a bitterly cold day (New York Times coverage May 11 1906)
The Giant is rich in tradition. In its early years, all of the world’s major manufacturers sent their top cars and drivers to capture honors at the event. Early notables included Ralph DePalma (Fiat Team) and Louis Chevrolet driving for Buick. The event was rejuvenated in 1951, and the list of Who’s Who in the driving world included Carroll Shelby (first driver to brake the magic minute), Roger Penske, Oscar Koveleski, etc.
In short, this is an amazing hill with a very long history. If you are interested in learning more about it, there is a ton of information out there. To get you started, the Luzerne County Historical Society published a series of articles on the history of the event — part 1, part 2, with part 3 still to be published.
Onto the course itself! It starts out with a long gently rising straight about one quarter mile in length that leads into a fast left hander that tests both nerves and skill.
Then on to a short chute and “Devils Elbow,” a sharply rising hairpin that goes off camber at its crest. The best line through this turn definitely depends on the car.
Next is a series of ninety-degree turns connected by short straights known as the Esses.
Then comes “The Incline,” a meandering quarter mile stretch that rises at twenty- two degrees to the finish, and is more or less a straight line. For those cars who are HP challenged, this is actually one of the more challenging parts of the course, as you need to exit the Esses with enough momentum to carry you upward.
General Hill Information:
| Location | Laurel Run, PA |
|---|---|
| Pit Location | 992 E North Hampton St, Laurel Run, PA N 41 13' 24.2" W 075 51' 56.2" |
| Length | 1 mile |
| Elevation Change | Approximately 650' |
| Number of Turns | 6 |
| Course Map |  |
Paddock Area:
There is a large paved area to the right of the course for the car paddock area, with the camping area adjacent. Cars can pit in the main pit area or in the camping area.
Spectators:
This event is a big hit with the locals, and there is always a big crowd of spectators. Spectators can view turns 1-3 . There will be food vendors in the main paddock area.
The photos below are courtesy of Mike Vanino — https://www.mikevaninophotography.com
