TRUCKS RACE UP the hill during a previous Uphill Truck Drags event at Keyes Peak in Florence, Wis. The fifth-annual side by side racing event is set for Saturday at the Keyes Peak ski hill off Highway 101.

FLORENCE, Wis. — Keyes Peak in Florence will host its fifth-annual Uphill Truck Drags side by side racing event Saturday.

“Every year we attract more attendees and truck racers. This year we have racers coming from all around the country and even Ontario, Canada,” said Eric Printz, director of Florence County Economic Development.

Gates open at 8 a.m., with national anthem at 10:15 a.m. and racing from 10:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Awards will be at 6 p.m.

The event now has six truck classes and more of the big-truck races will be earlier in the day so fans can see the nitro excitement. Truck entry fees vary: A-B $35; C-D $50; and $100 for the class E and F.

Organizers say $15,000 is guaranteed in cash payouts. There are no cc motor limitations. Cash prizes and trophies will be given to the top two to three finishers depending on the class.

Trucks will be racing up the snowy slopes to the finish line at the top of Keyes Peak. All types of modified trucks, some with jacked-up fuels, step on the gas and race to the top. It’s a loud, aggressive event, organizers said.

“The weather looks good, with temperatures slated to be in the mid 30s and party sunny,” Printz said. “The team is keeping snow in place and everything is groomed.”

He advised people to wear appropriate footwear, as the bottom of the hill can retain water and/or ice.

Spectator admission is $10, with kids 12 and younger let in for free. Food and beverages will be sold on site, with no carry-ins allowed.

Spectators can park in the expanded lot north of the ski lodge. When that lot is full, spectators must park at these locations and catch a free shuttle bus to the event: Great North Bank, 541 Central Ave.; Florence County High School, 425 Olive Ave.; Florence Visitor Center, 5638 Forestry Drive; Northern Lites, 4838 Highway 70; Annie’s Trading Post, 5203 Keyes Lake Drive; and 101 Bar & Grill, 5050 Keyes Lake Drive. Four shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes. For safety reasons, no parking will be allowed along Highway 101.

Major sponsors include Great North Bank, One O One Bar and Grill, Ritz Diesel, Mecca Family and B&D Ryan Trucking. Others contributing to the event include Churchill Construction for building stairs up to announcer’s platform, Spread Eagle Fireworks for the use of their tent, Midway Rentals for Bobcats/Skidsteers and Roy’s Boys racing for the big green starting light.

Proceeds go to three volunteer groups: Keyes Peak Ski Hill Committee, Blue Ox Trail Riders and Florence Volunteer Fire Department.

“Based on what we’re seeing on social media and hearing from people, we believe we’ll see in excess of 4,000 attendees,” he said. “Come join us at Florence County’s biggest event and fundraiser of the year.”

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.