BEHIND THE WHEEL – Chris Rimmer

PPIHC
January 4, 2024

CHRIS RIMMER’S SUBARU IMPREZA IMPRESSES PPIHC FANS

Colorado Springs, CO – As the New Year was celebrated atop Pikes Peak and around the globe just days ago, planning for the 102^nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo was already well under way. And with one week remaining until applications for the 2024 event close, competitors from near and far are gearing up for June.

Drivers have a variety of reasons for challenging the 156 turns on this iconic mountain from realizing a childhood dream, to building a family legacy, to an opportunity to push beyond their limits. Sharing the inspiration for his PPIHC racing career, Chris Rimmer, a five-time competitor in the Time Attack 1 division, recalls, “Back in the days when I was rallying in the UK, I saw the Ari Vatanen Climb Dance film, and that’s what inspired me to do Pikes Peak.”

Rally Passion

A rally competitor for four years at national and international events, Rimmer offered specifics, “I’ve raced and rallied in the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Spain. I stopped competing in 2008, but then decided to race at Pikes Peak for the first time in 2017. It’s pretty much the only race I’ve done since. I’d certainly like to do more, when I have the time,” offered the 50 year-old driver, “since there are so many race tracks and rallies in the US I want to experience.” While he represents the UK when racing, he currently makes his home in Sag Harbor, New York.

Focused on the Finish

Rimmer entered the fray on Pikes Peak for the first time in 2017. Despite encountering patchy fog from Cove Creek to the 16 Mile marker, his smooth rookie run to the summit earned him 8th place in the Time Attack 1 division with a time of 11:21.582.

With a second top ten finish in 2018, Rimmer strapped in behind the wheel of his proven machine for the 2019 event. Unfortunately, a series of on-course delays forced many drivers to race a shortened course as weather moved over the mountain later in the day.

Post-COVID, Rimmer returned to America’s Mountain for the milestone 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds in 2022. Although competitors would run to the summit, they would do so under adverse weather conditions. Another finish in the clouds for Rimmer.

In 2023, Rimmer waited for the green flag with clear skies ahead. His goal was to clock 11 minutes. His 110mph radar speed through Halfway Picnic Grounds helped him beat his stated goal by three seconds for a personal best race time of 10:57.351.

Subaru Sound

Asked about the turbo sound that PPIHC race fans love, Rimmer exclaimed, “I don’t get to hear it properly inside the car, and I don’t know enough to explain what causes it, but I certainly get a lot of people saying they love the sound of the car. I also believe one of the race photographers does a pretty good impression of it!” Check out a throwback video to Rimmer’s first run in 2017 showcasing this fan-favorite turbo sound.

5 Runs on Pikes Peak with the #555

With five finishes notched on Pikes Peak, Rimmer explained why he has always raced his 2007 Subaru Impreza in the TA1 division up the 12.42 mile course. “My passion was rallying. I was competing in the late 1990s in the UK when Subaru became an iconic rallying brand. This car was built specifically for the Nürburgring 24hr, which it finished multiple times. We changed the turbo and mapping and it made an ideal car to use for PPIHC. It may be one of the only cars in the world to complete the 24hr and PPIHC multiple times.”

Asked about the significance of his 555 race number, Rimmer pointed out, “555 was the long-time sponsor of the Subaru World Rally team, so it seemed fitting as a race number on a Subaru.”

GET TO KNOW CHRIS RIMMER

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I was very lucky to grow up boating in Ibiza, it’s my passion and my job. I studied yacht design and construction at college, then crewed on super yachts before getting into sales. It’s enabled me to live in various countries, and spend lots of time on the water. My pride and joy is a 1973 wooden Riva, which is a classic Italian boat.”

“My favorite book is The Art of Racing in the Rain. I was a huge Ayrton Senna fan, watching the Grand Prix every Sunday.”

“When I moved to America I rescued a dog who was already named Enzo!”

Pikes Peak heroes? “Ari Vatanen and Sébastien Loeb”

Most challenging section: “The top section because the bumps are throwing the car all over the place. You’ve nearly made it to the top, so you don’t want to throw it all away, but you’re still pushing for a good time. It’s a fine balance.”

Favorite section: “The lower section, because it’s so fast and flowing.”

If you could run any car on Pikes Peak, what would it be? “Sébastien Loeb’s Peugeot 208 T16“

Advice for a PPIHC Rookie: “Take some time to appreciate what a spectacular location and special event this is.”

What keeps you coming back? “The dream of the perfect run with no mistakes, and clear blue skies. The road is so much fun to drive, as well as challenging. I get to hang out with great friends for a week, and have a good laugh. I’ve done some pretty cool racing like Rally GB, Nürburgring 24hr, but PPIHC is such a unique event – it’s very special.”

CHRIS RIMMER CELEBRATES PERSONAL BEST TIME