07/19/2026
There was a time at the Great American when making it to the top wasn’t the only challenge… you first had to survive “The Wall.”
From 1996 to 2006, The Wall became one of the most infamous sections in Great American Hillclimb history. It wasn’t just steep—it was brutal. Riders launched into it at full speed, only to be met with a near-vertical obstacle that could end a run in an instant. Spectacular saves were rare. Violent crashes were not.
The Wall created unforgettable moments and legendary stories, but it also proved to be one of the most dangerous features ever built on the hill. After years of punishing both riders and machines, it was retired in the interest of rider safety.
In this video Mel Kimball was the only rider to summit in 2002!
Today, The Wall lives on in Great American lore—a section respected by everyone who raced it and feared by everyone who stood at the bottom watching.
If you were there between 1996 and 2006, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
What’s your favorite memory of The Wall? Share your photos, videos, or stories in the comments and help keep this legendary piece of Great American history alive.
