Empire Hill Climb 2026 Saturday

Some things never go out of style — Watching classic cars race up Wilco Road in Empire. 
The Empire Hill Climb will rev up Wilco Hill Road Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, from the shores of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 
The iconic time-trialed race includes all sorts of race cars, from homebuilt monsters to vintage racers, rally cars, and drift cars. This unique motorsport event has an old-school feel, is FREE to attend, and is fun for the whole family.
During its original run (1964 to 1980), some of the best cars of their time made their way up the hill, including Austin Healeys, Jaguar E-Types, AMC Gremlins, Formula Fords and V’s, Triumphs, Corvettes, Porsches, and even a Ferrari or two. Empire Hill Climb is back for its eighth season in-a-row.
This year's course is about 3/4 mile with 8 turns.
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.
On Friday, there will be a “Parc Exposé” in downtown Empire, allowing spectators to get up close and personal with the race cars before they make their way up the hill.
There will be five competition classes Saturday (all day): Class 1 – NA 2.0 litre and less, FI up to 1.0 litre; Class 2 – NA 2.1 - 3.9 litre, FI 1.1 - 1.9 litre; Class 3 – NA 4.0 litre and up, FI 2.0 and up.
Vintage (older than 30 years); Drift - Prize awarded by judge appointed by EHC committee (MAXIMUM 5 entries to be selected by EHC committee)
The Misers’ Hoard in Empire is the 2026 sponsor, as owner Paul Skinner has been a fixture for the event for many years. 
Last year’s attendance brought in more than 1,000 car enthusiasts. 
The first cars roar up the hill at 10 a.m., with short breaks between several classes or divisions. 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.