ELI OLIVAS CHAMPIONS FALLEN HEROES IN DEBUT AT 2025 PPIHC
Colorado Springs, CO – An exciting field of 21 first-time drivers are set to compete in the 103rd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo. One newcomer, Eli Olivas, has been prepping for his moment on Pikes Peak for the past two years. His desire is to ensure that memories of fallen Green Beret soldiers are kept alive. So much so, that he’s having their names inscribed on his race car.
PREPARING FOR BATTLE
Eli Olivas, currently based in Fountain, Colorado, brings ten years of military service, including multiple deployments to Bosnia and Iraq, along with his experience as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant to his team, Green Beret Racing.
Green Beret Racing has a strategic mission to invest in current and former members of the US Army’s Special Forces Regiment directing their desire to pursue competition in meaningful, exciting, and rewarding ways. Their programs aim to directly fight substance abuse and the suicide epidemic that Special Forces service members face.
This is achieved by removing monetary barriers while placing Green Berets into groups of like-minded people with similar interests who push them to grow and heal. Their slogans reflects that ideal – “Competition is our Passion. Saving Lives is our Business.” and “Live Fast. Live Through It.”
Olivas has evaluated the challenges he will face in June, and is preparing himself with physical and mental training, stating, “It’s extensive and intense, and it’s 7 days a week! I’m preparing for this as if I’m going to combat – saturation training.”
With multiple high speed driving courses in his rear view mirror, Olivas also attended the Radford Racing School to enhance his driving knowledge and skills.
PUTTING ON THE ARMOR
Olivas will be equipped for his rookie run on Pikes Peak behind the wheel of his 2024 Superlite Aero GM Supercharged LT5, entered in the Unlimited division. Aptly named, The Mourning Star, Olivas views this car as a focal point to mourn the loss of all his brothers in arms. “The names of all our lost brothers, from each Special Forces Group, will be written on this car, so they’re all together in one place,” Olivas shared.
As Olivas maps out his strategy for taking on the 156 turns on America’s Mountain, he is spending countless hours in the sim, and every weekend driving the Pikes Peak Highway to record measurements, take photos of the course and determine his optimal race line.
PAYING TRIBUTE
“I transported my race car to all of the active duty Special Forces Groups in the US to have soldiers write the names of their fallen Green Berets on it,” explained Olivas. “It was really emotional to see Gold Star widows, family members and military personnel add those names. At each base there was a ceremony where the names were read and prayers were offered.”
“They gave me a reason to live again. Now I live for them.”
Eli Olivas
GET TO KNOW ELI OLIVAS
Instagram: @greenberetfoundation
Fun Facts:
“I have a twin turbo 1974 DeTomaso Pantera that burns aircraft fuel!”
“I’m my own sponsor. Basically, I work in home lending to finance this.”
“Besides working out twice a day, I enjoy binge watching TV shows when I can.”
“I have two Dachshunds that I love dearly, Sweet Pea & Dixie!”
Any Pikes Peak drivers you admire? “There are a couple, but Codie Vahsholtz runs a pretty darn clean line up there!”
Significance behind your race number: “It was my team number while I was with 10th Special Forces Group(A). It also refers to John 3:16 in the Bible.”
Who do you want to thank for helping you get to Pikes Peak? “The good Lord for giving me this mission! The PPIHC for giving this old soldier a chance! My boys in Special Forces and in Special Forces Association Chapter 1-18! The instructors down at Radford Racing School! My Pit Crew for being there for me! My buddy Nick Merrick over at Green Beret Racing for advocating for me! And all the guys at the speed shop for their hard work on the car.”
SEE HOW ELI OLIVAS PLANS TO HONOR THE FALLEN ON PIKES PEAK
Photos supplied by: Eli Olivas, Green Beret Racing
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