Dear Past, Present and Future PPIHC Competitors,
Fall is upon us. Temperatures have started to drop, leaves are turning yellow and the 2019 PPIHC Rule Book has been posted online. While the majority of the Rule Book has remained unaltered from the 2018 race, there are a handful of major changes that we would like to bring to your attention. Additionally, we have some general updates to share.
DIVISIONS
The car and motorcycle division structure has been condensed from previous years:
Several previous division/class rules have been moved to the Records Appendix at the end of the Rule Book, preserving the opportunity for competitors to challenge for a record.
PIKES PEAK HEAVYWEIGHT MOTORCYCLE DISPLACEMENT LIMIT
The cc limit for Heavyweight Motorcycle displacement has been lifted. Electric motorcycles are now eligible to run in Heavyweight or Exhibition Powersport.
RACE DAY START TIME
Pending unexpected issues (course conditions, weather, etc.), the start time for the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be moved 30 minutes earlier, with the Green Flag dropped at 7:30am.
REQUEST FOR INVITATION TIMELINE
In 2018, we shortened the Request for Invitation Timeline issuing Invitation, Waitlist and Declination letters in January. This change was well received, and expedited the Request for Invitation process. It allowed invited competitors additional time to prepare, test and tune their race vehicles for June, and to finalize their sponsorship agreements. Therefore, we will follow the same timeline for the 2019 Event.
Request for Invitation Timeline:
- October 2018 – 2019 Rule Book posted on PPIHC website
- November 15, 2018 – 2019 PPIHC Request for Invitation Period Opens
- January 4, 2019 – 2019 PPIHC Request for Invitation Period Closes
- January 16, 2019 – Competitor Invitations issued for 2019 PPIHC
- January 18, 2019 – 2019 Competitor List posted on PPIHC website
- January 31, 2019 – Deadline for competitors to withdraw with a refund
- April 15, 2019 – Deadline for waitlisted competitors to be added to the field
RACE WEEK SCHEDULE
Similar to 2018, the optional practice/test and tune session will be held on the Friday of Race Week. The official practice/qualifying sessions will now be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Race Week. With all competitors now completing qualifying before Friday, and Friday’s practice being optional, competitors will have the option to take things easy at the end of the Practice Week and have a full two days to prep their vehicles for Sunday’s race.
JUNE DATES AND TIMELINE
- June 24, 2019 – PPIHC Technical Inspection
- June 25, 2019 – PPIHC Practice/Qualifying Day #1
- June 26, 2019 – PPIHC Practice/Qualifying Day #2
- June 27, 2019 – PPIHC Practice/Qualifying Day #3
- June 28, 2019 – Optional PPIHC Sanctioned Practice/Test and Tune
- June 28, 2019 – PPIHC Fan Fest
- June 29, 2019 – PPIHC Load-in/Pit Set-up Day
- June 30, 2019 – PPIHC 97th Running
- July 1, 2019 – PPIHC Awards Ceremony
BULLETINS
Race Bulletins will be posted on our website as they are released. Please check the site frequently to read these important updates. www.ppihc.org
MARKETING DECK and RACE STATS
As we prepare for the 2019 Race to the Clouds, we would like to share our PPIHC Marketing Overview that includes spectator numbers, fan demographics, race history, media coverage and more. Feel free to share this link with your sponsors and team members – Marketing Deck
SUMMIT HOUSE UPDATE
In June, groundbreaking for the new Pikes Peak Summit Complex was the first whisper of significant change on the iconic mountain. The new state-of-the-art complex, scheduled to open in late 2020, will include enhanced visitor experiences, such as interpretive exhibits, accessible walkways and expanded dining facilities. These are just a few changes coming to America’s Mountain to provide the best experience possible for all of our visitors, including the PPIHC competitors. We invite you to be a part of our journey and learn more at www.givetopikespeak.org.
Thanks,
Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board, PPIHC Megan Leatham, Executive Director, PPIHC
Please note that although the 2019 Rule Book is currently posted online, it will not become effective until November 15, 2018 and changes may be made prior to that date. All dates listed above are subject to change.