Over 1,000 car enthusiasts will be treated to the 10th or 11th Empire Hill Climb Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
“This is the end of the school year party for most racers,” event organizer Paul Skinner said. “Every (racer) has already done championships, and this is the last event before winter.”
The competitive but family-friendly event draws all kinds of people to make the trek up Wilco Hill’s natural stands for the best seats in the house.
As Wilco Road ages, the need for repavement is something to consider. A streetsweeper and other small details will be met in time for the time-trial race.
As of Monday, there are 51 entries featuring a diverse range of race cars from various eras. The event attracts approximately 45-55 cars each year and around 1,500 people as of 2024. Live commentators greet spectators on top of the hill to bring life to the race.
The first cars roar up the hill at 10 a.m., with short breaks in between several classes or divisions of cars. There will be a lunch break around 1 p.m. before resuming and wrapping up around 4:30 to 5 p.m. with an awards presentation after. Competitors are parked to show off their cars between Union and Laru St. On Friday, spectators are welcome to visit the tech inspection at Johnson Park.
The Empire Hill Climb is still seeking volunteers to assist with race day. For more information on how to help register at https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/empire-hill-climb-volunteers-wilco-road-scca-detroit-502929.
Help support the event with a donation at the event to allow the continued success of the event through Venmo.
“Could use a little TLC, hopefully sometime in the future, get repaved. Most of the problem is the heavy rain and no retention,” Skinner said.
The drift class is returning as a crowd favorite around the sharp corners of Wilco Road.
