COLORADO-BASED KINGSLEY PROVES RACING IS A LIFESTYLE
Colorado Springs, CO – From top names in motorsports with factory-backed efforts to drivers who got their start with garage builds in local grassroots series, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has welcomed them all. These homegrown teams have been the heart and soul of the race since its earliest days.
Andy Kingsley was like many kids around the world who grew up playing Gran Turismo driving the game favorite Escudo Pikes Peak made popular by Monster Tajima. He loved it and could beat any car in the game.
When he was young, Kingsley enjoyed watching the Hill Climb and going to local races with his father. “My father wasn’t a racecar driver but he was a professional hot air balloon pilot setting records flying over the Continental Divide and competing for over 30 years at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,” shared Kingsley. “He also had a passion for mechanics, automobiles and engines which seemed to trickle down. Growing up, he would tell me the stories of the Unsers and Dallenbachs and their success in racing. These stories inspired me to create the drive and courage to compete alongside some of the greatest names in motorsports at Pikes Peak.” Kingsley eagerly explained, “What attracted me to Pikes Peak was the big wings and loud exhausts of these 600-800hp racecars, shooting massive fireballs and rooster tails all the way up the dirt road to the summit of a 14er right here in Colorado!”
Rude Awakening
Kingsley, who makes his home in Buena Vista, Colorado has been racing among his heroes on Pikes Peak for seven years. He made his rookie appearance on America’s Mountain in 2014 behind the wheel of his #300 Subaru Impreza STi in the Time Attack 1 division. He shared, “I have been a fanatic of Pikes Peak since my father taught me to turn a wrench as a 15-year-old. Ever since, I have had the need for speed! I first raced Pikes Peak in 2014 driving an overstressed Subaru. The mountain chewed me up and spit me out that first year, but ever since, my passion for racing has become a lifestyle.”
Despite a DNF on his first attempt at the 14,115′ summit, Kingsley continued to challenge the mountain through 2017 in his Subaru, then moved to a 2002 Porsche 911 which he has run in the Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak Open and Unlimited divisions.
Gaining Ground
After a one year hiatus, Kingsley was back on the mountain in 2016 for the 100th Anniversary of the iconic race. He finished his run in 11:55.849, claiming 12th in the Time Attack 1 division.
The Best is Yet to Come
Racing on Pikes Peak is made of ups and downs, and Kingsley’s return to the mountain in 2017 ended on a down note, but despite a DNF, he was undeterred. For two years he worked tirelessly on building a new race car, and his efforts paid off in 2020 when he captured a 4th place finish in the Time Attack 1 division.
Alcon Brakes – No Holding Back Award Winner 2022
Following the milestone 100th Running, Alcon Brakes presented the No Holding Back Award to Kingsley in recognition of a competitor who overcame challenges and persevered to reach the checkered flag on race day. Jonathan Edwards of Alcon Brakes shared, “It’s remarkable to see these local racers competing against factory teams. We chose Andy to receive this $10,000 product award since we see his dedication to coming back year after year, basically as a one-man show, with grease under his fingernails, as crew and driver. He’s making this happen and Alcon wants to help elevate his vehicle to the next level.”
Kingsley’s 2023 entry, outfitted with an Alcon Brakes package clocked an 11:12.021 for a ninth place finish in the Unlimited division.
GET TO KNOW ANDY KINGSLEY
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I love Las Vegas!”
“Sometimes I enjoy driving to a destination more than the destination itself.”
“I lost both my parents to cancer, so it’s important to me to raise awareness of how families are affected by cancer. I want it to be known that you are not alone in this world. Cherish the moments you have, keep fighting, and live every day to the best you can.”
Pikes Peak heroes? “Paul Dallenbach. My late father had told me if I ever wanted to race, talk to Wally Dallenbach. I met Wally in 2012 as a spectator and just so happens I now race with Wally’s son, Paul.”
Mentors on Pikes Peak: “Tim Hardy – he’s like a member of my family.”
Favorite Pikes Peak memory: “2020 was the most impactful year – competing in a self-built Porsche 911 and clocking my best time to the top. It was a goal I wasn’t sure was possible, but somehow it happened. Being on the summit of the mountain I never felt closer to my parents than I did that day. It was years of hard work coming together in that moment. I reflected on that the entire drive back down. Each year I make it to the summit is equally powerful, but 2020 was a long time coming.”
Favorite section: “I thoroughly enjoy the W’s. I also make up names for the turns I like. I have nicknamed the section two turns past the Sump ‘Andy’s Straight’.”
Most challenging section: “My favorite is also my most challenging – The W’s – many corners appear to be the same.”
What’s different about racing on Pikes Peak? “The Mountain. This place provides the rarest environment with technical driving, low air density, and high speeds all in one package.”
Favorite Food: “In-N-Out for sure! No team meeting is successful without it!”
Andy Kingsley spins out at Ragged Edge but pushes on to the summit.
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
(719) 685-4400
