Twice a year, the small town of Weatherly comes alive with the sound of engines, cheering crowds and a tradition that has been bringing people together for generations. The Weatherly Hillclimb has been part of the community for 65 years, and for many people, the connection to the event begins long before they ever get behind the wheel.

For longtime hill climb driver Ray Kochin, that connection started when he was just a kid. His earliest memories include watching the races with his dad, building makeshift Power Wheels with friends and dreaming about what it would be like to one day compete himself. Eventually, that childhood curiosity turned into a goal and Ray was determined to make it happen. Getting behind the wheel meant making some sacrifices. Ray sold his quads, dirt bikes and Harley to get the car and roll cage he needed to start racing. His first runs came with a learning curve, including an early spin that left him wondering if he had made a very big mistake. But instead of walking away, Ray focused on becoming a better driver. Fifteen years later, he's still racing.

Over the years, Ray has gone through plenty of cars. He became known for his big orange car, but today he's racing a Crosskart on the same twists and turns that first captured his attention as a child. For Ray, the hill climb is about more than the cars. It's about the people standing along the course, cheering from the hill and helping keep the event moving forward. As the years have passed, he's watched the event grow, with more competitors, more spectators and a new generation becoming part of the tradition.

That tradition is something Ray hopes to continue with his own family. His daughters have been around the hill climb from the beginning, watching the races and cheering him on from the start line. For Ray, seeing his kids become part of something that has meant so much to him makes the experience even more special. He's hoping to leave them with the same love for racing and the community that he grew up with.

The family connection to the hill climb extends beyond the drivers. Jen Kunkel, Secretary of the Weatherly Hillclimb Association, also grew up with the event as a part of everyday life in Weatherly. With her grandparents living right next to the hill, the races were almost like a holiday that came to town every spring and fall.

Her grandfather was a familiar and friendly presence around the event, helping with the grounds and eventually being recognized for his support. After he passed away, Jen was invited to become involved and help carry on the family tradition. What started with something as simple as planting flowers quickly grew into a much bigger role. Jen's children helped alongside her, and over time, her involvement expanded until she became Secretary of the association.

For Jen, being part of the hill climb is about preserving something that has been woven into the fabric of Weatherly for generations. And that sense of community extends far beyond the people directly involved with the races.

The event brings visitors into town from other communities and states, giving local businesses an economic boost while also showcasing the strength of Weatherly's volunteer spirit. It takes a community working together to make the hill climb happen, from organizing the event to preparing the grounds and welcoming the thousands of people who come to experience it.

The racing may be what brings people to Weatherly, but it's the people, families and memories that keep the tradition going. After spending time with Ray and Jen, it's easy to see that the Weatherly Hillclimb isn't simply an event that happens twice a year. It's a piece of the community's history, one that continues to grow with each generation while holding on to the traditions that made it special in the first place. And for people like Ray and Jen, being part of that history isn't just about looking back. It's about making sure there's a future for the next generation to experience it, too.