TOM TANG MARKS TWO FOR TWO IN FAST 15 AT 2025 PPIHC
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo offers drivers and fans a unique opportunity every year, the chance to witness the sunrise on the mountain as racers from around the world prepare to challenge the 12.42 mile course.
For California-based, Tom Tang, his second time on Pikes Peak brought changes to the car, but just as much passion as his rookie run in 2024.
ASPIRATIONS
When the road to the summit of America’s Mountain was fully paved in 2012, Tang, with his road racing background, began planning his assault on the famed peak. “Seeing Sébastien Loeb race up the mountain in the factory-backed Peugeot 208 built for Pikes Peak was epic,” he shared.
In 2024, Tang presented his 2002 BMW M3 at Tech Inspection as part of the Unlimited division. At the end of race week, he was listed among the Fast 15qualifiers.
His race day clocking of 10:31.372 placed him seventh in his division, adding a solid Pikes Peak finish to his list of racing accomplishments, including Global Time Attack and 25 Hours of Thunderhill.
ONE YEAR LATER
“The E46 BMW M3 we ran this year had a new long block engine that made more horsepower, along with new prototype slicks from Toyo that were made with a compound specific for Pikes Peak,” shared Tang. “We also added a lot of aero for a bit more downforce.”
“This year, the team and I felt a lot more prepared. We had a much better idea of what to expect, what we needed to do or bring, so our daily setup on the mountain felt a lot more efficient and streamlined,” Tang related. “This led to more practice/qualifying runs during every session leading up to race day.”
Tang’s list of race car enhancements for 2025 also included a switch to ethanol from gasoline, as well as the addition of nitrous.
“There’s no such thing as being overprepared. Study the course. Watch videos. Drive on the simulator. Ask questions. Every little bit helps.”
Tom Tang
WELCOME BACK TO THE FAST 15
It was a repeat performance for Tang when the Fast 15 qualifiers were announced prior to the race. He’d made the list for the second time.
“I was not expecting that at all,” shared Tang, “it was surreal, and the competition this year was way higher. I looked at the times, and I think if I’d run the same qualifying time this year that I did in 2024, I would’ve been well outside of even the top 20. It’s wild to think that the bar continues to be raised by all competitors and teams, and it’s why I love racing – being able to push and challenge myself.”
With Tang behind the wheel of his 2002 BMW E46 M3, he clinched 6th place in the highly competitive Unlimited division, an impressive result in a field of 19 drivers.
REFLECTION
Asked to share a post-race wrap up, thoughtfully, Tang offered, “The mountain decides. Last year, as a rookie I had the privilege to race all the way to the summit. This year, we were all not as lucky with the crazy winds and the shortened course on race day. It was certainly a bummer, especially because, based on our times in all of the sectors during the week, it looked like I was on target to achieve my goal of a sub-10-minute full run. But, that said, I totally understand why it had to happen.”
“We’re a small private team with big dreams, and thanks to our shared passion, dedication and support from great partners, we’ve put together a strong program,” shared Tang. “When I look at my car, I see blood, sweat and tears from me and my friend group, because we’re the ones that made it possible.”
GET TO KNOW TOM TANG
Instagram: @tomchutang
Fun Facts:
“I love beer and pizza, but they don’t love me back.”
“I have a 10-year-old Shiba Inu and Pomeranian mixed doggo named Ramen.”
“I can’t afford other hobbies beyond motorsports.”
“Oh, and I’m terrified of heights.”
Does your car have a name? “Ursula. I name all of my cars, and this one is named after Phoebe’s twin sister in ‘Friends’. While she looks like my other M3, this one is meaner and faster.”
Favorite Section or Corner: “Devils Playground. For me, it’s where the climbing stops being as steep and where the run becomes fast and flowing again.”
Most Challenging Section: “The Ws. It’s tempting to want to push deeper into the braking zones, so I have to constantly remind myself that it’s about getting a good exit instead.”
Other than Pikes Peak, what’s your favorite race course? “Sonoma Raceway. It’s my home track. I love how it flows, it’s so technical and challenging because of the concrete walls everywhere.”
Any good luck charms or superstitions? “Red underwear. Ask any Chinese person. Works like a charm.”
Pikes Peak heroes: “Rod Millen and Monster Tajima, for sure. But also Rhys Millen, Tanner Foust and Dai Yoshihara because I’ve known them for many years from Formula DRIFT.”
Three must-haves in the race trailer: “Good snacks – everyone gets hungry at the mountain, especially with early mornings and cold temperatures. Strong hot coffee – we can’t function without it. And two strong generators to power those tire blankets at/past Glen Cove!”
Biggest accomplishment in motorsports: “For me, it’s been my journey from being on the business end of motorsports, by managing race programs and teams, to actually getting into the car myself as a driver.”
BEHIND THE WHEEL WITH TOM TANG IN NEW AND IMPROVED E46
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski and PPIHC Archives.
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
