VEITCH’S VINTAGE VIBE WOWS FANS ON PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, welcomed 73 drivers in June, each with a story to tell. At age 77, Fred Veitch, is the oldest and, arguably, the coolest driver on the list.
From behind the wheel of his 1972 Porsche ST, Veitch explained, “These cars were made in limited production between 1970 and 1972 for rallying and road racing. This is a highly accurate reproduction of that model and replicates, what was, then, Porsche’s best under-2.5 liter sports car for international competition.”
“This Porsche makes only 260 hp on the dyno at sea level, so it’s not a high powered car by any stretch of the imagination,” shared Veitch. “It’s a momentum car, and just a really fun car to drive.”
Pikes Peak isn’t Veitch’s only passion. He’s raced in Porsche Owners Club, Porsche Club of America, American Endurance Racing, WRL, Rocky Mountain Vintage Racers, IMSA, and SCCA events.
Asked if he has a favorite track, Veitch was quick to comment, “Any of the historic tracks: VIR, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Mid-Ohio, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Portland, Brainerd, and Willow Springs.”
“This car harkens back to racing in the 1970s. It’s not competitive today, but still cool and really fun to drive. I want to have the respect of the other drivers, and I want them to know I’m driving the wheels off it.“
Fred Veitch
LIKE THE BACK OF HIS HAND
Asked what initially inspired him to enter the Race to the Clouds, Veitch responded, “It’s been challenged by some of the best drivers of each era since its inception and is a significantly important, unique, and historic race. It’s raw, dangerous, and forces you to compete at the highest level.“
Veitch made his first attempt on the mountain in 2012 in his 2001 Porsche 996 Turbo in the Time Attack division. Asked how that came about, Veitch was eager to share. “When the course was paved, I told my wife that IF I could get sponsorship, I’d love to try it. Amazingly, Porsche Colorado Springs said yes! Then, I drove the course and wondered just what in the hell I thought I was doing on the hill! It was very sobering above Glen Cove.”
His first clocking on the mountain was 12:06.341 for a seventh place division finish.
Veitch returned in 2013 and, despite a crazy off above 11 Mile during a practice run, he and his racecar were back on course for race day.
By 2014, Veitch was running strong and championed the Time Attack 2 division in his 2001 Porsche 996 Turbo in 11:14.834, setting a division record. His closest competitor that year was rookie Raymund Guerrero who finished five seconds back in his ’08 Dodge Viper.
A switch to TA1 and a 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport marked Veitch’s race in 2016 as he took part in the milestone 100th Running. It was also the only year he raced a number other than his traditional #73. Behind the wheel of #10, he finished 9th in division in 11:30.716.
Veitch returned in 2018 clocking the fastest time of his career – 11:01.060. Racing his proven 996 in the Time Attack 1 division, he finished in 7th place.
The following year Veitch ran a weather-shortened course in the same division.
The 996 competed for the last time on the mountain in 2020 when Veitch finished third in TA1 with his time of 11:02.202.
Veitch explained, “My Pikes Peak-prepared Porsche was unfortunately totaled at the Porsche Rennsport Reunion races in 2023 by a very poorly driven car. So, this year I wanted to bring this historic Porsche model and showcase it in the Exhibition division.”
AT THE LINE
Back on the mountain in 2025, after a hiatus to serve as PPIHC Board Chairman in the interim, Veitch related his experience. “All week, we never had any mechanical issues. But, on race day, the car wouldn’t start. There was no spark to the battery. We had eight or nine Porsche mechanics come over to look at it. They were looking for a corroded lead into the starter switch and a fuse box problem. One of the Porsche mechanics figured it out, and OPTIMA was right there and gave me a new battery and Betim from BBi Autosport hooked it up. Everyone just jumped in and got it back to running.”
Unexpected high winds on race day forced a shortened course for all drivers, with a finish line at Glen Cove.
NOD TO HIS PIKES PEAK HEROES
When Veitch was asked if he had any Pikes Peak heroes, he shared a comprehensive list, “Dave Petitti, and all of my crew chiefs. Jeff Zwart for his leadership, knowledge, and willingness to share the mountain. David Donner for his innate ability and kindness. Pastor Don Wickstrum for his attitude towards life. Rhys Millen for being such a stud. JR Hildebrand for his drive to compete. Romain Dumas for his raw speed. David Donohue for always trying to find a way to go quicker. Randy Ruyle for always keeping it fair, and Carlin Dunne for showing us it matters how you live.”
FINAL BOW
Asked if he was truly retiring from hill climb racing on Pikes Peak, Veitch replied, “Realistically, yes. I’m finished as a competitor. I’d like to continue providing the ride-along experience to media outlets and our VIP guests.”
One such VIP guest this year was PPIHC Grand Marshal, Lyn St. James who later shared her story about being on the the mountain for all the race week festivities, including her trip up the mountain with Fred Veitch behind the wheel.
GET TO KNOW FRED VEITCH
Fun Facts:
“My band in college opened for the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother, The Yardbirds, Blue Cheer, Buffalo Springfield, Country Joe and the Fish, The Association, and others. I played drums.
“I also skied and raced bicycles, too. And, sometimes, I attended classes.”
“I’ve served on the PPIHC Board of Directors for 15 years.”
Did you name your car?“Hans Dijon. It’s German, and it’s yellow.”
Favorite Corner: “As Randy Ruyle likes to call it, ‘Fred’s Corner’, known as Heitman’s Hill – The one I went off in 2013. I smile each time I go by as I’m the only person who knows what’s on the other side of that guardrail!”
Most challenging corner:“The first 155!”
Favorite memory ever from Pikes Peak: “In 2014, after the win, celebrating with my crew chief, Dave Pettiti and the team was such an emotional moment. It made me realize how important it is to have everybody behind your effort. It’s very humbling as a driver. I was reminded of that this year when everybody jumped in to help. You don’t see that anywhere else, and that’s one of the reasons Pikes Peak is so very special.”
Must Have in the Race Trailer:“For after the race – tequila for the crew, and a piece of carrot cake for me at the finish line!”
FRED VEITCH ON THE CULMINATION OF A CAREER ON PIKES PEAK
Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Jason Zindroski.
Other: Sean Cridland, Paat Kelly, Scott Payne Photography, Rob Miskowitch, Cody Strate, James Harris, PPIHC Archives
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