Mount Bonnell hillclimb was held one year only, in 1951. They raced up a hill not far from central Austin. The event was organized by the Austin Civitan Club, a volunteer service organization. Sports Car Club of America rules were followed.
The course was approximately .6 mile and entry was only open to 30 vehicles. It was the first time this type of event had been held in the state.
No definite mention of the road surface, it was probably dirt or gravel.
Entry list included MG, Allard Cadillac, Crosley, Morris, and quite a few Jaguars among others. Overall winner was a Mercury “Special” just beating out a Jaguar by .1 second.
The damage suit mentioned in this 1952 article is possibly the reason that the hillclimb didn’t return for a second year.
1952 April 04, The Austin American Newspaper.
Today the area is known as Covert Park, and is Austin’s oldest tourist attraction at 775 feet above sea level with panoramic views of Lake Austin and downtown. The 5-acre park at 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd has 102 limestone steps to the summit and was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Newspaper Articles , Some With Results:
“Saunders’ Time Best”, The Austin American, Oct 02, 1951
“Saunders Wins”, Austin American-Statesman, Oct 02, 1951
“Mt. Bonnel Climb Open”, The Austin American, Sept 23, 1951
“Souped-Up Hot Rods”, The Austin American, Sept 27, 1951
