The sounds of engines and the smell of rubber is drifting through Kelowna this weekend.
Cars of all shapes, sizes and builds came out to race in the 60th annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb for May long weekend.
Some special participants got to ride up 800 vertical feet in a GT3 Porche, even though they were only children.
Hands Together for a Cure driver Brent Thorkelson is taking children, siblings and families affected by cancer up the hill climb which takes approximately two minutes.
He drives a 2007 GT3 Porsche and fits the kids in full racing attire.
“We wanted to get a car that was capable, getting the kids to over 100 miles an hour, which is important and something that is going to leave a lasting memory for them,” said Thorkelson.
The car is covered in handprints, handprints which honour a little girl.
“All of the handprints are signed by kids who are battling cancer right now,” he said.
Siblings from Calgary, Sofia and Rand Smith will be sitting beside Thorkelson during the race.
“I’m really excited because it’s my first time,” said Sofia who was dressed in a special nonflammable racing suit.
Neither had been in a racing car before and looked forward to zipping up the hill.
Both enjoyed the weather as there was no sign of rain in the sky.
This will be Thorkelson’s fifth year in the race.
In the last four years, Hands Together for a Cure has raised around $70,000 for cancer research.
“It’s also about raising money for kids cancer research… this year our goal is $30,000 so we’re hoping to break the $100,000 mark.
For more information on the fundraiser visit the Hands Together for a Cure website.
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