JIMMY FORD ON THE PODIUM IN NEW BUILD AT 2024 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB
Colorado Springs, CO – One of the hallmarks of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is the welcoming nature of veteran competitors as they often share knowledge and resources with new drivers. Another well-known aspect of the Race to the Clouds is that many competitors are second, third, and even fourth generation competitors on America’s Mountain. Jimmy Ford, following in the footsteps of his father, Jim, is one of those second generation drivers who is carving his own legacy through the famed 156 turns.
FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FORD
With a nod to his family, his car owner, and some rich PPIHC history, Colorado’s Jimmy Ford challenged the mountain for the third time in 2024.
From a disappointing DNF in his rookie attempt in 2022, to a 4th place the following year, Ford was behind the wheel of a 1994 Ford Bronco. This is noteworthy, as the car was originally built by PPIHC Hall of Famer, John Wells, and driven to victory by Leonard Vahsholtz, also a member of Hall of Fame.
Ford brought a new build to Pikes Peak in 2024, a 2017 Ford Mustang, capturing second place in the Pikes Peak Open division. His sub-10 minute run of 09:40.660 landed him not only on the podium, but in sixth place, overall.
His father, Jim, an integral part of the team, raced on Pikes Peak in the early 1990s. Pair that with support and expertise from veteran PPIHC stock car winner, Joel Newcomer, and the depth of experience on Jimmy’s team is impressive.
A YEAR IN THE MAKING
Joel Newcomer, car owner, shared the story behind the year-long transition from the Bronco to the Mustang, “During our 2023 race preparation, I saw an opportunity to purchase a 2017 TransAm Mustang racecar on the Bring-A-Trailer auction site. I thought it might be a chance to upgrade the Jimmy Ford Racing program, and be able to compete for a top spot. I was fortunate to win the auction, and we stored the car and focused on Jimmy’s 2023 run.”
The team came together and made a plan to transition the car to fit their vision for Pikes Peak, giving it a new look and prepping it for the unique challenges on the mountain.
Newcomer recalled the process once the car was track ready, “We set aside the Roush/Yates Engine for our first test runs in the car and put in the engine Leonard Vahsholtz built for the Bronco in 2023. From the new car, to a new trailer, and new tools, this was becoming a true road racing car. We had bigger tires, different gearing, transmission options and we lowered the car. There were a lot of upgrades to the safety equipment to comply the the PPIHC Rule Book.”
He concluded, “I had my racing moments back in the 1980s and 1990s, and now I get to do it again, in another way. I am so proud that I could help this family chase their dreams, and share the experience with them.”
COMPARISON
Ford described similarities and differences between the builds, “Both cars share similar tube frame chassis and comparable weights, which gave me a bit of familiarity in terms of feel and balance. However, the Mustang packs an extra 50-75 horsepower over the Bronco, which really made itself known on the straights! And while both cars used NASCAR-style small-block Ford engines—another familiar point for me—the Mustang’s streamlined build and lower center of gravity made it significantly faster when entering and exiting corners.
“In the end, the Mustang wasn’t just faster; it felt like it was a car built to take advantage of every inch of Pikes Peak. Where the Bronco required constant attention and adaptation, the Mustang let me focus more on pushing for speed and precision, giving the entire experience a new level of intensity and excitement.”
GRATITUDE
“I have to thank my family and friends for all the hard work they put into this program. Without them, none of this would be possible. It’s a true team effort, and I’m grateful for their unwavering support.”
Commenting on the legacy aspect of his team, Jimmy Ford shared, “Pikes Peak is where generations come together, where the legacy of those before us fuels the drive of those who follow. Working alongside my dad and Joel, we’re not just racing—we’re continuing a story that spans generations. It’s about passing down lessons, wisdom, and a passion for the mountain that runs deep in our blood. Every time we take on Pikes Peak, it’s a reminder of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed, carrying the torch forward for the next generation.”
SINCE PIKES PEAK
Following his exceptional performance on Pikes Peak, Ford shared how he has continued to develop as a driver, “I’ve been focused on racing in the NASA Rocky Mountain series and the NASA Nationals at Utah Motorsports Campus. It’s been a great opportunity to continue fine-tuning the Mustang in a more controlled, competitive environment. This series has allowed me to focus on improving my skills on more traditional asphalt courses, which was a perfect complement to what I learned at Pikes Peak.”
“I raced against some of the best drivers in the region and tested the Mustang’s setup on a new track with high-speed straights and challenging corners. It was a really great way to see how the car handled in different conditions, and it gave me a lot of valuable data to work with as I continue to refine the car for future events.”
GET TO KNOW JIMMY FORD
Fun Facts:
“I enjoy backyard target shooting with friends; it’s a great way to unwind and spend time outdoors.”
“I enjoy interacting with the community when I can.”
“I love traveling and exploring new places; my favorite part is the plane taking off on the runway. I always think of it as a drag race, the acceleration and power getting the plane off the ground is something I can definitely relate to as a racer.”
Occupation: “I work as a welder for Martin Marietta at the Walstrum Quarry. It’s a job that keeps me grounded, and I get to use my welding skills in a challenging environment. The work is physically demanding, but it’s rewarding to see the direct impact of what I do.”
Advice for those dreaming of racing on Pikes Peak: “If you’ve ever thought about Pikes Peak, step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. It’s a race that will push you in ways you can’t imagine, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
One Must-Have in the Race Trailer: “Our Milwaukee tools!”
Pets: “Otis the Hound Dog! His bark can be heard echoing through the mountains of Colorado (probably to the top of Pikes Peak) all the way from our house in Georgetown, Colorado.”
Daily Driver: “My 2016 Dodge Dart gets me just about everywhere I need to go but I can always call on my trusty ‘ol 1993 Dodge W250 Cummins when I need to.”
Will we see the Bronco on Pikes Peak again? “As we move forward with the Mustang, we’ve been talking about selling ‘Bronczilla’ to make room for an upgrade. The plan is to focus on ‘Thunder,’ our new project, and make some waves with it. It’s exciting to think about the future and the potential this new car has, especially as we look to continue building on the momentum from this year. Anyone interested?”
SEE JIMMY FORD’S ONBOARD RUN AS HE CAPTURES HIS FIRST PPIHC PODIUM FINISH
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Lars Gange – Blackbullet; Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame
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
