Empire Hill Climb

Empire Hill Climb This page is dedicated to preservation & rebirth of this Leelanau Automotive Classic.

Check out the Rules at https://dk1xgl0d43mu1.cloudfront.net/user_files/scca/downloads/000/019/854/2017_TT_HC_Rules.pdf?1488483974

Empire Hill Climb returns September 19, 2026.We’re gearing up for another unforgettable race, bringing together vintage,...
01/19/2026

Empire Hill Climb returns September 19, 2026.

We’re gearing up for another unforgettable race, bringing together vintage, modern, and purpose built machines for the most unique grassroots motorsport event in Michigan.

Whether you’re a driver, volunteer, sponsor, or spectator- mark your calendar now.

More details, registration info, and announcements coming soon.

Young Talent on the Hill: Imogen Thompson At just 16 years old, .414 of joined the grid at the Empire Hill Climb, drivi...
09/29/2025

Young Talent on the Hill: Imogen Thompson

At just 16 years old, .414 of joined the grid at the Empire Hill Climb, driving her #414 2018 Subaru STI. Already competing in rally, she brought that same determination and focus to Wilco Road as our youngest competitor this year.

Pics:

The Empire Hill Climb is more than racing- it’s a family event. From wiping down fenders to cheering on drivers, the nex...
09/23/2025

The Empire Hill Climb is more than racing- it’s a family event. From wiping down fenders to cheering on drivers, the next generation is right here with us.

Photo: .b.shots
Team/Driver:

Big thanks to Team Brickyard for having our backs all weekend!They saw more action than we would have liked, but when i...
09/22/2025

Big thanks to Team Brickyard for having our backs all weekend!

They saw more action than we would have liked, but when it mattered most, they came through strong. Fastest truck on the hill and always ready to roll.

Rob Carman’s 71 MK1 Ford Es**rt Photo: .b.shots
09/21/2025

Rob Carman’s 71 MK1 Ford Es**rt

Photo: .b.shots



The Empire Hill Climb doesn’t happen without an incredible team behind it.From volunteers on the hill, to the media capt...
09/17/2025

The Empire Hill Climb doesn’t happen without an incredible team behind it.

From volunteers on the hill, to the media capturing the action, and our board members planning all year long, you make this event possible.

If you helped out this year, drop a comment below so we can give you the recognition you deserve. I’ll add you to the list below!

Your support keeps this tradition alive and growing every year… Thank you!



Special thanks to…
b.shots 📸
🎤
✍️
🔧 🏁414 🔧
⏱️799 📈
📸

1st Place: Class 1Driver: Garret FiskTime: 21.613Car: 1993 KBS MK7Trap Speed: 81 MPH/130 KMHGarret not only put down bla...
09/17/2025

1st Place: Class 1
Driver: Garret Fisk
Time: 21.613
Car: 1993 KBS MK7
Trap Speed: 81 MPH/130 KMH

Garret not only put down blazing fast times but also represented one of the few open-wheel competitors in the field.

Congrats Garret- you’ve earned your spot at the top of the podium!

📸: .b.shots / Nate B

1st Place: Class 2Driver: Evan Weider Time: 20.124Car 1995 Honda CivicTrap Speed: 88 MPH/142 KMH Sponsor: Shoutout to ...
09/17/2025

1st Place: Class 2
Driver: Evan Weider
Time: 20.124
Car 1995 Honda Civic
Trap Speed: 88 MPH/142 KMH
Sponsor:

Shoutout to Evan Weider from right here in northern Michigan for taking home 1st place in Class Two at the Empire Hill Climb!

Evan brought serious speed and localish pride to the hill, showing what determination (and a little northern grit) can do against a stacked field of competitors. His drive was fast, clean, and absolutely deserving of the top step in Class Two.

Congrats, Evan — way to represent Up North in style!

📸 .b.shots / Nate B

1st Place: Drift ClassDriver: Adam Buchanan Time: 25.205 Car: 2003 Nissan 350zTrap Speed: 77 MPH/124 KMHBig congratulat...
09/17/2025

1st Place: Drift Class
Driver: Adam Buchanan
Time: 25.205
Car: 2003 Nissan 350z
Trap Speed: 77 MPH/124 KMH

Big congratulations to Adam Buchanan for taking 1st place in Drift Class at this year’s Empire Hill Climb!

Adam brought the perfect blend of control and style to Wilco Road, earning top “marks” and plenty of cheers along the way.

📷: .b.shots

1st Place: Vintage ClassDriver: Tony GraceTime: 19.881Car: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Trap Speed: 91 MPH/146 KPH📸 .b.shots To...
09/17/2025

1st Place: Vintage Class
Driver: Tony Grace
Time: 19.881
Car: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro
Trap Speed: 91 MPH/146 KPH

📸 .b.shots

Tony posted the second fastest time overall which is quite a testament to the performance of his build- Congrats Tony!

Big shoutout to Aric Streeter aka from Instead of racing up the hill, Aric took on a different role, bringing the acti...
09/16/2025

Big shoutout to Aric Streeter aka from

Instead of racing up the hill, Aric took on a different role, bringing the action to life as an announcer and commentator. His energy, knowledge, and love for the sport kept the crowd informed and entertained all day long.

Events like this don’t just happen because of the cars and drivers they happen because of people like Aric and others who step up and make sure the story of the hill gets told.

Thanks for trading your helmet for the mic this year Aric. You crushed it!

⏱️ Link In Bio: Official Results are here!A huge shoutout to Curt Rosenstengel from the these results simply wouldn’t e...
09/15/2025

⏱️ Link In Bio: Official Results are here!

A huge shoutout to Curt Rosenstengel from the these results simply wouldn’t exist without him. Curt handled all of the timing, bringing in a wireless setup and putting in countless hours to make sure this crucial piece of the event ran flawlessly.

From all of us at the Empire Hill Climb- thank you, Curt, and thank you Furrin Group for helping keep grassroots motorsports alive and thriving.

https://furrin.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-09-13-Empire-Final-Results.htm

Address

Empire, MI
49630

Telephone

(231) 620-1829

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Empire Hill Climb posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Empire Hill Climb:

Shortcuts

Share

Category