Carl Cox Motorsport Welcomes Richard Andrews and Catherine James to Hill Climb Programme for 2026
Carl Cox Motorsport is expanding into a new category for 2026, entering the world of hill climb racing with Richard Andrews and Catherine James.
It’s a different kind of motorsport, less about wheel-to-wheel racing, more about precision, nerve, and getting everything right in a single run.
Meet Richard Andrews and Catherine James
Richard Andrews brings a long motorsport background that started well before hill climbing.
Photo Credit: Richard Andrews Instagram
“Born in 1975, I raced BMX as a kid and was always messing around on dirt bikes.”
Growing up through the 80s car scene shaped his early interest.
“By the time I passed my driving test in the early 90s, you could pick up a used Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 for £1,000.”
Motorbikes became the focus for years.
“From 2000 I was completely motorbike mad. The next 20 years I raced them at clubman level and owned a long list of road bikes.”
Hill climbing only entered the picture recently, but quickly became the main focus.
“I first became interested in hill climbing cars in 2023 and haven't looked back since.”
Catherine James took a different path into the sport. After supporting Richard through his 2025 season, she stepped into the driver’s seat herself.
Photo Credit: Mark Crayden - Crayden Photography
“Catherine supported me last year and decided to take part in a Harewood academy day… she was instantly hooked.”
Her progression has been quick.
“In March 2026 she received intensive tuition… came away with the most ‘improved driver’ award and is now looking forward to starting the championship.”
What They’re Competing In
Richard will contest both the British Hillclimb Cup and Harewood Championship, while Catherine focuses on Harewood.
“The British Hillclimb Cup (BHC) and the Harewood Speed Championship… two wheel drive, over 2 litre, that is dominated by Porsche cars.”
Their car is a Porsche GT4 RS, a serious bit of kit.
Photo Credit: Mark Crayden - Crayden Photography
“It’s basically a road legal version of a completely insane race car. We love it!”
Richard heads into 2026 with clear intent after a strong debut season.
He finished 2nd in the British Hillclimb Cup in 2025, narrowly missing the title, while also securing double wins at Shelsley Walsh and Doune.
Photo Credit: Mark Crayden - Crayden Photography
At Harewood, he won the Class 1C championship in his first season and holds multiple records on the hill.
What Is Hill Climb Racing?
Hill climbing is one of the purest forms of motorsport.
“Drivers race individually against the clock to achieve the fastest time up a short, uphill course.”
There’s no racing side-by-side.
“Unlike circuit racing, competitors do not race wheel-to-wheel; instead, each driver attempts to set the quickest time during their run.”
Courses are tight, technical, and unforgiving — often on closed roads or purpose-built tracks with steep gradients and rapid elevation changes.
Photo Credit: Mark Crayden - Crayden Photography
“You must quickly learn the course and push the car to the absolute limit in a single run.”
That’s what makes it so intense.
“It does make it one of the most intense and skill-focused forms of motorsport.”
In the UK, venues like Shelsley Walsh and Harewood are iconic within the sport, while globally events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb highlight just how big hill climbing can be.
How the Partnership Came Together
The connection with Carl Cox Motorsport came together quickly.
“I reached out via the CCM website and received a very positive response… after a few emails the deal for 2026 was done.”
Photo Credit: Richard Andrews Instagram
For Richard and Catherine, the alignment goes beyond racing.
“As former GenX 90s clubbers, myself and Cathy are huge Carl Cox fans.”
That connection to Carl Cox made the partnership feel natural.
“The sponsorship means a lot. It aligns us with an instantly recognised global brand… it's our dream sponsor and a perfect match for us.”
Hill climbing is all about execution under pressure.
“You get nervous as hell at the start of each run… fighting over tenths of a second for first place.”
Then everything switches.
“As soon as you see that green light, the nerves do go. It’s all consuming and an incredible buzz.”
Background Beyond the Track
Richard’s background stretches well beyond motorsport.
From racing motorbikes and producing motorsport films, to launching events and working in marketing, it’s been a varied path, including producing race coverage that was picked up by major media and building a long-standing connection to road racing culture.
Photo Credit: Mark Crayden - Crayden Photography
Catherine’s story blends motorsport with a strong connection to car culture and travel, alongside a shared passion for music.
That shared background makes this partnership with Carl Cox Motorsport a natural fit, sitting at the intersection of motorsport, cars, and music.
A New Chapter for 2026
This marks a new step for Carl Cox Motorsport as it continues to expand into different areas of racing.
Hill climbing offers something different, short, sharp competition where every run counts and precision is everything.
For Richard Andrews and Catherine James, 2026 is about building on strong early results and seeing how far they can take it.