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Rockwell Pro Hill Climb Series
$150,000
The Richest Three-Event Motorcycle Hill Climb Series
in the WORLD!! |
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Western States Professional Hill Climbing is as unique as the states it was developed in. It is a rough, rugged sport for riders who are unafraid to risk it all to conquer the extreme hills that make up our events. The three part Western States Series includes the oldest and richest hill climb (The Great American Championship), the most widely recognized (Widowmaker) and one of the fastest growing (The Big Sky Challenge). All of our events are known to be well run, well organized operations that cater to both the crowds and the riders. Because of this, we are able to grow our series despite the economy. Western States has always been the hill climb series by which all others are measured and by all accounts, we are still on top.
The most significant accomplishment for Western States is our guaranteed purse policy. In 2008, between three events and year end points total in purse and prizes awarded to our riders was more than $140,000 ($133,790 of that was cash). When you ride our events, there is always complete transparency about what you are riding for. In 2009, the total series payout, in purse and prizes, will increase to $150,000 making us the richest series in the world!
In 2009, we are pleased to announce the addition of Rockwell Time as our title sponsor for the series. Rockwell is a huge supporter of extreme sports and what better venue to support than the original extreme motorcycle sport.
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2008 was a great ride..With new champions,more members and increased interest from outside, we all came out winners.
 
2008 saw the Young Guns of hill climbing emerge as forces to be reckoned with! Eric Cherry started off the year with his wild ride over the wall at the Big Sky Challenge to capture the first championship. Then Petey Krunich, with his colors flying proud, wrestled himself not one but two Championships at the Widowmaker and at the Great American. He even made it into the record books, unseating Travis Whitlock for the title of the youngest champion ever (he was ten months younger than the previous record holder). Cherry, in the meantime, kept racking up the points to secure the title of Overall 2008 Champion. There is a new generation coming up in the ranks and fear obviously is not in their minds.
2008 saw record numbers of new series riders.
This past year more than 200 pro riders registered to compete in the Western States Hill Climb. At the same time, we have seen record numbers of trophy riders at all of our events. More and more youngsters are being bitten with the hill climb bug. Last year, the Great American went to a full three day program with the trophy riders being the stars for a full day on Friday. Due to increased marketing of all three venues, more and more riders want to see if they can hold on for a great run over the hill.
 2008 saw the Great American celebrate its 90th year, which is definitely one for the record books.
Back in 1918, a group of frontier cowboy types stood at the base of Zimmerman trail here in Billings, MT and one told the other he could beat him to the top on his Indian. Not to be out done, the other said "You're on!" and hillclimbing started in Montana. Our 420-ft hill lies dormant for 363 days each year, with only Mother Nature carving away at its face. While not as tall as the Widowmaker, the bottom, made up of gnarly turns and treacherous ledges, along with the sheer 60-ft, near vertical face at the top, makes one bad hill to ride. Local riders are never allowed to test themselves against the hill during the year. For the entire month of July, Billings Motorcycle Club prepares for the invasion and then the engines roar to life. First the riders and then crowds come and for three days it is all about nothing but guts, glory and horsepower. While other hill climbs have come around and faded away, the Bentonite Nightmare and its two companion events will continue to roar to life each year due to the dedication and efforts of BMC and the Western States Series and the support of our sponsors. |
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 2009 is coming fast and looking great with new sponsors, bigger purses and better changes for the fans and riders.
2009 features more sponsors than ever!
Thanks to the work of our promoters we are proud to announce the addition of new sponsors desite the downturn in the economy that is affecting other events around the country.
The Great American is pleased to announce that in addition to Miller Lite, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Recreational Action Sports/Midland Claims, we have added Montana Honda and Marine which is allowing the promoters to add to the purse, increasing it to $41,000. First place for the big iron classes will now pay $2,500!
Finally, we have also brought the crew from Rockwell Time on board for the whole series. They will be producing specially designed watches for the Champions this year worth $11,000. Check out their website for more information on these really cool watches. The guys who take home the money this year will really be stylin'. And look for the awesome Rockwell trailer at most of our events this year.
2009 will feature changes.
The Big Sky Challenge hill now has a ledge in the middle to give riders a little western-style charge and catchers will be a little safer. We have also expanded the spectator area so you can get a fuller view of the hill and improved the sprinkler system. We are just letting Mother Nature take charge now. Don't forget the rider meet and greet barbeque will be Satuday night of the event with food sponsored by Darrell and Kathy Devitt and cooked up by Scott Jones and Mark Polen.
The crew in Utah has been making changes to the Widowmaker, finally completing the sprinkler system on a 1,000 foot run of hill climb madness. They are going to make sure that when riders and fans come out, the show is worth every mile traveled with a new and returning add-ons to the fun.
The Great American will see riders back on the wall in 2009. In addition, the shuttle tents for spectators will feature curbside drop off, air-conditioning and possibly even live taped coverage of all the action. Camping for non-competiors will be available with special evening entertainment. We are going to be ready for a great year!
Ryan Richardson of Ryno Designs has come up with some fantastic new artwork for the Rockwell/Western States Pro Hill Climb shirts, the new number plates graphic and even "new school" t-shirt designs for the the Great American. He is definitely capturing the spirit of Western States.
The overall points payout has also been increased thanks to our new sponsors and the savings from us "going green" with rider registrations. It will now go from $17,500 to $20,000 guaranteed payout. |
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These are the veterans to watch out for in 2009
They are still on top of their game and gunning for a big piece of the purse!
Shannon Chamberlain
Jon Smith
Dave Johnston
Pete Krunich
Kurt Koester
Kirk Mueller
Nolan Martin |
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Young Guns to Watch in 2009
Talent and consistency will put them over the top
Petey Krunich
Eric Cherry
Matt Coleman
Ryan Richardson
Corey Erhardt
Cody McLean | |
Finally and most importantly a big thank you to everyone who has helped us get where we are.
Without the riders in our series, we would not be able to offer such exciting events. Western Style hill climbing is not unlike bull riding. Our riders throw a leg over a 1200cc bucking, twisting and turning motorcycle, point it straight up from a standing start and twist that throttle - and they have to last anywhere from 9-36 seconds depending upon the hill! Real pros like Shannon Chamberlain, the Kruniches and Jon Smith make it seem effortless as they breeze up the hill like they are taking a Sunday drive. To make it over the top takes pure guts, lots of adrenaline and more horsepower than any man should try to ride. Thank you for making the show better each year.
Our events would not be quality shows without our support staff of catchers, ticket takers, organizers and vendors. Some put themselves in harms way to make our motorcycle rodeo safer every year but to call them clowns would be a disservice. They do it because they love the sport and being in the middle of the action. For those who work behind the scenes, we know we could not do it without you. Thanks for keeping us safe and making the events some of the best organized in the country.
Finally, without the support of our sponsors and surrounding communities, these events would be impossible to put on. As we all know, you need money to bring riders out and you need the support of our community else to keep our visitors happy. Without these people, our fans and riders would not return year after year. Thank you for helping us to look so good.
 
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| Western States Professional Hill Climb Series
PO Box 20421
Billings, Montana 59104
Darrell (406) 252-5588 or Julia (406) 256-5824
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