FLORENCE, Wis. — Keyes Peak in Florence is hosting the third annual side by side uphill truck drag racing event on Saturday, March 12.

Starting at 10:30 a.m. trucks from five states will be racing up the snowy slopes to the finish line at the top of the ski hill. Watch as all types of modified trucks, some with jacked up fuels, step on the gas and race to the top.

Event proceeds go to volunteer groups: Keyes Peak Ski Hill Committee, Blue Ox Trail Riders and Florence Volunteer Fire Department. Spectator admission is $10 (kids 12 and under free). Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Food and beverages will be sold, so no carry-ins, please.

Race organizers made many changes over the summer to improve the event experience for spectators and racers. Trees were cleared to improve spectator viewing. Trees at the top of the hill were cleared for a safer truck finish. A new PA system and announcer deck were added so everyone can hear race results and fun details about each driver and truck.

A new groomer/tiller was purchased to keep the hill more consistent for each driver. The starting line and return back to the pits were leveled so all trucks can navigate these areas without getting stuck.

The parking area at the hill has also been expanded. Online pre-registration was added and is required, which will shorten the check-in process Saturday morning.

Spectators can park in the expanded lot north of the Ski Lodge. When that lot is full, spectators must park at the following locations and catch a free shuttle bus to the event: Great North Bank, Florence High School, Florence Visitor Center, Northern Lites, Annie’s Trading Post, Leff”s Sports Bar. Four shuttle buses will be running every 15 minutes. For safety reasons, there will be no parking along Highway 101.

There are now six truck classes and more big-truck races will be held earlier in the day so fans can see the nitro excitement.

Truck entry fees vary from $35 for classes A-D, $50 for class E and $100 for the new class F. Guaranteed $11,500 in cash payouts. There are no cc motor limitations. Cash prizes and trophies will be given at the end of the day to the top two to three finishers depending on the class.

Go to “Keyes Peak Up Hill Truck Drags” on Facebook for details, registration and rules or call Ray Mills at 715-889-3378 or Jordan Stanek at 906-367-0652.