FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 21, 2023
BEHIND THE WHEEL
PPIHC’S ROBB HOLLAND
CHASES GT AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP
Colorado Springs, CO – The second oldest auto race in the USA, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomes drivers from around the world, across the nation, and right here in Colorado. Among those local heroes is Boulder, Colorado’s Robb Holland who has raced on Pikes Peak since 2016.
Before he strapped into a race seat on Pikes Peak, Holland pedaled his way to the summit as a professional cyclist, sharing, “I actually raced for a number of years on the US circuit prior to switching to motorsports full-time. I grew up watching the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Never did I think I would have a chance to actually race in it.”
Rookie Run
Holland first competed on Pikes Peak in the 100th Anniversary race in 2016 in the Time Attack 1 division with his 2014 Audi TTRS finishing notably in 4th place with a time of 10:56.878 and setting a front-wheel-drive record that stood for two years.
Attacking the Course
In 2017, Holland returned to the TA 1 division this time in a Corvette Z06, clocking a nearly identical time. He crossed the finish line in 10:55.166 which was impressive considering this was a salvage-titled Corvette that was prepared in less than 90 days.
Holland launched from the start line in 2019, but scored a disappointing DNF in his Audi S3 running in the Time Attack 1 division.
Moving to the Unlimited division in 2020, Holland brought his Audi back to the mountain, finishing 5th in 10:51.423.
Weather Woes
In 2021, all drivers were disappointed when the course was shortened due to rough weather and ice on the upper section forcing them to finish at the 16 mile marker. Holland presented a new car in 2022 for the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds, a 2022 Porsche GT4 RS Clubsport entered in the Time Attack 1 division, with high hopes for a quick time. Plagued by thick fog, cold temps and a wet track, drivers were able to race to the summit and did their best to put on a show for the fans, but record-setting runs were not in the cards.
In 2023 the skies were clear, the sun was out, and Holland laid down his personal best time, 10:37.499, behind the wheel of his Porsche in the Pikes Peak Open division.
When PPIHC organizers announced a new GT4 division for 2024, Holland was excited about the news, “We are really looking forward to running the GT4 division next year. It’s such a great class of race cars that are nearly identical to the road cars. I think we could see some more great cars and drivers on the hill next year.”
GET TO KNOW ROBB HOLLAND
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I am originally from New York, but I’ve been living in Colorado for almost 4 decades.”
“My nephew is an automotive photographer and has been shooting for me at Pikes Peak for the past four years. It’s always fun to see the next generation with a passion for cars and motorsports.”
“I’m a professional SIM racer.”
Motorsports Highlights:
- Factory driver for Volvo and Dodge
- 2014 – First American driver since Dan Gurney in the British Touring Car Championship
- Co-owner of Rotek Racing in Nurburg, Germany
- Advocate for diversity in motorsports
- Automotive journalist for outlets including Jalopnik, Road & Track, and Grassroots Motorsports
- Racing a full season in the GT America series in 2023
Favorite Corner:
“Cog Cut, because I know if I’ve made it that far I’m pretty good to the finish.”
Most Challenging: “Bottomless Pit – No explanation needed.”
Advise for PPIHC Rookies? “If you’ve raced in other forms of motorsport, forget everything you may have learned to this point. Pikes Peak is a completely different beast. The biggest mistake I made as a rookie was thinking since I already had over a decade of racing experience I knew exactly what to expect. That couldn’t have been further from the truth.”
Favorite Track: “The Nurburgring”
Photos by: Larry Chen, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Louis Yio, Corey Davis, Jason Zindroski
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
(719) 685-4400