The Greenlee County Tourism Council and Town Of Clifton, in conjunction with the Arizona Border Region of Sports Car Club of America, announced the return of the Clifton Hill Climb in 2022.
The timed auto race up Ward Canyon Road, will take place April 30 to May 1.
In addition to seeking racing glory, participants will also help support a scholarship for high school students in Greenlee County.
Ever since its beginning in 1966, the Clifton Hill Climb has been about community. The friendly folks of Clifton personify having fun and that is likely why the Hill Climb is still running strong.
Last year we were privileged to honor former Mayor Felix Callicotte who tirelessly fostered community service. In keeping with tradition, this year we wish to spotlight and honor those that pledged to sacrifice it all to safeguard their community, members of the American Legion Lloyd C. Hill Post Number 28. Founded in 1990, the post is manned by over 100 members, making it one of Clifton’s largest non-profit organizations. With their strategic location, and ample parking, it will host both the post-parade rally – driver meet and greet, and the awards dinner again this year.
In these days of international conflict, our attention is drawn to remember, commemorate, and give thanks to all those that served in our military to defend our way of life. Truly the ultimate community-spirited volunteers, thanks for your service to all members of Lloyd C. Hill Post #28.
The Greenlee County Tourism Council also thanks co-sponsors: Sports Car Club of America (Arizona Region) and Town of Clifton plus those volunteering from the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department, Clifton Police Department, Clifton Public Works Department, Greenlee County Roads Department, Greenlee County Sheriffs Department, Greenlee County Ambulance, Water’s Towing, Ace Hardware, and many other volunteers who contribute to the success of this event.
Lastly, we wish to thank dozens of race car drivers that risk it all in traversing the 1.9 mile, 22 tricky cornered, 586’ elevation gain course up Ward Canyon.
Whether you watch on a big-screen in a local pub, in person at the raceway, or with your binoculars from the hillside, be certain to be part of the tradition and continuing saga of car and racer against the course and the elements. Reserve the dates, April 29, 30, and May 1, 2022.
Last year, this writer (and a few others at the finish line) witnessed a driver pilot his racer some 100’ off-road along a heavily fissured vertical cliff, without benefit of first one, and then his second front wheel, and live to tell the story. I wish you had been there so we could talk about it.