FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 23, 2023
BEHIND THE WHEEL
ROMAIN DUMAS TO COMPETE IN 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
OVERALL RECORD HOLDER RETURNS IN FORD PERFORMANCE SUPERVAN 4
“It’s always a privilege to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Dumas. “This year I’m excited to compete in the 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4, and put the fully electric drivetrain to the test against America’s Mountain.”
SuperVan 4, built as a joint effort between Ford Performance and STARD, takes to the mountain this year sporting an all-wheel drive system powered by a 50kWh ultra high-performance cell battery, carbon composite body features, an FIA specification roll cage, and adjustable regenerative braking.
“We’re pleased to welcome an iconic American brand, Ford Motor Company, and Ford Performance to Pikes Peak,” shared PPIHC Executive Director, Melissa Eickhoff. “Everyone is eager to watch the latest innovation from Ford and see it perform on the mountain…and with Dumas in the driver’s seat, it is sure to be an impressive entry.”
Read the full press release to learn more.
Dumas returns to Pikes Peak where he has earned four King of the Mountain crowns, three times behind the wheel of Norma racecars and the fourth strapped into the now iconic Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, an all-electric prototype with an amazing nine-month concept to competition build.
In 2018 the existing course record fell by more than 15 seconds when Dumas and Volkswagen teamed up to prove the electric technology was king and Dumas, again, was King of the Mountain.
Photo by Louis Yio
Romain Dumas Career Highlights:
- 2-Time Overall Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – 2010, 2016
- FIA World Endurance Champion – 2016
- Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT – 2013
- 4-Time Overall Winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – 2007-2009 & 2011
- 2-Time Overall Winner of the 24 Hours of Spa – 2003, 2010
- Winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring – 2008
- Winner of the Petit Le Mans, GT – 2002
- 2-Time American Le Mans Series Champion – 2007, 2008
- 2-Time Overall Winner and Electric Record Holder at Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK)
- Nurburgring Nordschleife (Germany) – Electric Record Holder
- Mount Tianmen (China) – Electric Record Holder
- 4 Starts at the Dakar Rally
Photo Credits: Ford Performance, Scott Payne, Randels Media Group, Larry Chen, Louis Yio
ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds is held annually on the last Sunday of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile (20 km) course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet (1,440 m), and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet (4,302 m) above sea level. The PPIHC’s six race divisions feature a wide variety of vehicles – from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles. The current race record was set in 2018 by Romain Dumas and Volkswagen in the all-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak – 07:57.148.
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
