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NERM Was Proud to Support One of the Nation’s Oldest and Steepest Races

At the New England Racing Museum, we believe racing is baked into the DNA of the automobile, and nowhere is that spirit more alive than at the legendary Wilbraham Hill Climb. First run in 1908, this iconic event predates many of America’s most famous motorsports traditions and remains a thrilling nod to racing’s earliest days.

Watching racers climb 700 feet in elevation 23% grade course (steeper than Pike’s Peak) the Wilbraham Hill Climb isn’t just a drive, it’s a full-on assault against gravity. Every year, 20+ vintage race cars and motorcycles return to Main Street to take on the mountain, racing not just against each other, but against time and history for the coveted title of King of the Mountain.

This event isn’t only about the hill, it’s a full-day celebration of automotive culture. With live timing displays, leaderboards, and a chance to meet special guest Wayne Carini, the excitement goes beyond the race. Dozens of show cars, rare builds, and classic beauties line the streets and the lawn of Wilbraham Monson Academy, turning the town into a rolling showcase of automotive excellence.

We at the New England Racing Museum were honored to be among the seven museums participating in this year’s festivities, proudly displaying pieces from our collection alongside other esteemed institutions like the Audrain Auto Museum, Heritage Museums & Gardens, and Owls Head Transportation Museum. Events like this are vital to our mission, preserving and celebrating the people, cars, and moments that shaped motorsports in New England and beyond.

As Ruth Thompson, Deputy Director of NERM said - “The New England Racing Museum participated as a vendor at the Wilbraham Hill Climb. A 1940’s midget was on display in the booth which brought attention and questions about its 60 hp engine. Jim Lowery was right there to explain it all! We met several people from MA and CT who had not heard of the museum and it is now on their list as a destination to visit. Long time volunteers, David and Dianne Howes helped out in the booth along with board member Jim Lowery and Ruth Thompson, NERM Deputy Director. The highlight was watching our past president and current board member Tom Crompton, in his Tomahawk Special Big Car taking timed laps on the hill climb throughout the morning!”

Tom Crompton, Board Member of NERM added - “From a participant's perspective, the pre-event dinner the night before the Hill Climb was a great opportunity to meet others that share our passion. I was wearing a NERM hat and had a number of people approach me about the museum, two of them were in the Great Race last year, another was at our Racers Reunion car show the previous week, and many more expressed interest in supporting the New England Racing Museum in a number of ways. The enthusiasm and passion were palpable. The cars that raced up the hill were incredible! Be sure to check out the photos on their web site!”

The Wilbraham Hill Climb is more than a race; it’s living history in motion. We’re proud to support it and look forward to seeing even more fans, cars, and racers join us next year as this incredible tradition continues to climb.