DAN NOVEMBRE CAPTURES FIRST OPEN WHEEL DIVISION WIN
Colorado Springs, CO — The 2025 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, saw an all-PPIHC veteran, all-Pikes Peak Region podium in the Open Wheel Division on June 22. Five competitors entered the division, with four completing the weather shortened race to Glen Cove.
Loni Unser presented trophies to the winners on behalf of division sponsor, the Museum of American Speed, in Lincoln, Nebraska which recently opened the Unser Racing Collection.
Dan Novembre, driving the 2013 Wolf GB08S TC Special, captured his first ever division win with his time of 03:57.774. This victory marks a significant achievement for Colorado Springs-based Novembre, a fourth place overall finish.
A veteran of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Novembre has been competing since 2009, marking his 17th year in 2025. This was the 4th year he entered the Wolf, and his first time back in the Open Wheel division since 2021.
Top contender, Codie Vahsholtz of Woodland Park, Colorado, third-generation racer from the legendary Vahsholtz family, claimed second and finished 6th overall with his shortened course time of 04:02.175.
It’s noteworthy, that neither Novembre nor Vahsholtz finished in 2024, when both experienced rare mechanical failures. These friendly rivals share another commonality; both drivers are consistently among the top qualifiers and, in fact, have made the OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 every year since its inception in 2021. The only other competitor to achieve this is Don Wickstrum, aka the Fastest Pastor.
Rounding out the top three was second-generation driver, Rodney O’Maley of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the 2018 O’Maley Special Spec VIII who delivered a consistent performance with his clocking of 04:22.434. O’Maley also stepped onto the Fast 15 qualifier stage for the first time this year.
David Meyer, also of Colorado Springs, driving an O’Maley-prepped car, finished fourth with his time of 04:42.354. While it made for a great photo, Meyer blew his motor during qualifying and scrambled to fix it in time for Race Day.
Ryan Cheek of Black Mountain, North Carolina made her second appearance on the mountain in her American X Kart Cross Kart, and for the second time, scored a disappointing DNF.
VIEW OFFICIAL RESULTS
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia
