Ultra4 USA Announces Three Competitors for 2026 PPIHC

PPIHC
April 16, 2026

ULTRA4 USA ANNOUNCES LOREN HEALY, PAUL WOLFF, AND PHILLIP MCGILTON FOR 104TH RACE TO THE CLOUDS

JOHNSON VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, April 16, 2026 – Ultra4 USA will make its return to the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, with the inclusion of Ultra4 USA competitors at this year’s race on June 21, 2026.

The effort will feature three of the sport’s most accomplished drivers: Loren Healy, Paul Wolff, and Phillip McGilton, marking the first time in 15 years that Ultra4 vehicles compete in an official capacity at the iconic mountain race.

Known for conquering brutal terrain at events like King of the Hammers, Ultra4 USA drivers will now face a dramatically different challenge: 156 turns, steep elevation gain, and rapidly changing conditions from the start line to the 14,115-foot summit.

“Ultra4 was built on the idea of doing what others won’t — taking on the toughest terrain, the biggest challenges, and figuring it out along the way,” said Dave Cole, Co-founder and owner of Ultra4 USA. “Pikes Peak is one of the most iconic races in the world, and bringing back Ultra4 isn’t just a moment — it’s a statement.”

A Championship-Caliber Lineup

Loren Healy — Multi-time King of the Hammers champion and one of the most decorated drivers in Ultra4 history. Healy will campaign “El Bandito,” a 1,000-horsepower Ford Bronco built on a 4400 Ultra4 chassis by RTR Vehicles.
Paul Wolff — A seasoned competitor with deep experience across off-road disciplines. Wolff will pilot his UFO-built 4400 race car, a purpose-built Ultra4 machine designed for durability, speed, and adaptability across extreme terrain.
Phillip McGilton — One of the most prominent stars in Ultra4 USA, known for his performance and consistency at the highest levels of competition.

A Historic Crossover

The reemergence of Ultra4 USA at Pikes Peak represents a significant moment for both disciplines, blending the raw and unpredictable nature of off-road racing with the precision and speed of hill climb competition.

“The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has long welcomed a wide range of disciplines and competitors to the mountain,” said Melissa Eickhoff, CEO of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Bringing back a fan favorite, like the Ultra4 vehicles, adds a fun element to the race while showcasing drivers and vehicles that thrive in some of the toughest conditions in motorsports.”

Ultra4 USA last competed at Pikes Peak in 2011, when a small group introduced off-road machines to the mountain. Founder Dave Cole led the effort with a third-place finish in the Pikes Peak Open division (13:05.318). JT Taylor who placed fourth and returns in 2026, competed alongside Samuel Berri, Kevin Yoder, Roger Lovell, and Matthew Peterson.

Levi Shirley piloted a 2014 Campbell Ent. Single Seat IFS Ultra4 vehicle in the 100th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and famously finished the race despite flipping the car at Engineers Corner.