FROM THE DEAD SEA TO A SEA OF CLOUDS
ROOKIE MAOR PRIMO EXPERIENCES THE ULTIMATE HILL CLIMB AT PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is known for firsts and milestones. One of the notable firsts from this year’s Race to the Clouds was the first driver to represent Israel.
From his early hillclimbing experience as a teen, to his home-base of Dallas, TX, Maor Primo has embraced many forms of racing. His rookie attempt on America’s Mountain behind the wheel of his 1967 Alfa Romeo GTA-m fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“The way to Pikes Peak started with a distant dream,” explained Primo, “reading about it in magazines. Motorsports was not a big thing in Israel in the 1970s and ’80s, and there was no ESPN or cable television.
“As a teen I used to race uphill, and later in life I was fortunate enough to fulfill that dream racing different disciplines – from open wheels in the UK to spec, endurance and vintage racing here on US soil.”
Primo competed in SCCA racing at the Texas World Speedway, then COTA, and at Road America.
Recalling his start in racing, Primo pointed out, “These two cars and motorcycle that I managed to locate and import into the US, reflect my teens and my introduction to racing. At that time, there were no race cars or established/regulated racing events, so we raced our parents’ cars.
“I used to take my dad’s 1979 Trans Am to an abandoned airstrip and drag race it. I’d take my mom’s Peugeot 205 GTI to the mountains for hill climbing. Before that, I used to ride dirt bikes in the surrounding mountains. Dirt roads are the best way to learn about grip.”
“Pikes Peak was never my top priority, but it was high on my racing bucket list – right next to Formula 1 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was always at the back of my mind, and once the opportunity presented itself, how could I say no?”
ADMIRATION
When asked who his Pikes Peak heroes are, Primo was quick to point out, “It would be unfair to pick a specific name since there have been so many who have raced the mountain. However, I do admire the racers of the early days who ran the mountain with no helmet, no oxygen, no seatbelt and on those skinny wheels…brave!”
BEST PREP POSSIBLE
Aside from years of competition at the track, when it came time to preparing for Pikes Peak, Primo divulged, “First, I went on a diet to lose about 30 pounds. I also worked on stamina. And, being in Colorado a week before race week, and hiking the mountain with my lovely wife, helped me acclimate to the weather and lack of oxygen.”
Primo went on to offer his take on Pikes Peak prep to anyone hoping to one day challenge the 12.42 mile course. “I would advise any rookie to study the track. Learning the layout is crucial.
“And, get familiar with the mountain by driving it up and down. Hike the different sections get to know the mountain. You cannot appreciate it and understand how steep the elevation is unless you are viewing the sections from different vantage points along the course.
“And, have fun. The PPIHC is an event like no other.”
PERIOD CORRECT 1967 ALFA ROMEO
This 2.2L, 1,750 pound, rear wheel drive race car competed with a stock frame riding on a 92.5″ wheelbase.
“The car was an existing car that we built seven years ago for vintage racing. We had to do some modifications, including all new engine and transmission, to better suit the mountain, and we did all of it within three months of being accepted to participate in the 103rd Running.”
Asked what makes his car unique on Pikes Peak, Primo exclaimed, “The fact that it is 100% naturally aspirated, and in a period-correct vintage racer. It is pure!”
“I like my little ’67 Alfa Romeo; it is a momentum car. It means you cannot afford to make mistakes, not even the slightest, because it can be very costly in terms of time. But when you get it right, it’s so rewarding and makes you feel as if the car, you, and the road are becoming one. Truly, the best feeling in the world!”
Maor Primo
A LONG LIST OF THANKS
Every driver owes their success to those who introduced them to the sport, pointed them in the right direction, provided encouragement, and helped make the right connections.
Primo shared, “I guess from the first wooden push kart my dad built for me at the age of three, I got hooked on speed, so I have to thank him. He’s the one I got the bug from.”
“However, first and foremost, I would have to thank my wife. She tolerates my obsession – especially due to her fear of heights, and she didn’t stop me after visiting the mountain.
“There’s just a long list of people who helped make it possible for me to race the mountain, starting with Roman Tucker who built my car and gave me support on the mountain. Without him, the car would not have made it on race day.”
“I also must credit Peter Parrler of Formula GT in Munich, Germany who, in no time, built an engine more suited for the event.
I also need to thank Kelsey Karanges and Silvio Zucchet of S Collective. They made sure the car passed tech inspection, and shared their personal insight on how to better prepare for the event.
The staff at PPIHC was very helpful and accommodating, plus Richard Tomlin, a tech official, was there to answer every question I had.”
MAXIMIZING MOMENTUM
“There are a few things I’m already planning to do differently. First, I would prepare the car to better suit racing on the mountain, but without affecting the integrity of this 100% naturally aspirated period correct vintage racer. Moreover, I need to better learn the track. I made some mistakes that cost me a lot of valuable time. I don’t have crazy power, so every turn not perfectly approached or exited makes it harder to build back momentum.”
FINISHING STRONG
Primo shared insight into why he chose to challenge Pikes Peak at this point in life, stating, “Because I wanted to show my kids that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
He concluded by referring to the shortened course on race day, “Let’s get something clear. I have unfinished business with the mountain. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed every moment of every day up there, but the summit eluded us on Sunday, so I still need to make it to the top.”
GET TO KNOW MAOR PRIMO
Fun Facts:
“I grew up in Dimona, Israel, about 20 miles away from the Dead Sea with an elevation change from 400 meters (1350ft) below sea level to 600 meters (2000ft) above sea level, of which I raced uphill my entire youth in both cars and motorcycles.”
“I like traveling and exploring new regions around the world, and I really like RV trips and off roading with my wife and kids.”
“We love watching old movies as a family – from Smokey and the Bandit, to Cannonball Run, to First Blood, to Charlie Chaplin in The Kid.”
Biggest accomplishment in motorsports: “I won trophies in open wheel, in endurance, and many vintage races, but the ability to push myself to the limit, time and again, is an accomplishment in itself.”
What is the significance of your race number? “The car color is the same that Alfa Romeo used in 1967 for the police cars in Italy (stone grey). Those police cars had a big dial shape, like an old dial phone, with the number 113 inside. So, if you wanted the police dial 113. It’s the same as dialing 911 here.”
Favorite section: “It’s hard to point to one section since each has different characteristics, and I love them all. But if I had to choose one, it would be the third section, even though it doesn’t suit my car the best since it’s low on power up there. I like the long, sweeping turns and some really fast sections.”
Any superstitions or good luck charms? “I have my kids’ names on my helmet and a special T-shirt that they gave me on Father’s Day. These remind me that there is someone waiting and depending on me.”
MAOR PRIMO MAKES INAUGURAL RUN ON PIKES PEAK IN VINTAGE ALFA ROMEO GTA-M
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Jason Zindroski.
Other – Maor Primo, Orion Pictures / Carolco Pictures and Anabasis Investments, N.V.
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Lisa Haight
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lisa@ppihc.org
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