Capturing another M&M Powersports Pro Mod King of the Hill last year was Ontonagon's Mike Kirtland. Kirtland won the Diamond House International coveted King of the Hill jacket. Courtesy of David Archambeau

SOUTH RANGE — The Pat’s Motorsports – Wildlife Refuge Cabins Motorcycle Hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff in South Range is being held today.

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 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 five 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 Kirtland. Kirtland is the No. 1 motorcycle hillclimber in the MASTERS and has taken King of the Hill honors for four straight years. One would have to go back to the first 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, which was won by Ishpeming’s Brad Havela of Chain Gang Racing. Havela’s biggest challenge came from his brother, Gage, and Kirtland. Taking a third last year was Colin Kemppainen. Kemppainen captured the Keweenaw Motorsports Crash of the Day last year. He thrilled the fans with his crash in this 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 looks 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, who looks to return. Leif Forcia started racing with the MASTERS since the circuit began in the mid-1990s.

The Chain Gang Racing team focuses on this hillclimb each summer.

“We will give Mike (Kirtland) a run for the King of the Hill (today). Mark my words,” commented Brad Havela. In addition to bringing a very competitive team, Chain Gang Racing joins the Kirtland family in helping with timing and distance officials.

Final registration occurs from 8 to 10 a.m. this morning. Competition is to start at 11 a.m., with the fan gates opening at 10 a.m. Fan entrance is $10. Parking is $5.

“It’s difficult to tell the future, but due to health reasons, 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 today’s Pat’s Motorsports-Wildlife Refuge Cabins Motorcycle Hillclimb, a presentation of Diamond House International, Moyle Construction and Eagle Radio.