HALL OF FAME EDITION
NOBUHIRO “MONSTER” TAJIMA CHALLENGED AND CONQUERED PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO – Competitors in the annual Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo travel to America’s Mountain from around the world to challenge the 12.42 mile course and its twisting 156 turns. Japanese drivers and riders have set their sights on the 14,115′ summit since the late 1980s, and the greatest of these elite drivers is seven-time Pikes Peak King of the Mountain, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima.
The Early Years
Describing the first time he heard about Pikes Peak, Tajima recalls, “When I was about 15 years old, I saw a photo in a magazine introducing the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and I always wanted to participate in it someday. I’d heard that many famous drivers from Indy racing were participating. When I came to Seattle to participate in the World Rally Championship, I participated in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the first time after finishing the rally.”
In 1988, Tajima entered the Rally – Production GT division in a 1988 Mazda, and finished third in 14:11.97. The following two years were difficult when he faced issues with the car. In 1991 he presented a 1991 Suzuki in the Pikes Peak Open division and claimed 4th place in 12:34.51. Tajima gained momentum during the 1990s, finishing on the podium every time – three 1st, four 2nd, one 3rd. In 1995, when all competitors ran a weather-shortened course, Tajima won his first King of the Mountain crown.
The Glory Years
The new millennium started off slowly for Tajima with two DNFs in 2000 and 2001. But he quickly regained traction and claimed his second King of the Mountain title in 2006, once again over a shortened course. His momentum only accelerated from there. Entering the Unlimited division once again in 2007 in his Suzuki XL8 (pictured below), he notched his first full-course King of the Mountain win, blazing to the summit in 10:01.408. This bested the previous mark set by New Zealand’s Rod Millen of 10:04.060 set in 1994. Of course, sections of the road had been paved since Millen’s remarkable run over the gravel course, so road surface and conditions were not the same, but they rarely are on Pikes Peak.
Tajima would continue to collect King of the Mountain titles without fail from 2006 through 2011. Pictured above, is Tajima’s 2008 King of the Mountain moment as he crossed the finish line atop America’s Mountain.
In 2011, behind the wheel of his Suzuki SX5, Tajima blazed to the summit in a jaw-dropping 9:51.278, despite a spewing radiator. The elusive 10-minute barrier had not only been broken, but smashed. Asked how he felt to beat this mark, Tajima exclaimed, “The most rewarding moment in my life was when I was able to break 10 minutes. That hasn’t changed. Thank you to my family, everyone involved, and the beautiful Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.”
That year, the 12.42-mile racecourse had gradually been transformed from a gravel track to an almost entirely paved road, with just three miles of unpaved surfaces remaining. During the final half mile of his attempt, Tajima had to contend with a radiator spewing water, as his 850-horsepower Suzuki began to boil over. The engine did not overheat completely, however, and he managed to finish.
Tajima last raced on Pikes Peak in the 100th Anniversary event in 2016 in the Electric Modified division in his 2016 Tajima Rimac E-Runner Concept One. He clocked a time of 9:51.978 for third place.
Proving and Promoting EV Technology
Following his success in 2011, Tajima turned to electric powered vehicles to prove not only what they could do on the mountain, but what they could do for the planet. He set an Electric Modified record in 2013 in his 2013 E-Runner Pikes Peak Special (shown below), the first electric-powered entry to break 10 minutes. He continued to compete in E-Runner concept vehicles through the milestone 100th Anniversary in 2016, finishing on the podium each time.
His Tajima Motors’ “E-runner mini sport” was the first step to plan, develop and market EV series vehicles including an EV conversion, next generation EV commuter vehicles and e-runner electric motorbikes. Tajima Motors continues to research and develop to create new options for transportation based on clean energy.
A True Fan Favorite
Tajima’s fans spanned the globe and his popularity grew with every win. Whether he was signing autographs at Fan Fest or waiting for his run at the Start Line, he had a big smile on his face and welcomed them all. “For me, motorsport is my life,” said Tajima. “I always hope to share the charm and fun of it with as many people as possible. I am very grateful to the fans who support me. That feeling hasn’t changed. I’m still signing autographs and taking pictures with them.”
Honoring Excellence
In his 25-year racing career on Pikes Peak, Tajima has become a racing icon. Beyond his achievements on the mountain, he earned nine All Japan Dirt Trial Championship titles, four WRC class wins, two class wins in the Asia-Pacific Rally championship, and eight overall Race to the Sky victories in New Zealand from 1998 to 2007.
“Monster” Tajima was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame during the 100th Anniversary celebration in 2016. In 2018 he was inducted to the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame.
GET TO KNOW HALL OF FAMER – NOBUHIRO TAJIMA
Fun Facts:
“I loved racing on the dirt! Racing on Pikes Peak were the happiest days of my life!”
“I usually drive a Toyota Alphard for business, but Porsche is a fun way to go for a drive!”
“My favorite things to eat are watermelon, strawberries and apples.”
The name “Monster”: “Of course I love it! For me, the nickname MONSTER represents an image of an athlete who goes beyond, in the common view of the Japanese people, and is active globally.”
Who welcomed your team when you arrived in Colorado Springs? Thanks to the support of many local people, I was able to participate in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for a long time. I appreciate it very much. I am especially grateful to Mr. and Mrs. McCloskey at McCloskey Motors. We still have a good relationship.”
Favorite corner or section on Pikes Peak: “The corners in the bottom section, but I like all the corners!”
Favorite race course (other than Pikes Peak): “Although it has ended, it was the Race to the Sky in Wanaka, New Zealand.”
Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Scott Paine, Rob Miskowitch, Jeff Glucker – Autoblog
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