It’s ba-ack. What began as a fundraiser in the 60’s then spent several years on hiatus, was reborn in recent years with renewed vigor. The 2022 Empire Hill Climb will be taking place Saturday, Sept. 17. “It attracts [drivers] because of its uniqueness,” says Empire's Paul Skinner, race chair.

Unique it is. Drivers start just south of the intersection of Washington Street and Wilco Road in Empire, then follow the meandering road at speeds up to and over 100 miles per hour up the densely wooded hill, ending just before the start of the Empire Bluff Trail. It’s not just about speed though, as the drivers must navigate the twists and turns as well as the rough road.

Mike Taghon, former owner of Taghon’s Garage in Empire and a lifelong racer and race enthusiast, headed up the original version of the event in the early 60s. “We were looking for a fundraiser for the Lions Club (of Empire). I’d raced cars forever and was interested in something like that,” he says.

The Empire Lions Club, Maple City Lions Club, and Twin Bay Car Club teamed up to make the event a reality. Taghon says they were able to raise money for the clubs. “It went really smooth. We made some good money, and it was all volunteer – there was no (monetary) investment.”

During its original running, a variety of cars zoomed up the hill: Austin Healeys, Jaguar E-Types, Formula Fords, Triumphs, Corvettes, Porsches, maybe a Ferrari or two, even AMC Gremlins. “There were lots of cars. We had two days of racing,” Taghon says.

Things got more complicated after the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was created in 1970, as the route ran into what had become federal property. Spectator parking became an issue, as did the increased use of Empire Bluff Trail and regulations from the state and federal governments. Taghon eventually stepped down, and while the race continued briefly, the sometimes differing goals of the four organizations that ran it and dwindling interest among their members eventually led to its demise. The last one took place in 1980.

Gone forever? Not quite, as the event gained new life in 2014. That’s when transplanted Englander Paul Skinner — like Taghon, a lifelong car and race enthusiast — agreed to rally racers for another go up the hill. “I come from a small village in East Yorkshire. Within the village were five people with rally cars,” says Skinner.

Though in love with racing, he didn’t feel he had the ability to be a driver. But another skill came in handy. “My father was a geography teacher, and I had an affinity for maps. I could read them while driving through the forest at 70 or 80 miles per hour. That led to me being a navigator,” Skinner says.

Skinner’s agreeing to chair the new iteration of the race led to its second life, beginning in 2014. At its first revival, the Empire Hill Climb’s entry list ranged from a Formula Ford to a Modified Circle Track car, which won the race. “The first year we had 13 entries,” Skinner says. “Now we’re full within minutes.” This year there will be 45 cars, split into three different competition classes, based on engine size: up to 2-liter, 2.1 to 3.9, and 4-liter and above.

Andy Gale, head of Bay Area Recycling for Charities, has worked with Skinner (who is also president of the Empire Chamber of Commerce) on other Empire-based events, including the Asparagus Festival and the Hops Festival. When Skinner approached him about the Hill Climb, Gale jumped onboard.

Skinner said the race needs upwards of 90 volunteers for registration, timing and scoring, parking and other aspects, to make sure everything runs smoothly. He estimates there are about 45 thus far. Gale is helping round up volunteers, which are still needed along the course. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact him here.  

Ryan Thompson, owner of three automotive businesses in Cedar — Thompson Racing Fabrication (where he builds complete racecars for customers all over the country), Leelanau Performance and Leelanau Automotive — has also helped with the race since its renaissance, and Leelanau Performance is serving as the title sponsor this year. “There are technical rules to follow. I guide that, manage the budget, make sure we have a safe race,” he says.

Though the former competitive racer has mostly stepped aside from racing himself, Thompson is quick to share what makes this grassroots event in Empire so special: “It’s not exceptionally competitive, and there is a tremendous variety of cars and enthusiasts coming together in a beautiful place to race cars and enjoy each other’s company. Imagine a day you can go on [Wilco Road] as fast as you can. We all just wish it was longer!”

While the race isn’t long, it affords drivers an opportunity to challenge themselves and their vehicles on the twisting route up Wilco Road. “You hear them revving their engines and then go screaming up the hill,” says Gale.

The road itself is in rough shape, and bales of hay or straw are set up alongside it in case drivers spin out, reminiscent of some go-kart tracks. Gale takes the comparison to heart. “This is go-karts on steroids,” he says.

Race photos by JS Photo.