DAVID DONNER BUILDS ON FAMILY LEGACY AT PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO – With a racing career spanning more than 25 years on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, David Donner, of Colorado Springs not only continues to stand on the podium, but he brings a passion for the race that has been generations in the making.
Donner brought a new build to the 103rd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, in June, a 2025 Wolf Aurobay GB08, similar to the one 2024 Rookie of the Year, Christian Merli, raced last year.
Although the race day runs were shortened to Glen Cove, due to dangerous winds in the upper section, Donner’s decades of familiarity with the course helped propel him to the podium. He earned third in the challenging Unlimited division behind the Italian duo of Faggioli and Degasperi with his time of 04:01.117. All in all, it was Donner’s 21st podium finish at Pikes Peak.
HERITAGE AND HALL OF FAME
For more than 75 years, the name Donner has been synonymous with the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a legacy woven into the fabric of America’s most grueling high altitude motorsports event.
At the forefront of this enduring dynasty stands David Donner, a driver whose skill, passion, and remarkable achievements have solidified his place as a true legend of the mountain. To honor the family’s achievements and contributions to the famed Race to the Clouds, the Donner family was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame in 2016.
David Donner’s Pikes Peak adventure began decades before he was born into a family steeped in the event’s history. His grandfather played a pivotal role in restarting the race after World War II, and his father, Bob Donner, Jr., etched his name into the record books with three Sports Car victories, all in Porsches, during the early 1960s.
David’s late brother, Bobby Donner, III, also made his mark on the 14,115 foot peak, claiming the Open Wheel win in 1989, further cementing the family’s deep connection with America’s Mountain.
THREE OVERALL WINS
Donner, a multiple King of the Mountain champion, has consistently demonstrated an unshakable ability to conquer the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course. His first overall win came in the Open Wheel division in 1991, driving a 1991 Donner-Dykstra with a time of 11:12:42.
He earned his second crown in 2002, again in a Donner-Dykstra, with a time of 10:52.30 in the Open Wheel division. His third overall victory came just three years later, in 2005, behind the wheel of another purpose built Donner-Dykstra Special. Until Clint Vahsholtz captured the King of the Mountain crown in 2020, Donner was the last American to hold the title following his 2005 overall win.
WINNING WAYS
Donner’s victories span various divisions, showcasing his versatility and adaptability to different machinery, from purpose-built open wheelers to a Palatov, to production-based Porsches, to the sleek new Wolf Aurobay. Donner has the ability to find the optimal racing line, no matter what he’s driving.
In 2012, Donner won the Unlimited division in a 2012 Palatov D4PPS in 10:04.652. He had been absent from the mountain for five years, but never lost his touch.
The next milestone came in 2015 when Donner set a class record in the Time Attack 2 group in his 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S in 10:26.896, amidst typical Pikes Peak weather.
In 2016, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb celebrated its 100th Anniversary and Donner was not only back on the mountain, but back on the podium. He clocked a 10:00.813 to win the Time Attack 1 division in his 2013 Porsche GT3R.
Being among the first Hall of Fame members to return to competition post-induction, Donner would now sport a bespoke white Gran Turismo windshield banner in recognition of his achievement.
His 2020 Time Attack 1 division win in the eye catching, one-of-a-kind, 000Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport marked his first sub-10-minute run, an 09:36.559.
In 2022, Donner was back on the mountain, in a second 000 Magazinecollaborative effort in the Exhibition division, driving a 2022 Porsche Turbo S in the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds.
“On Pikes Peak you only have one attempt. You pray for good weather and no mistakes.”
David Donner
While the Donner legacy continues to grow, it’s become more than just a collection of wins and records. It represents a spirit of relentless pursuit, an inherent understanding of the mountain’s challenges, and a deep-seated respect for its unpredictable nature.
From David’s perspective, Pikes Peak isn’t just a race, it is tradition, heritage, and respect for both the mountain and the 12.42 miles to the summit. It’s a challenge that continues to beckon. Asked what keeps him coming back, Donner replied, “Pikes Peak is like no other event. Certainly, the challenge, but it’s a week of pure adrenaline that can go many different ways.”
GET TO KNOW DAVID DONNER
Instagram: @rennod
Fun Facts:
“I remember riding up Pikes Peak with my dad and brother when I was a kid. But, once I got my driver’s license, I drove up there as often as I could.”
“I’ve raced, and won, on Pikes Peak when it was all gravel, partially paved, and fully paved.”
“The mayor of Colorado Springs (Bob Isaac) sent me a bill for $40,000 after I hit the summit house after brake failure one year. Luckily, it was forgiven.”
What’s your favorite corner? “All the ones I don’t hold my breath going flat out!”
What other races have you enjoyed? “In road racing, 24 Hours of Daytona, Petite Le Mans, Porsche Trophy Cup and Carrera Cup Series. I also got an FIA Class speed record of 170 mph in a Subaru Wagon!”
Don’t miss a close up look at this Donner-Dykstra race car, along with a film that tells the story behind it, at Penrose Heritage Museum in Colorado Springs, for a limited time. Admission is free.
Photos by: PPIHC – Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Jason Zindroski. Other: Revvolution.com, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Rupert Berrington, Ashley Arimborgo, Larry Buche’, PPIHC Archives
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