Empire Hill Climb is back for 2026!

Join us for the Empire Hill Climb!

The Empire Hill Climb will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with races starting at 10am. Cars will drive up Wilco Road in Empire. Race cars will be on display and open to spectators all day in downtown Empire. 

The Empire Hill Climb originally ran from 1964–1980 and has only increased in popularity since its revival.

The Race will start at the bottom of Wilco Rd and consists of 6 turns traveling a total distance of 0.6 miles up Storm Hill

Competitors are split into 5 classes and will get at least 6 timed/competition runs up the hill

• Class 1 – NA 2.0 liter and less, FI up to 1.0 liter
• Class 2 – NA 2.1 – 3.9 liter, FI 1.1 – 1.9 liter
• Class 3 – NA 4.0 liter and up, FI 2.0 and up.
• Vintage – (trophies only, not for prizes, may dual enter in appropriate class)
• Drift – Prize awarded by a judge appointed by the EHC
• Exhibition – (Does not qualify for prizes)

photos courtesy of Tara Hurlin

2026 Empire Hill Climb Schedule

Get more information on the Hill Climb website!

 Friday, September 18

6:00-8:30pm: Tech Inspection & Volunteer Check-in

Saturday, September 19

8:00am: Registration for Competitors and Workers

8:00-9:00am: Parc Expose/Car Show on Front Street

10:00am: Timed Runs Begin on Wilco Road

12:30-1:30pm (approximately): Lunch Break

1:30pm: Afternoon Timed Runs Begin

6:00pm: Pit Cleanup

Access to Hill Climb

Empire Hill Climb