Upcoming Great American Motorcycle Hill Climb

That’s right, the 106th Miller Lite Great American Championship Motorcycle Hill Climb is scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Billings, just in time for the predicted exit of 101-degree days in favor of temperatures in the high 80s.

“We’ll be turning down the heat a little bit,” said first-year promoter Kevin Bromenshenk, noting snow cones and beverages will be available on-site to help people stay cool. “After it hits 105 on Wednesday, we’ll feel the difference.”

And for the umpteenth time then, riders, spectators and personalities will be making the annual trek to the South Hills in Billings to witness the spectacle.

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Approximately 175 professional riders will be trying to conquer the fabled Bentonite Nightmare, which is estimated at 550 feet.

Riders are drawn to Billings by the history behind the hill climb and also a purse of $35,000 for the Rockwell Pro Hill Climb Series event.

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“That’s a good number,” said longtime promoter Cord Mitchell of the number of entrants. “It’s a great turnout. We always have a huge turnout with guys from all over the United States coming.”

Another aspect that helps attract riders to the Great American — once billed as “America’s oldest, richest and biggest” — and held at the “motorcycle hill climbing capital of the world” is eligibility.

“We have a lot of great riders coming,” said Bromenshenk, who has competed in the Great American since 1998. “This event is open to anybody who wants to sign up. We don’t cap our rider count, except for the 0-600cc class.

“As many people who want to sign up, we want to see them come and try and conquer the hill.”

The pro hill climb is Friday and Saturday at the Billings Motorcycle Club from 1 p.m. until approximately 11 p.m. both days. The cost is $15 a day or $25 for the weekend. Kids 10 and under are free with a paying adult and camping is available. Tickets are only available at the gate.

In addition, a trophy hill climb will be held Friday from 8 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m.

Mitchell said he fields calls and the club receives inquiries from fans from near and far asking details about how to watch the hill climb.

“We’ve been getting calls from guys coming from all over the country,” said Mitchell. “It’s always nice to watch these guys make trips from all over the country to watch the hill climb.”

Mitchell said this year, as in years past, people will be in attendance for documentary videos, or to blog, and to write national stories on the hill climb.

“They always show up,” he said of those who want the opportunity to record history.

Bromenshenk said this year the BMC is bringing in a “professional announcer” from California named Wilson Ornelis.

“He’s really excited,” said Bromenshenk. “It’s been on his bucket list to announce this for a long time.

“He’s been in the sport and riding as long as I have. He brings a lot of color commentary and hill climb information and understanding of the sport.”

Bromenshenk said fans will hear Ornelis’ voice over an improved PA system. Bob and Tim Whitmer partnered with John Stark and now the BMC has a “professionally done sound system,” said Bromenshenk. In addition, the signal over the 88.5 FM channel at the club grounds will be stronger for those who wish to listen to the hill climb from their radio while in attendance.

“You’ll hear a noticeable difference in our stereo system out here,” said Bromenshenk.

Also to make the day more comfortable and enjoyable, the BMC will be bringing in five food trucks, which will offer menu items such as barbecue, pizza and tacos. Beverages such as pop and water, along with mixed drinks and beer for the adults, will also be available to purchase.

After all, when an event has been around for as long as the Great American has, the BMC wants to do it right.

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“It’s hard not to when it’s the 106th year running,” said Mitchell. “Even during COVID, we got a lot of pressure to not have the hill climb. And we said, ‘No way. We are not going to miss a year.’ For the club, it’s a huge deal and the whole club is involved and it’s a huge tradition.”