Knox Hillclimb for cancer

Photo: Bill Everitt

A car lines up for the practice run in the 57th annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb.

The Knox Mountain Hill Climb returned to Kelowna this weekend for the 57th year in a row to raise money for cancer research.

The event featured the rally race up Knox Mountain, a Knox Mountain car show and a Datsun car show which is run separately.  

Photo: Bill Everitt

A Datsun car show was also on site to help raise money for cancer research.

Bryan Fulton who has helped organize the event for 10 years, said this year the event is focusing on children with cancer.

"We raise money for the Canadian Cancer society and this year in particular, Camp Goodtimes which is for children dealing with cancer in their lives," he said. 

Fulton said about 40 racers came to challenge the hill, compete for the local King of the Hill title and the Canadian National Hill Climb Championship.

The event typically attracts 2000 to 3000 people per day.

Roger Sieber has been racing for four years and came with his wife and son from Fort MacMurray for his third Knox Mountain Hill Climb. 

However, in the practice run he rallied his car right off the track, causing some damage. 

Photo: Bill Everitt

Roger Sieber beginning to fix his Subaru WRX after crashing in the practice run.

"Everything was fine, until I started braking," he said. "I had to use the mechanical hand brake, then hit the tire wall, then the dirt wall - that was the end of that."

"[Knox Mountain] is doing an awesome job, I hope they raise a lot of money." 

He was not sure if he would be able to compete after damaging his front left brake line in the crash.