“FASTEST PASTOR” DON WICKSTRUM KNOWS WHERE HIS STRENGTH COMES FROM
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is gearing up for the 104th running in 2026. There were so many exciting stories, new builds, and unexpected outcomes in 2025 which will always be a part of PPIHC history.
For Don Wickstrum, his Pikes Peak success on America’s Mountain is a testament to faith, perseverance in the face of adversity, and continues to inspire countless fans.
His story of battling through cancer, and the strength it required, is well known. He’s respected for his continual effort to compete in this race, despite dramatic crashes during his first two attempts that thwarted his race day dream.
Wickstrum has competed for the past five years, qualifying in the Fast 15 every year — one of only three competitors to achieve this milestone, alongside Codie Vahsholtz and Dan Novembre.
Wickstrum loves the mountain, loves the thrill, and without question, loves the fans.
ENTHUSIASTS FLOCK TO FAN FEST
“Fan Fest was tremendous,” exclaimed Wickstrum. “We had over 3,200 people visit our I Am Second booth. Our team of 40 prayed with 1,200 folks — from moms with babies to people in their late 80s. We talked with people who had traveled to Pikes Peak to come to the race and to meet with us for prayer. People who, like me, were fighting cancer.”
“Of course there are some really tough moments; one was meeting a young person just diagnosed with cancer. Those are hard times to walk through with someone.” Wickstrum continued, “We also encountered a number of people who had come to meet us because they were planning to end their life. We helped them feel seen and heard, and God used us, and this ministry, to get them connected with some help.”
“The number of people who received hope, and sent us emails afterward, was humbling. These were people who didn’t think their life was worth living, or that they were a person worth loving, but we shared the truth with them and they had a revelation.”
GIANNA GLOWS
In 2025, Wickstrum finished 4th in the Unlimited division, and seventh overall behind the wheel of his 2016 Axel Riley Ave LMP3. A great result and a great-looking car. He shared, “I love the neon. We have more than 100 feet of it on the car.”
While the race car looked amazing, and performed well, Wickstrum said, “The hard thing for me, once again this year, was dealing with motor issues. I’ve never been able to push Gianna as hard as I want to without worry. That’s just something I’m looking forward to changing in the future.”
“If you want a predictable race, go to an indoor go-kart track. If you want a race that means a lot, has high stakes, and is for warriors, come on out to Pikes Peak.”
Don Wickstrum
“I really don’t worry about the time,” Wickstrum explained. “I just drive. And I really, literally enjoy the drive! There are millions of people in America, and billions around the world, and I’m one of 70 who gets to drive up the side of one of the most beautiful mountains, in a race car.”
“I don’t get an adrenaline rush. I’ve just never been that guy, I guess. In the car, things just slow down for me. I don’t know how to explain it, but my heart gets filled with gratitude. It’s also a way to understand how to appreciate things in a deeper sense, and appreciate people around you and what they give up to make things happen for you.”
CROWD PLEASER
After a week of race-related events, both on and off the mountain, Wickstrum pointed to one of his race week highlights. “One of the most fun things about this year had to do with the shortened course. I got to interact with the fans.”
“It was so much fun! They were so excited to see us, and it was just so awesome to go talk to them. We got them to do ‘the wave’ and to cheer, and as drivers, we just got a bunch of fun time with them.”
FASTEST PASTOR
Known as the Fastest Pastor, Wickstrum is also the official chaplain of the PPIHC. His presence throughout race week and at Fan Fest, tells only part of the story.
Wickstrum performs a pre-race non-denominational church service on the mountain for drivers, crews, race officials, and fans near the start line, and makes time to offer the invocation right before the race begins. He truly lives out his mission to serve others before self.
He’s also officiated at weddings for competitors, race officials and staff on Pikes Peak.
GIVING BACK
The mission to serve those who make this race possible doesn’t stop on the mountain.
Wickstrum sponsors the annual race officials appreciation event – an evening of food, fun, and indoor karting at Overdrive Raceway. He generously provides giveaways and prizes for the officials attending.
Throughout the year, PPIHC officials, and Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain crews sport swag from the event.
Finding ways to serve and support is part of Wickstrum’s nature. He knows no other way.
SIMPLY GRATEFUL
“I just want to thank the fans, my fellow racers and the crews,” expressed Wickstrum.
“Everybody’s been great. And, I really want to thank my team, Tristan, my son Dakota, Shane, Seth, Ryan, Delbert, and Luke.
“And a huge thanks to my whole family and my wife, Mary. She’s an amazing woman. She’s always believed in me, even in my biggest failures and shortcomings. I get a little emotional just because I don’t know how she does it.”
GET TO KNOW DON WICKSTRUM
Instagram: @fastestpastor
Christmas Fun Facts
Favorite Christmas Movie: “A Christmas Story and The Polar Express“
Favorite Christmas Tradition: “Just being with my family, from setting up the tree after Thanksgiving, to going to church at night on Christmas Eve. One of our traditions is when we get home from church that night, we let the kids open one of their presents.”
Favorite Christmas Treats: “My wife makes these healthy homemade sugar cookies that I absolutely love! I also love cannolis and the BEST are Natale Caputo’s, hands down. He really knows how to make those!”
Favorite Christmas Song: “I have two, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Silent Night.“
Would you rather ride with Santa in the sleigh, or hold the reins and drive? “100% holding the reins. It’s the car sickness thing! In fact, I get car sick in my race car if I haven’t raced for a couple of weeks.”
DON WICKSTRUM’S 2025 RACE DAY RUN AND POST-RACE INTERVIEW
BONUS CONTENT! Watch the I Am Second film, Chasing Hope – Don Wickstrum’s Journey to Race for What Matters Most.
Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski,
Other: PPIHC staff; BBC Top Gear/Greg Potts
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
