FLORENCE, Wis. — Keyes Peak Ski Hill in Florence will host the second annual side-by-side uphill truck drag racing on the snow Saturday, March 13.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., trucks from five states will be pitted against each other in a double elimination format — lose twice and the driver is done. It’s loud, aggressive and event proceeds go to three great volunteer groups: Keyes Peak Ski Hill Committee, Blue Ox Trail Riders and Florence Volunteer Fire Department.

Spectator admission is $10, with kids 12 and younger admitted free. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Food and beverages will be sold on site, so no carry-ins please. Awards will be presented between 5 and 6 p.m., at the end of the event.

Spectators have the choice of watching along the drag route to hear and feel the action, farther down the hill or on video at the ski lodge. The ski hill parking lot is reserved for bus drop-off plus elderly and handicap parking. Participants should park in the new lot to the north of the lodge. Watch for signs on Highway 101. There is limited parking across the highway from the ski lodge.

Most spectators will need to use the shuttle buses departing every 15 minutes to and from these parking areas: the visitor center, Leff’s Sports Bar, Annie’s Trading Post, Northern Lites, the plowed lot 1 mile north on Highway 101 and by text from the Great North Bank parking lot in downtown Florence. Look for large parking signs at each location. For safety reasons, due to snow and mud, there will be no parking along Highway 101.

Truck entry fee is $35 for stock, super stock, pro stock and $45 for mod and pro mod, with truck tech-in from 7 to 9:30 a.m. There are no cubic centimeter motor limitations. There is a guaranteed $8,500 in payouts. Cash prizes and trophies will be given to the top three finishers in each class.

Mother nature is unpredictable in March. The fastest trucks on changing snow conditions may not be easy to pick. Go to Keyes Peak Uphill Drag Racing on Facebook for rules or call Ray Mills at 715-889-3378 or Jordan Stanek at 906-367-0652.