DUNCAN COWPER
2024 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB
TWO APPEARANCES – TWO PODIUMS
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has been a storyteller’s paradise since 1916. The history is rich, the competitors are fearless, the machines are often unstoppable and the personal stories bring the event to life for fans around the world.
Duncan Cowper from Bishop’s Stortford in the UK, returned to Pikes Peak with his dreams, his enthusiasm, and a car he built himself, to challenge the 12.42 miles to the top of America’s Mountain.
REPEAT PERFORMANCE
Cowper was a rookie in 2023 when he clocked an amazing sub-10 minute time of 09:57.072, finishing 12th overall, and taking third place in the Unlimited division.
He was back on the mountain in 2024 behind the wheel of his 2009 Dax Pikes Peak Cowper Special. Despite a week of adversity, he broke into the top ten overall, and claimed another third place finish in the Unlimited division with a 10:03.973.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think my little car, built at home, would ever race outside the UK, let alone in the US and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.”
Duncan Cowper
MEETING THE CHALLENGE(S)
Cowper reflected on his two appearances on America’s Mountain, sharing, “My first year was phenomenal and everything went to plan…from tire tests to race day. The car ran faultlessly, and we achieved a sub-10 minute time in my rookie year.”
He continued to contrast the two runs, adding details about his most recent attempt. “This year presented the very highs and the very lows. On the first day of practice we lost the engine, which was very traumatic. We stripped two engines to re-building a race engine overnight, then it was on to qualifying the next day with just under an hours sleep.
Just as we were loading the car to stage it for race day, we found a wheel bearing had failed and had to rebuild that, then the car wouldn’t start, so we had to repair the fuel pump, all with limited spare parts.
On race day, the clutch master cylinder failed just six corners in, the oil and water temperatures were through the roof, due to the very hot weather. This year, the twelve and a half miles felt more like 120, but I feel now that I’ve had the full Pikes Peak experience, and I loved every minute of it!”
BEST MEMORY
Asked what he’d look back on as a fond memory from 2024, Cowper shared, “Beyond reaching the top again on race day, I was honored to be the ring bearer for the wedding at the summit.”
Cowper stood with Mary Barker and Kendall Samuel as they exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by the ‘Fastest Pastor,’ Don Wickstrum on the summit of Pikes Peak. Fellow drivers joined the couple to celebrate the occasion.
Cowper once again took his place on the podium with division winner and Rookie of the Year, Italy’s Christian Merli, and Don Wickstrum, who finished second. Frederic Gasser of B.R.M North America presented a custom timepiece to Merli.
SINCE PIKES PEAK
“I’ve done one sprint race at my local club since the car has been back in the UK, and I’m hoping to do some more next year. As far as plans to return to Pikes Peak, I don’t have any at the moment…but never say never!”
GET TO KNOW DUNCAN COWPER
Fun Facts:
“My daily driver is my work van, a Ford Transit.”
“I’ve got a 14-year old dog, a Jack Russell / Yorkshire Terrier named Trixie.”
“I like collecting junk (as my wife calls it) especially vintage motocross bikes,1970s Husqvarna 400cc models in particular, and anything to do with petrol basically!”
Love to eat steak and chips or ‘fries’ as you call them in the US; and I enjoy the pancakes from Uncle Sam’s Pancake House in Manitou Springs.
Occupation: “I work as a plasterer.”
(Nicknamed “The Fastest Plasterer” in a nod to Don Wickstrum, “Fastest Pastor,” the two posed for a selfie at Tech Inspection in 2024.)
Best advice about racing on Pikes Peak: “Jonathan Edwards at Alcon Brakes told me, ‘Drive the road as you see it and don’t overthink it. Trust your ability.'”
Favorite Section: “From Glen Cove upwards, the car comes alive on this sector. That’s when you really know you’re at Pikes Peak.”
Most Challenging Corner: “Elk Park, a very high speed corner on a constant high radius into a very tight hairpin.”
What makes your car well-suited to race on Pikes Peak? “The power to weight ratio and its unique suspension.”
Fan Fest: “It’s just so unique. You get to talk to the fans, and it’s a personal experience for all of us.”
Three Must-Have Items in the Race Trailer: “Water. Torches (flashlights) for the very early mornings. And a big bag of luck!”
SEE DUNCAN COWPER’S 2024 ONBOARD RUN
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Duncan Cowper
ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT
The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
