YOSHIHARA + HRC BREAK NEW GROUND AT PIKES PEAK IN 2025 WITH HYDROGEN-FUELED EV
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has long served as a grueling proving ground for automotive technology. The 2025 Race to the Clouds was no exception.
Formula Drift Champion, Dai Yoshihara, representing Japan, teamed up with Honda Racing Corp as they raced toward the future of alternative fuels.
DRAW TO THE MOUNTAIN
“My journey to Pikes Peak started with a deep respect for the race long before I ever competed,” explained Yoshihara. “I had heard about its legendary status growing up in Japan. My first attempt was a huge learning experience, and each year brings new challenges.”
That first attempt was made in 2019 with Yoshihara behind the wheel of a 2013 Toyota 86 in the Time Attack 1 division. He moved to the Unlimited division the following year in the same make, collecting a surprise win.
He returned in 2021 and again for the 100th Running of the PPIHC, in a 2018 Tesla Model 3, competing in the Exhibition division where he would take second in the milestone 2022 event.
Yoshihara last competed on America’s Mountain in 2023 in a 2005 Honda S2000.
FIRST WITH HYDROGEN – FIRST OFF THE LINE
Yoshihara made his sixth appearance at Pikes Peak this year, and each one has brought its own challenges. He shared, “It was my first time starting first, so it felt a little extra nerve-wracking knowing I was setting the tone for everyone else. I also had to keep in mind that the road surface was still green and hadn’t been driven on yet.”
This was the opposite end of the spectrum compared to his 2020 run. That year, Yoshihara’s race week was plagued by mechanical issues. As a result, he was slated to run last on race day. He left the start line in questionable weather, spun out on his way to the summit, yet against all odds captured the Unlimited division win. Yet again, the mountain decides!
SHOWCASING WHAT’S NEXT
Fan Fest, the annual racing celebration in Downtown Colorado Springs, has been a draw, not only for the fans, but for manufacturers and race teams.
With a huge crowd on hand, opportunities to engage with motorsport enthusiasts and curious visitors abound.
HRC took advantage of the popular festival to introduce their hydrogen fuel cell technology, showcasing the vehicle and its zero-emission byproduct – water.
The production CR-V’s race-specific modifications included a full roll cage and racing seat. Some performance upgrades were also added including brake pads, lightweight wheels, and Yokohama race tires. The team also utilized the Zero Emission Industries’ portable hydrogen refueling system to power them up the mountain.
“PPIHC is unlike any other race—one shot, unpredictable conditions, and the ultimate test of focus and precision. That challenge keeps me coming back.”
Dai Yoshihara
HRC DRIVER SELECTION
James Nazarian who leads large commercial motorsports projects at Honda Racing Corporation, explained why Yoshihara was tapped to pilot this year’s entry. He explained, “Going into this, we knew there would be a steep learning curve to race a fuel cell vehicle, and we wanted someone who would give us good feedback, yet had the mechanical sympathy to race what is largely a stock vehicle.
“Ultimately, we chose Dai because our past experience had shown us he’d extract everything the car had to offer without abusing it.”
EXPECTATIONS MEET REALITY
Pikes Peak has long served as a proving ground, and 2025 was no exception. When Nazarian was asked about the CR-V’s performance on Pikes Peak, he replied, “We had done some simulations before starting, so we knew what should be possible. We also knew there was a lot we had to learn with the fuel cell.
“In the end, the car exceeded our expectations. It was never going to be the fastest car up the mountain, but we were pleasantly surprised how trouble-free and consistent our test runs were.”
FINISHING THE 2025 SEASON
With the 2025 PPIHC behind him, Yoshihara has his sights set on what’s next, sharing, “I have Subiefest, Gridlife, JCCS, Goodwood Revival, and a few more events coming up. It’s going to be a fun schedule!”
GET TO KNOW DAI YOSHIHARA
Instagram: @daiyoshihara
Fun Facts:
“Proud dad of two boys.”
“I’m a huge ramen lover.”
“My daily driver is a GMC truck.”
“This year’s project car is a JDM NA1 NSX.”
Favorite section: “I like the entire lower section because it flows really well and feels the most natural to drive. The combination of speed and rhythm makes it really fun.”
What’s the next car you’d like to bring to the mountain: “I’d love to bring a Civic TCR like the one I raced in IMSA. It’s a car I know well, and it would be exciting to see how it performs on the mountain.”
DAI YOSHIHARA EMBRACES INNOVATION IN A FIRST ON PIKES PEAK
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski.
Other: Nathan Leach-Proffer.
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
