Hillclimb grand championship gets going
Races continue Sunday until complete
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NEW ULM -- After Friday's rain washed out races, the 2026 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Hillclimb Grand Championship changed from a three-day to two-day event Saturday and Sunday.
Hundreds of the nation's best hillclimbers came from the New Ulm area and as far away as New York State, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Louisiana.
For many local competitors, some of which have won multiple national titles in recent years, it was another day on the Minnesota River Valley hillclimb.
Jason Braun, 48, of Sleepy Eye, has been hillclimbing for 35 years. He's won eight national titles and many other awards. He was was timed climbing the local hill in under five seconds. In his earlier years, he raced snowmobiles up the hill at Golden Gate Campground, north of Sleepy Eye.
Braun said he's too old for snowmobiling races now, but he's broken his leg twice and broken a collar bone in motorcycle hillclimb events, but it hasn't stopped him yet.
Braun was qualified to become a professional motorcycle hillclimber after finishing faster than more than 400 competitors in Michigan a few years ago, but said it was too expensive to become a pro.
Why does he do it?
"It's about adrenaline, racing up the hill," said Braun. "Hillclimbing can be tricky, trying to find the right track and gear. This hill will be muddier and muddier, making it more slippery as the day goes on."
His son Kaden, 18, has been competing in hillclimb events since he was four years old.
"I've been in conditions like this many times on this track," said Kaden Braun after looking at the newly-renovated but damp hillside at the Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club Saturday morning.
"I just like riding my (motor) bike outside," he said. "I like to hunt deer and pheasants too, but I'd rather race a motorcycle up a hill."
Bennett Braulick, 11, of Sleepy Eye, has been racing up hills since age four too.
"It's fun. I guess it's the rush of it," he said. "I like playing hockey too."
Luka Marble, 15, of North Mankato competed with a number of girls Saturday. She's won four national titles.
"I've been riding motorcycles my whole life," she said. "I like the adrenalin of being on a bike and having fun."
Easton Mack of New Ulm has won many hillclimbing honors including Mini King of the Hill last August, clocking a 7.091-second run up the Flying Dutchmen Club hill in the Super Mini division and a 5.827 second run that won the 200cc class.
Hillclimb results will be published after they are received.