DON WICKSTRUM BRINGS SPEED AND MESSAGE OF HOPE TO THE RACE TO THE CLOUDS
Colorado Springs, CO – The personal stories of each racer are among the highlights of the Race to the Clouds. The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is a storytelling canvas like no other. One of the most inspiring stories is that of Don Wickstrum. From an 8-year old boy with a dream and no obvious means to achieve it, to one of the top drivers in the PPIHC today, Wickstrum eagerly shares his story, and his hope, with race fans.
Pikes Peak – The Dream
Fans may not know that the always smiling, Fastest Pastor, hasn’t always had a reason to smile. He hasn’t let that stop him from fulfilling his dream – to race on Pikes Peak. Don Wickstrum has a story to tell, and it’s one worth hearing. Documented in the 2022 film, Chasing Hope, Wickstrum chronicles the highs and lows he has experienced and how he has overcome some heavy challenges in life. And not just overcome them, but find peace with them.
Bringing Joy to the Mountain
From the first year Wickstrum entered the PPIHC, he embraced the PPIHC family and fit right in. He’s all about making people smile, and he’s good at it. Adding an LED neon underglow to his 2016 Axel Riley Ave LMP3 was a crowd pleaser. It may not have boosted performance, but it made the fans smile.
Fun for the Fans
Wickstrum is, without a doubt, a serious competitor, as evidenced by his 3-year Fast 15 qualifying awards. Mingling with fans, sharing encouragement and hope for anything people may be facing, Wickstrum, along with his sponsor, I Am Second, believe the people are as important as the purpose – to reach the summit on Race Day. “I love the fans,” he shared. “They’ve been such faithful followers. They love what we do with I Am Second. No matter what you’re battling, there is still a purpose and a dream in life.”
A Long Road to the Summit
Wickstrum’s first two attempts on Pikes Peak didn’t work out as he had hoped. Crashes during early morning practices forced him to withdraw from the event in 2019 and 2020. Undeterred, Wickstrum, still a Pikes Peak rookie, was back behind the wheel in a new Pikes Peak racer – a 2016 Riley LMP3 sporting #25 in 2021. “I first flew #25 as a rookie – the very first time I ever raced in my life. I picked it because it was my twin’s favorite number and she didn’t think I would do very well, so I thought if I used her favorite number at least she couldn’t cheer against me. That number started it all.”
With a turnaround in luck, 2021, 2022 and 2023 saw Wickstrum among the Fast 15 qualifiers. Race day weather on Pikes Peak was dismal in 2021 and 2022, shortening the course in 2021 for all competitors, and blanketing itself with fog in 2022. Despite the gloomy weather, spirits were high in the Wickstrum pit. Arriving at the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in 2022 after three long years of effort and dedication was an awe inspiring moment for Wickstrum. He had finally reached the summit, clocking a 12:09.972 in the Unlimited division. The dream had come true.
In 2023, Wickstrum returned in the same race car, lowering his time by nearly two minutes, finishing 4th in the Unlimited division in 10:00.297. He shared, “Every time I cross the finish line, I think of the little 8-year old Don who had that dream.” Wickstrum’s dream for 2024? “Clock a sub-10 minute time and continue to bring the message of hope.”
GET TO KNOW “FASTEST PASTOR” DON WICKSTRUM
Fun Facts:
“I have three pets, a one-eyed dog named Pepper; a fat dog that looks like a Tootsie Roll with legs, named Coco; and an epic cat named Thomas Edison, who we describe as an aggressive cuddler. The kids can torment him and he doesn’t care. Plus, he’s a great mouser!”
“Favorite food has to be steak, medium to medium well.”
“I am from Wisconsin, but the Packers are my second favorite football team, behind the Bears!”
Favorite Corner:“The long right hander after Boulder Park. We call it “LMP3 Corner” because it’s a fast sweeper. It’s a fun corner.”
Most Challenging Corner: “Big Sky, just because you never feel fast enough through it, but you have to realize you are!”
If you could drive a car from any era up the mountain, what would it be? “It would have to be in 1979, on the dirt, in a 1969 Ford Mach 1 with a 428.”
Advice for PPIHC Rookies: “Do your homework. Know the mountain. Don’t underestimate the mountain. No matter what goal you think you can achieve, the first one should be finish. It is extraordinary to finish. Finish, finish, finish.”
Watch Don Wickstrum’s 2023 Race to the Clouds
Photos by: Larry Chen, Jason Zindroski
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
