Drivers reach top speeds in 59th annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb

The sound of roaring engines filled the air near Knox Mountain, as drivers from as far away as Australia rolled into Kelowna to take part in the annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb.

Now in its 59^th year, the Knox Mountain Hill Climb is the last remaining hill climb in Canada and is the longest running paved hill climb in North America.

Drawing 70 competitors from all across North America and around the world, the event has drivers racing from the bottom of Knox Mountain to the top. Travelling up the 3.5 kilometre hill, facing an elevation of 800 metres and dealing with tight switchbacks, the hill climb is one of the most challenging and unique driving events of its kind.

“What makes this race special is when you’re driving up a mountain road like this, the slope of the road is downhill,” explained Chief Executive officer of the event, Bryan Fulton.

“If you were building a highway, the slope would be inside toward the corner to help hold the car on the road. So you’re driving a car on a road where the road is actually trying to throw you off the road as opposed to keeping you on the road.”

Not designed for amateurs, each competitor must have a valid competition licence to participate. Vehicles on the course can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres an hour. The event runs over two days, with different vehicles competing in different classes. The winner of the event is crowned King or Queen of the Hill.

The hill climb is also an opportunity to raise money for local charities. Charities have the chance to get involved with the climb, as well as set up information booths on the event site. Some of charities involved in the 2016 event include Sunshine Dream Lift, Kids Care Cancer Porsche for the Canadian Cancer Society and the BC SPCA.

“It’s all about creating an opportunity for people to come out and experience car racing and opportunities for local charities to raise money to support their causes,” said Fulton.”

At the end of the first day of competition, Fulton said the fastest time was under two minutes, clocking in at 1:50.4.

The fastest time on record for the Knox Mountain Hill Climb was set by John Haftner, with a time of 1:37:065.