LASZLO KESKENY PAYS HOMAGE TO AUDI LEGENDS ON PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, welcomed more than 20 rookies to its 102nd running in 2024. One of the most unique stories among them belonged to Laszlo Keskeny, who brought the iconic Audi Quattro back to the event with Massachusetts-based Rayteam Motorsport. Keskeny was behind the wheel of the #10 Audi 4000 in the Pikes Peak Open division.
CHASING THE DREAM
Attempting Pikes Peak for the first time was a natural step for the Hungarian-born Keskeny, who had recently been competing in New England-based hill climbs. Prior to that, he had competed in everything from Quattrolegend in 2018 to rallies and rallycross in Germany, Austria, and his native Hungary.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the challenge of Pikes Peak,” Keskeny says. “The history, the difficulty, the legendary drivers who’ve competed there—it’s the ultimate test of both car and driver. After competing in other hill climbs around New England, I felt ready for a bigger challenge. Pikes Peak is iconic, and I wanted to see how I could stack up against some of the best in the world, while pushing myself and my skills to the limit.”
To get there, Keskeny teamed up with Rayteam Automotive, whose Waltham, Massachusetts-based shop is well-known in the area for its work on European performance machines. The newly formed Rayteam Motorsport thus gained the unique distinction of being able to say that its very first race was the Race to the Clouds.
“Rayteam has a fantastic reputation for developing competitive, well-engineered race cars, and when the opportunity came up, I was thrilled to work with them,” he adds. “I’ve always admired their commitment to detail and their professionalism. To be accepted onto their team, especially after putting so much into that build, was an honor. It really felt like a dream come true.”
LIVING UP TO A LEGACY
In the mid-1980s, the Audi Sport Quattro rewrote the PPIHC record books. Michѐle Mouton, Bobby Unser, and Walter Röhrl all won the event with variants of the car, each setting a course record faster than the last.
In 1985, Mouton bested the previous course record of 11:38.300 set in 1983 by Al Unser, Jr. in his Woziwodzki Wells Coyote Chevy.
She also beat John Buffum’s 1982 Audi division-record time of 12:20.52 with her clocking of 11:25.39 in the Rally Open division.
The following year, 1986, Bobby Unser claimed his 10th King of the Mountain crown, and his 8th course record when he recorded a finish time of 11:09.22 in his 1986 Audi Sport Quattro.
Germany’s Walter Röhrl was on the 1987 entry list and, as a rookie, won the division, along with the overall title, with his course record of 10:47.85 in a 1986 Audi.
“Audi Quattro is a name that is synonymous with Pikes Peak, and being able to bring one back in 2024 was incredibly meaningful,” Keskeny explains. “The Quattro’s four-wheel drive system was revolutionary for the mountain, and it’s an honor to drive a piece of that history. To carry on that legacy and try to continue the tradition of success with Audi on the mountain was a huge privilege for me.”
Carrying the classic Audi Sport colors proved especially meaningful for Keskeny—especially in a car he customized himself. The build, a 1986 Audi 4000 elevated to resemble one of Group B’s most legendary machines, proved immensely popular at Friday’s Fan Fest and on race day alike.
“What made this opportunity even more special was that I was actually the one who customized the entire Audi S1 for the team. It was a labor of love, from adjusting the suspension to refining the aerodynamics—every little detail mattered to ensure we had the best possible setup for the mountain.”
ROOKIE SURVIVAL
With both driver and team coming to Pikes Peak for the first time, it was important for Keskeny and Rayteam to learn as much as possible, from the typical growing pains for a first-year team to dealing with weather-impacted practice sessions.
“Pikes Peak is a whole different animal,” Keskeny admits. “The combination of altitude, ever-changing weather, and incredibly challenging terrain makes it unlike anything else.”
“The mountain itself demands respect, and it’s humbling to compete there. It’s not just about speed—it’s about precision, consistency, and managing the car while you’re racing through such an unpredictable environment.”
Laszlo Keskeny
Thanks to their hard work and respect for the mountain, while other competitors might have had less luck on race day, Keskeny and Rayteam persevered. They made it to the summit with a time of 12:57.142, good for 14th in division, and avoiding the DNFs that plagued some of the biggest names on the entry list.
“The team’s support and confidence in me were huge factors in making this possible, and I’m proud to represent them on such a legendary stage,” he continued. “Being part of that journey, not just as a driver but also as someone who shaped the car, made it even more meaningful.”
BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER
After reaching the summit on their first try, the inaugural Pikes Peak experience taught Keskeny and Rayteam plenty about themselves and their machine. As a result, they’ve got a gameplan for the future to get faster and finish even higher in the ranks.
“The biggest challenge for me was the mental aspect,” Keskeny noted. “The altitude affects your focus and physical endurance, and you have to adapt quickly. The weather is another variable—one minute it’s sunny, and the next you’re dealing with fog or rain.
“In hindsight, I’d probably focus even more on managing tire pressure and fine-tuning the car’s balance for those changing conditions. The second run would be about finding that rhythm and maintaining consistency under pressure.”
Just as valuable as a long-term plan for future Pikes Peak runs? The way that his first PPIHC changed how Keskeny works behind the wheel, period—and he and the team brought those new mindsets back to New England as the season carried on.
“Pikes Peak taught me how to really read the road and make fast decisions in the moment,” said Keskeny. “The New England hill climbs have their own charm, but Pikes Peak made me approach every corner with a different mindset—anticipating how the car would behave at high altitude, how the road surface would change, and how to manage the overall race pace. I’ve definitely applied those lessons in how I handle strategy and car setup in other events now.”
GET TO KNOW LASZLO KESKENY
Instagram: @rayteamauto
Fun Facts:
“I’m a bit of a foodie, actually—I love trying new dishes, but I have a soft spot for anything with seafood.”
“When I’m not racing, I enjoy working on cars and tinkering with them, always trying to learn something new.”
“Music-wise, I’m all over the place—everything from rock to electronic music keeps me motivated while I’m training or prepping for races.”
Favorite Section: “There’s something about the final stretch up to the summit that I really enjoy. It’s high-speed and takes a lot of focus, but you’re so close to the top that you can almost taste it. The views are incredible, but the road demands your full attention. Every corner feels like a step closer to the finish, and that’s where all the emotion of the race comes to a head.”
Biggest Challenge: “The biggest challenge is balancing speed with caution. The mountain doesn’t forgive mistakes, so you have to have a perfect balance between pushing hard and staying in control. The conditions can change quickly, and the weather is unpredictable, which makes it even more complicated. It’s also a battle with the elements—altitude affects everything, from the car’s performance to your own endurance as a driver.”
Three Must-Haves in the Trailer: “First and foremost, my helmet and race suit—safety is the most important thing. But besides that, a reliable pit crew is essential. You need a team that can react quickly and help with any adjustments between runs. Personally, I always bring a good energy drink for hydration and snacks to keep my energy up before and after runs. Staying sharp and focused is key.”
Advice for a PPIHC Rookie: “Don’t push too hard in the beginning. Take it one step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by the mountain—respect it, but don’t fear it. Focus on getting comfortable with the car and the track during practice week. Also, listen to your team and your spotters—they have experience, and their guidance will help you avoid unnecessary risks.”
NO STRANGER TO HILL CLIMB RACING, LASZLO KESKENY CONQUERS PIKES PEAK IN 2024
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski; PPIHC Archives
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
