The Pat’s Motorsports – Wildlife Refuge Cabins Motorcycle Hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff in South Range will be this Saturday, July 20th . Once again Ontonagon County’s Mike Kirtland will be defending his M & M Powersports Pro Modified King of the Hill Crown. Kirtland’s son, Gabe, will look to defend the Timberline Sports Junior King of the Hill.
Since the Mid America Snow and Terrain Expert Racers (MASTERS) brought the popular Hillclimb back, Copper County Hillclimbers have won numerous classes. It was Rockland’s Brian Pence that took the Moyle Construction Pro Stock King of the Hill. Pence joins Mike Kirtland in winning multiple classes and being two of the very few riders to actually make it over the top of the steep Whealkate Bluff.
“It is always less than 5 runs up the hill each year where the Hillclimbers actually set a time,” commented Kristy Junak, MASTERS Official. “Sometimes a rider will get all the way to the top, but the ‘Wall’ at the top prevents them from getting through the timing chute. This Hill is very challenging, which creates excitement for both the riders and the fans.”
In addition to the ‘Wall’ at the top, the hill becomes rough as the day progresses. “That’s what makes this Hillclimb fun,” exclaimed (Mike) Kirtland. Kirtland is the #1 Motorcycle Hillclimber in the MASTERS and has taken King of the Hill honors for 4 straight years. One would have to go back to the 1st Motorcycle Hillclimb that the MASTERS sanctioned to find someone else that has taken the Pro Mod King of the Hill. That was Houghton’s Mike Chopp.
What eluded Kirtland last year was the coveted Jesse Perry Memorial 450 Class. That was won by Ishpeming’s Brad Havela of Chain Gang Racing. Havela’s biggest challenge came from his brother, Gage and Kirtland. Taking a 3rd last year was Colin Kemppninen. Kemppninen captured the Keweenaw Motorsports Crash of the Day last year. He thrilled the fans with this crash in this class. This is the Hillclimb’s ‘Cash’ and featured class. Jesse Perry lost his life right after the 2022 Hillclimb in a non- motorcycle tragedy.
Iron River’s Shane Bandola was unable to compete last year, however this past Pro Stock King of the Hill look’s to return this year. The Copper Country’s Forcia Racing had the Queen of the Hill, Jamie Moilanen, and the longest running MASTERS Racing Circuit competitor, Leif Forcia that looks to return. Leif Forcia started racing with the MASTERS since the Circuit began in the Mid-1990’s.
The Chain Gang Racing team focuses on this Hillclimb each summer. “We will give Mike (Kirtland) a run for the King of the Hill this Saturday. Mark my words,” commented Brad Havela. In addition to bringing a very competitive team, Chain Gang Racing joins with the Kirtland family in helping with Timing and Distance Officials.
Registration runs on Friday Afternoon from 3 to 8 pm (ET), with final registration being Saturday Morning from 8 to 10:00 am (ET). Competition to start at 11:00 am, with the fan gates opening at 10:00 am. Fan entrance is $10.00, Parking is $5.00.
“It’s difficult to tell the future, but due to health reason’s this may be the final year of the Motorcycle Hillclimb. The MASTERS will focus on Snowmobile/Snow Bike Hillclimbs, along with Terra-X Snowmobile Racing,” concluded Sandy Schulz. “A lot will come down to fan and racer attendance, and as I said, the health of my husband.” The MASTERS hopes that fans and racers will make it to this Saturday’s Pat’s Motorsports-Wildlife Refuge Cabins Motorcycle Hillclimb, a presentation of Diamond House International, Moyle Construction, and Eagle Radio.
The MASTERS hopes that fans and racers will make it to this Saturday’s Pat’s Motorsports-Wildlife Refuge Cabins Motorcycle Hillclimb, a presentation of Diamond House International, Moyle Construction, and Eagle Radio.
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