Cars roared up iconic Wilco Road in Empire on Saturday, with nearly 50 cars racing in the time trial event. Thousands roaming the streets for the biggest event of the year along the forest shores of Lake Michigan. “The Hill Climb went well; we saw beautiful weather, and the crowd was as good as ever,” Empire Hill event coordinator Paul Skinner said.
This year’s race tallied roughly 500 cars and an estimated 1,200 to 1,300 people.
“It was a good turnout, and everybodywenthomeunscathed except for one or two slightly bent motors,” Skinner said. Skinner mentioned they will start talks for next year’s race in October. There was a diverse entry of beefed-up sports cars and vintage classics. The Empire Hill Climb represents one of the last races for many participants in 2024.
“There isn’t a lot of racing left after this, and we get together for a party and racing as well,” Skinner said.
Friday night saw hundreds gather for a cookout, and after Saturday’s race, they assembled for a presentation of awards at Johnson Park.
Results (best time): Class 1:
Aric Streeler (21.707), 2. Mark Jarvis (24.488), 3. Mike Purzycki (26.003), 4. Michael White (26.137), 5. Scott Drabik (26.493), 6. Luke Quilliams (27.452).
Class 2:
Evan Weider (21.308), 2. Scott Wolforth (21.914), 3. Frank Schwartz (21.914), 4. Josh Remmetter (23.626), 5. Cory Gordinier (24.145), 6. Cody Hall (24.252), 7. Chase Blakely (25.399), 8. Ian Wenzel (26.589).
Class 3:
Brian Blaine (20.854), 2. Andrew Bayley (21.782), 3. Devon Tyler (22.068), 4. Ron Lordy (22.386), 5. Keith Hagen (22.400), 6. Darko Stojankovski (23.475), 7. Craig Olvey (23.506), 8. Konrad Waksmundzki (23.881), 9. Colin McCleery (23.897), 10. Adam Pickworth (24.763), 11. Scott Lankton (31.868).
Blaine has claimed titles at Empire Hill Climb in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2019.
Class 4 (drift):
Frank Fardell (25.764), 2. Tim Pointer (26.417).
