This is the 60th running of the annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb in Kelowna.

(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA – Some hill climb veterans of the past will join new, up-and-comers at the 60th Knox Mountain Hill Climb next month.

Hill Climb chairperson Bryan Fulton describes every year as a family reunion, but even more so this year.

“Because this is the 60th, there are many drivers who haven’t been in a few years coming back this year," Fulton says. "We are also very fortunate that we have long term volunteers as well.”

For one weekend a year, the 2.2 kilometre road in scenic Knox Mountain Park becomes a time trials race track featuring gut-wrenching speeds, sharp corners and heart-stopping elevation changes.

Cars run one at a time, each racing to the top in the lowest possible time. Drivers reach speeds in excess of 160 kilometres per hour competing in classes ranging from open wheeled formula cars to large engine GT cars.

The current hill record is 1:37.065, held by Vancouver resident John Haftner.

Races start at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 20 and there will also be an exotic car show sponsored by August Luxury Motorcars as well as a Bavarian Beer Gardens at the base of the hill.

“The excitement at the hill is infectious," Fulton says. "The cars come to the line, and some in fewer than two minutes are at the top.” 

Children under 15 who are accompanied by an adult are free. Pets are not allowed.

For safety reasons, Hill Climb organizers ask spectators to avoid wearing or displaying the color red.

Tickets will be available at the gate for $20 for single day or $25 for the weekend.  

Anyone interested in volunteering should message the Knox Mountian Hill Climb Facebook page or email volunteers@knoxmtnhillclimb.ca.

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