Multi-time pro Hare & Hound national champion (and occasional NAHA hillclimber) Kurt Caselli crashed during the Baja 1000…and his injuries proved to be too much to overcome.  He passed away yesterday at the age of 30.

A dominant force in the offroad racing world, Caselli was also an important part of several ISDE teams for the US as well as a former AMA Sportsman of the Year.  And it was a real treat to see him on a hillclimb bike.  Like the greatest among us, above all else he just made everything seem easy.  His dedication to the sport was immense, and he will remain an inspiration to competitors everywhere.

Discussion on our forums.

Multi-time NAHA pro national champion Harold Waddell was injured during practice at a motocross track this past weekend, and is currently being treated at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Harold’s family has been a huge part of the hillclimb community for decades, and our thoughts are definitely with him as we wish for a full and speedy recovery.

More info in the forums.

Update 10/19/2013 – a note from Harold’s wife Ashley:

25 days ago Harold sustained one of the most unthinkable accidents on a dirt bike. It gives me chills to even think back to that day. Right now he is still in rehab and is working very hard through both physical and occupational therapy. We are looking ahead and making arrangements to facilitate his transition back into our home. I can’t begin to describe how far he has come given his circumstances. He makes the most of each and every day and continues to keep such a positive outlook. The motivation that Harold has brings the passion for his life and his sport to a whole new level. Each day is a blessing and we are so thankful for friends, family, each other, and life itself.

Harold’s mom Doris would like everyone to know how much Harold and the family appreciates all the support they’ve received from the hillclimb community…and apparently that his biggest disappointment so far is that he doesn’t remember the helicopter ride to the hospital.

He did it!  Team Action Machine’s Jason Smith pulled out a win in all 4 NAHA classes in 2013, with one of them being a squeaker…Jason took 1st place in X-Climb by a mere 2 points over Logan Mead.  HUGE congratulations to Jason and Team Action Machine!

And how about some big props as well for Logan Mead, who took 2nd place in 3 of the 4 NAHA classes, and for Nick Beer and Travis Whitlock who both picked up 2 top-3 finishes.  Petey Krunich rounds out the group with a 3rd place in the 450 Exhibition class…only 4 riders accounted for all 12 of the top-3 spots across all 4 classes.

Head on over to the NAHA website at www.NAHAHillclimb.org to see full standings!

Congratulations to all the competitors who came out on top at the 2013 Grand Championship, hosted by Quaboag Riders M/C in Monson, MA!

Click Here for Results

And naturally a special tip of the hat to George Loring of Upton, MA – your new King of the Hill national champion!

AMA Hillclimbers of the Year:

Youth: Cael McCutcheon – ATV: George Loring – Amateur: Logan Cipala

As part of a joint effort involving district directors and clubs/promoters across the Midwest, King of the Hill supports the petition for change in the AMA that has been circulating at hillclimb events throughout the Midwest this year.

There’s a lot of information, points of interest, and thoughts behind this process.  The petition itself as well as lots of other stuff, and an invitation for discussion, is posted on our forums.  Please take a look, let us know what you think, and join us in the effort!

Link to Petition Topic on the Forums