DONOHUE CLINCHES DIVISION WIN AND SEVENTH TOP 10 OVERALL FINISH
Colorado Springs, CO –The 102nd Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed both first-time racers and seasoned veterans to the top of the podium. David Donohue of West Chester, PA, challenged the 14,115’ summit of Pikes Peak for the eighth time in June. Plagued by mysterious brake problems throughout the month, including race day, Donohue’s skill and course knowledge paid off as he notched yet another division win on America’s Mountain. This marked his fourth division win, this year in his 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo R, appropriately displaying #911, with a time of 09:49.660.
Over the past eight years, David Donohue has stood on the podium seven times – three in second place and four times at the top. His only deviation was a 2020 DNF after a tire problem sidelined him above Glen Cove. Other than that anomaly, Donohue has finished in the top ten, overall, every year.
“The car we ran this year was the same car that I ran in 2017,” shared Donohue, “even though it looks completely different. It started life as a Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series show car and over the years has evolved and been developed specifically for racing on Pikes Peak by Porsche Colorado Springs.” Donohue has exclusively raced Porsches on America’s Mountain throughout his eight years of competition.
CHALLENGE: BRAKING
Pikes Peak throws obstacles at competitors every year, from weather, to road conditions, to mechanical issues. Donohue gave some insight into what he faced during the 102nd Running, sharing, “It is comical to me that every year, no matter how much you prepare, there is some sort of struggle. Despite this car having run the race on three previous occasions, we struggled with the brakes the entire month. We changed almost every part of the system, and still never found the problem. Porsche Colorado Springs, BBI Autosport and even Romain Dumas’ team pitched in and never gave up.
Aside from that, the car was flawless. Having Mobil 1 on board was a special treat to celebrate their 50th anniversary, so qualifying in the Fast 15 and then winning the division on race day was extra special. It certainly made for a busy night at Fan Fest running between the Fast 15, Mobil 1, and Yokohama exhibits!”
CHAMPION
Although Donohue’s time was not what he’d hoped, it was more than enough to claim the win in the Time Attack 1 division. In addition to the division winner trophy, Donohue was the recipient of the Bergmeister Award, presented by Porsche of Colorado Springs and Fred Veitch, for the second consecutive year. The award is bestowed annually on the fastest Porsche on the mountain. Donohue received a custom trophy and $1,000 to designate to the charity of his choice.
FAMILY CONNECTIONS
With his daughter documenting Donohue’s Pikes Peak experience, it made the journey even more special. “For the past three years my daughter, Anna, has been with me for most of the month,” Donohue proudly shared. “Her primary role is capturing video and some photography, which is her profession, but she’s also ended up being a huge help with the car. I trust her completely and it is nice to have an extra set of eyes around.”
Anna’s enthusiastic response echoes her dad’s sentiment, “Being able to capture my dad, and his team, at Pikes Peak for the past three years has been unbelievable. The dedication to making the best car on behalf of everyone on the team is inspiring, and I am so proud to be a small part of it by bringing a camera to early practices and test days.”
“I always knew my dad was a great driver, but his commitment to the sport really shines through in the sleepless nights, and months of preparation, to help the team give their absolute best on race day. It is such a unique race, and I am so proud and privileged to share this experience with him.”
David’s auto racing roots run deep. Mark Donohue, David’s father, was considered a top Trans-Am series driver in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He went on to win the Indy 500 in 1972, driving for Penske. He finished the race in his McLaren-Offy setting a record speed of over 162 mph which stood for twelve years. This victory was the first for Penske in the Indy 500.
Mark Donohue was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1990. He was inducted in the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame in 2006.
GET TO KNOW DAVID DONOHUE
Fun Facts:
“My daily driver is a Porsche Taycan. It’s a great driving car, it’s just a pain to put a mountain bike on the roof!”
“I like to tinker and make things. I have a small shop in my garage with a CNC machine and some other equipment. Over the past few years, and with help from BBI and Verus Engineering, I’ve made some parts for the Pikes Peak car where I can, since we are always budget-constrained.”
“My favorite vacation spot is anywhere my wife, Jodi, likes to go. If she’s happy, I’m happy.”
Occupation: Other than the month of June, I am a test and development driver for Hennessey Special Vehicles currently focusing on the Venom F5. It’s been a great experience working with that team. During some calibration testing we achieved just over 221 mph in a half-mile acceleration. I also work in Race Control for IMSA, I’m a race coach for Ferrari Philadelphia, and occasionally help Apex Driving Events at their various IMSA and SRO test days and Pre-Grid events.”
Favorite track: “Bridgehampton on Long Island would be my favorite racetrack. It’s not there anymore, but it was fantastic. I like tracks that were designed by a bulldozer not a computer. Watkins Glen, Road America, Road Atlanta, and Mosport are my top four in North America.”
Advice for Rookies on Pikes Peak: “If you are not absolutely certain where you are, back off!”
Best advice you ever received about racing on Pikes Peak: “Don’t drive at 10/10ths! And no matter what, be happy at the summit…even if you know you left some time on the table.”
2024 PPIHC Time Attack 1 Division Winner, David Donohue
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Israel Amezcua, Jason Zindroski, Luis Garcia
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
