Category: Behind the Wheel

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER PAUL HUBERS TACKLES PIKES PEAK AND GIVES CREW KUDOS AT EVERY TURN

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, will welcome drivers, and their race teams, from around the world to take on the 156 turns on America’s Mountain in June. While drivers may receive all the glory, racer Paul Hubers, points to the role the crew plays as the major factor in team success.

In fact, the first time Hubers experienced Pikes Peak was as a crew member for the Acura team in 2018. He recalls, “It was a super cool experience to watch the sun rise over the clouds. Having a bunch of racecars show up shortly after only made it better.”

His exposure to the PPIHC in 2018 was inspiring as Peter Cunningham joined by brothers Nick and James Robinson, along with first-time driver, Jordan Guitar, all finished the race and Hubers saw the team’s hard work pay off. Nick Robinson claimed the Front Wheel Drive record in 10:48.094 as he crossed the line at the snowy summit. James Robinson would capture the alternative fuel Hybrid Record in 10:02.448, and Peter Cunningham bested his own Pikes Peak Open record in 09:27.352.

FORMULA SAE TO PIKES PEAK

“Like many automotive engineers, I participated in Formula SAE competitions during my tenure as a college student,” explained Hubers. “While the classwork was interesting, I spent many more hours designing the chassis of our Formula car in the evenings. When the competition came around, our car was assigned the number 41 and I’ve stuck with it. To me, designing and fabricating that car was my true education. I’ve learned a lot more since then, but I’ll always appreciate the experience of conceiving that car from scratch.”

Hubers would eventually spend four seasons racing in club Miata, autocross and rally events before he was tapped to drive at Pikes Peak.

EYES ON THE SUMMIT

Hubers transitioned from crew member to driver and has now challenged the mountain three times. In 2022, Hubers was behind the wheel for the first time in the 100th running of this legendary race. Weather was everyone’s enemy that year with heavy fog, cold temps, rain, sleet, and snow. Driving a 2023 Acura Integra in the Exhibition division, Hubers completed his rookie run in 13:06.931 for a ninth place division finish.

Skies were brighter for his second attempt in 2023. Piloting the same car, Hubers entered the Pikes Peak Open division where he finished 10th and ran nearly a full minute quicker than the previous year with a 12:08.535.

In 2024, Hubers was back in Pikes Peak Open, back in the same Integra, and again finished 10th in division. Impressively, he shaved almost 30 seconds from his prior time with his clocking of 11:40.736.

PIKES PEAK PROVEN

As a Senior Engineer for Chassis Development at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, Hubers described his unique race team. “Honda of America Race Team, or HART team members are associates of Honda’s Development and Manufacturing Organization. The personal experience gained from Pikes Peak’s extreme challenges really conditions our mindset and allows us to apply proven technology as we develop the product for our customers.”

Offering lessons learned from Acura’s participation in the PPIHC, Hubers shared, “We’ve learned that the Acura Integra is an extremely capable platform for the hill climb environment. Similar to all teams on the mountain, the improvements we made this year allowed us to maintain performance as we ascended the course. The results of our efforts are evident in the time reduction during our 2024 run.”

“In 2024, I hit 108 mph right before Bottomless Pit. Between the capability of the Acura Integra, and a stellar team, it was easy to feel confident at that speed.”

Paul Hubers

GET TO KNOW PAUL HUBERS

Instagram: @hartroadrace

Fun Facts:

“While I love the thrill of a race car, I also love slowly adventuring through forest roads on my Honda CB500X motorcycle. I’m planning a couple multi-day adventures this year!”

“For me, building a race car by hand is equally as exciting as driving it. There’s a unique sense of accomplishment when fabricating something yourself.”

Favorite Section: “I’d have to say Blue Sky through11-Mile Water Station. The Integra loves to take that string of lefts as one long, fast turn!”

Most Challenging Corner: “The right-hander after Glen Cove. It can’t be practiced at speed, so you just have to commit on race day!”

Good Luck Charm: “The best good-luck-charm I can come up with is the crew our Acura team brings to the mountain each year. Racing really is a team sport, and any driver is just a small part of the machine. My teammates are true professionals and they all work tirelessly to put on a good show.”

Three Must-Haves in the Trailer:

1. Zip-ties – the gold standard of motorsports fasteners!
2. Coffee machine – it’s the small luxuries that make a 2:00 am wake-up call tolerable!
3. Crew – It cannot be said enough that racing is a team sport no matter how many seats there are in the race car! A crew made of good friends is more important than any amount of horsepower.

Favorite Track: “Although I’ve never driven it, I really like Road Atlanta. My friends in college and I would go to Petit le Mans each year when we were in school. It was such a cool event to share with those guys, and it definitely inspired me to pursue motorsports as a part of my career.”

Advice for a PPIHC Rookie: “A basic driving simulator is by far the best way to learn the course prior to actually driving up the hill. I logged hundreds of virtual runs before our Pikes Peak Integra was even built, and I would do it again for any race track. There’s no excuse for not knowing the course. And, as with any race, you can’t win if you don’t finish. Plan to get to the top, even if it means taking it easy on your rookie run. Being a PPIHC finisher is a huge accomplishment in its own right.”

PROFESSIONAL AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER, PAUL HUBERS, PROVES ACURA TECHNOLOGY ON PIKES PEAK

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski.

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

CHRISTOPHER DU BOIS FULFILLS FRIEND’S DREAM TO RACE AT PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has initiated rookies since the very first running in 1916. Confident in their abilities, trusting their team’s creation, and passionate about speed, drivers with big dreams take on the infamous 156 turns. In 2024, Christopher du Bois, a New Hampshire competitor, brought all these to Pikes Peak, and one thing more, the memory of his friend, Mike Sureau, who inspired him to challenge America’s Mountain.

A CAR GUY AT HEART

Many drivers follow in the footsteps of a racing family, not du Bois. He was the first in his family to catch the racing bug. Describing his foray into getting his first car, he laughed, “I could only have a car with a 2-barrel carburetor, not a 4-barrel!”

In the early 2000s he began participating in track days and by 2008 he entered the world of hill climbing. “I became a mechanic because I was interested in cars. At the dealership where I worked, one of the auto techs introduced me to hill climb racing,” du Bois shared.

An active member of the New England Hillclimb Association (NEHA), du Bois was a three time class champion. He also competed three times in New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington Hillclimb.

CLIMBING HIGHER

Proving he could conquer the 6,288′ summit of New Hampshire’s famous peak, du Bois set his sights on the 14,115′ pinnacle of Colorado’s most iconic mountain.

“Pikes Peak and Mt. Washington represent the two most challenging hill climbs in the country, and likely the world,” explained du Bois. “It’s a hill climb racer’s dream, and ultimate goal, to compete in either one. To me, Pikes Peak represents the pinnacle, and final challenge.”

Du Bois entered the Time Attack 1 division and finished 10th in his first time behind the wheel. Driving a 2010 Nissan GTR, he clocked a rookie time of 12:32.938.

TUNING FOR ELEVATION

Du Bois elaborated on his biggest challenge – tuning for elevation. “Our dynos are sea level and the car barely wanted to start at elevation. We flew our tuner out to Colorado and made adjustments all week, but we still battled a lot of gremlins. When I’d lift off the throttle it would continue to accelerate for a second, before deceleration. We had a big engine, twin turbo, and all wheel drive, but we could only run it in rear wheel drive.”

Even on race day, the car was sputtering near the summit, but when du Bois saw the finish line, he breathed an emotional sigh of relief, and realized what the team had accomplished.

“As I crossed the finish line, I yelled out ‘WE DID IT MIKE!’ and it felt like he was there.”

Christopher du Bois

IN MEMORY OF MIKE

“My friend, Mike Sureau, bought this car to build for Pikes Peak. He liked the Skylines and GTRs, in general, and he had an R35 Gizmo edition. Mike owned a carbon fiber company and was planning to do some crazy aero, but he passed away before he could finish the build.”

“His parents wanted his dream to live on and approached me about completing the car and racing it at Pikes Peak in his memory. It took us four or five years of ups and downs to get it settled, but finally, we were ready to go.”

“Making the trek from New Hampshire to Pikes Peak with my crew chief, Doug, we spent three days towing the car across country,” explained du Bois. “Once we were on the road, it was hard to believe it was finally happening. I’d pushed hard on the build to make sure his parents could see this achievement.

“Looking back, the whole thing is still surreal. This was a family and friends-fueled affair. We’re a small team of privateers, not a big factory effort, but we still made our dream come true.”

BEST MEMORY

“I’d driven Mike’s parents up the mountain earlier in the week so they could see it,” shared du Bois. “And they were with me all day in the pits on race day. There was just so much emotion all week.”

“As I crossed the finish line, I yelled out ‘WE DID IT MIKE!’ and it felt like he was there. When I got back to the start line and saw his family it was just a beautiful moment.”

GET TO KNOW CHRISTOPHER DU BOIS

Fun Facts:

“I’m an avid fisherman.”

“I enjoy cooking.”

“I love backcountry snowmobiling.”

“Before I raced at Pikes Peak, I’d never driven it in real life, only on Gran Turismo on my

PlayStation 1 as a kid.”

“I’ll miss the race in 2025 since I’m getting married.”

Occupation: “I own Three Ponds Auto. We specialize mostly in Asian vehicles. I was also a Master Honda Tech, and foreman for 15 years.”

Favorite Section: “The lower section – those high-speed sweepers were really fun.”

Most Challenging Corner: “I thought I’d enjoy the upper section more, but I’d only seen it on a simulator where you don’t experience those bumps!”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Nobuhiro Tajima and Jimi Heyder. Tajima because of Gran Turismo and the Escudo, and Jimi Heyder because he was a bit of a legend before I started hill climbing, and then I became good friends with him over the years racing together.”

Advice for a Rookie: “Don’t give up, no matter how hard. You’ll get there. If that’s your dream, keep pushing!”

NEW HAMPSHIRE ROOKIE, CHRISTOPHER DU BOIS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FRIEND AND MENTOR, MIKE SUREAU

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

BEN RYAN IS TWO FOR TWO ON PIKES PEAK IN TIME ATTACK 1

Colorado Springs, CO – As a new year rolls out, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is preparing for the 103rd Running of the famed Race to the Clouds. Drivers dreaming of their race to the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, are confirming sponsors, preparing applications, and committing to memory the 156 turns.

Ben Ryan calls Colorado home, and made his debut on the mountain in 2023. Back behind the wheel in 2024, he explains his passion for the sport and pays tribute to those who have raced on Pikes Peak since its earliest days.

RECALLING HIS ROOKIE YEAR

Ryan first entered the PPIHC in 2023. He shared, “I initially entered with a BMW E30 that I built for the Hill Climb, but after I wasn’t invited to race, and was on the waitlist, I got an offer to sell the car, and I couldn’t refuse.

About two weeks later I was notified that I had been accepted since another team had dropped out.”

Ryan’s invitation to compete was issued on April 25, 2023, with the month of June just around the corner. He shared, “A friend of mine had a MINI, and we built it into a race car in 46 days.” He entered the 2006 MINI Cooper S in the Time Attack 1 division, and made it to the summit in 13:04.890, for an 8th place division finish.

Ryan recalled his race week and race day experiences, “We suffered a complete motor failure the day before qualifying and had to swap out the motor inside our trailer overnight. The crew finished at 4:30 a.m. just as we headed to the mountain for our run. In qualifying, we realized the spare motor was also hurt, but we kept it together enough to make it to the top.”

Asked what initially sparked his passion for racing, he was quick to reply, “Cars and racing have always been part of my life. Our family was always involved in some form for motorsport racing. I was born and raised here in Colorado, and that means we get the best of both worlds – winter and summer racing. I started racing dirt bikes when I was five years old, then moved to karting. Not much has changed since I was a kid, other than the toys have gotten a lot cooler!”

MINI TO AUDI IN 2024

“Coming back last year with our 2013 Audi TTRS we had high hopes, but during qualifying week we experienced some electrical issues. This restricted the car from performing at its full capability, but it was still a huge improvement over 2023.” Ryan clocked an 11:51.124, shaving more than a minute from his 2023 time, finishing 9th in the Time Attack 1 division.

Ryan continued, “The two cars couldn’t be more different and both presented their own unique characteristics. Looking back on making two successful runs, I never thought it was possible, but thanks to the crew’s hard work and dedication, we did it!

“The memory that stands out the most is crossing that finish line and seeing Derek waving that checkered flag!”

Ben Ryan

Ryan summed up his two years of competition on Pikes Peak, “The experience that I’ve gained, and the memories and relationships I’ve made, will last a lifetime.” He added, “To share a small piece of PPIHC history with all the pioneers and legends who came before me makes it truly an honor to be part of this exclusive family.”

GET TO KNOW BEN RYAN

Instagram: @bencruise918

Fun Facts:

“My hobbies, outside of racing, are snowboarding, snowmobiling, traveling, and motorcycles.”

“My favorite movie is Days of Thunder.”

“I love to cook!”

Occupation: “I manage an automotive restyling shop.”

Three Must-Haves in the Race Trailer: “1) Snacks. 2) Gear for all weather. 3) Wet Wipes. None of these are really race-related, but they each serve an important purpose.”

Racing since PPIHC: “We’ve been out to some time attack events, but with winter here, our focus is now on ice racing.”

Favorite Track: “Road America is, and always will be, one of my favorite tracks. That place gets my heart pumping!”

Best Award: “Being a single dad of four, and getting a ‘father of the year’ award from my kids is, by far, the greatest award I’ve received. They’re the driving force behind my motivation to compete in motorsports. No matter what we accomplish along the way in racing, nothing will be more meaningful than my kids’ father of the year award.”

RIDE WITH BEN RYAN IN 2024 AS HE MAKES HIS SECOND ASSAULT ON PIKES PEAK

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhou, Jason Zindroski

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

DAN NOVEMBRE SHARES THE TRUE MEANING OF PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – The 2024 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is now in the rear view mirror. With the coming holiday season and a new year of racing action on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance of family and how they support their drivers. Meet Dan Novembre, a Colorado-based driver whose family is at the heart of his team.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Dan November, and his brother, began watching the Pikes Peak Hill Climb as teenagers when they moved to Colorado. They eventually volunteered to work the race so they could see the action up close. Finding a race car on Craigslist in 2009 set his dreams in motion, and he’s competed in the Race to the Clouds ever since. In his rookie year, he clocked a time of 14:08.589 in his 2006 Wells Coyote.

RACING RUNS IN THE FAMILY

“I dreamed of racing as a kid and was always a big race fan, along with my brother and sister,” explained Novembre, “but I’m the only one who races cars. That said, we’re a pretty competitive family. My sister races bikes in several categories (road cycling, mountain biking, cyclo-cross, and track/velodrome) and my brother races sailboats, most notably the iconic Chicago to Mackinac Island annual race. We have a joke between the siblings about how my team name, Novembre Racing, really applies to all of us.”

“My parents have been very supportive throughout the years,” shared Novembre. “Dad has helped me many times on the pit crew during the early morning practices and race days. Mom has catered lunch for the long race days, setting up a wonderful spread of food. It’s great to have my parents there as part of the adventure.”

RACE CAR NAMES – A FAMILY TRIBUTE

“Early on, I started a tradition with naming my car with the initials of my family,” explained Novembre. “It started in 2011, naming my Wells Coyote the “KMH Special” for my wife and two kids at the time: Kajsa, Moses, and Haley. Well, by 2020 we had five kids and the car was a KMHRAL special! Adding Rhys, Annie, and Luke. When my wife was pregnant and we still hadn’t settled on a name I would add a +1 to the name as a clue that someone new was on the way.”

CLOSE-KNIT CREW

“This crew is an amazing group of people,” Novembre expressed. “We all met through work actually, but have become very close friends. Most notably my early, now retired, crew chief Anthony Joseph, and my latest crew chief, Patrick Bernard. I enjoy brainstorming on how to do better every year and strategizing the race day game plan.”

“Patrick introduced me to his longtime friend, Terry Cooper, (pictured below, left), who led our team for years and helped us get a sub-10 minute run with the Open Wheel car. Unfortunately, we lost him during the pandemic and have missed him ever since.”

“We always talked about stepping up to a car like a Wolf. So shortly afterward, we made the jump and are now living out our dream of going even faster. As a tribute to Terry, I now call the Wolf the “TC Special” so he is always with us.”

THE HILL CLIMB FAMILY

I raced with the CHCA (Colorado Hill Climb Association) series for years and was awestruck by how helpful and fun everybody was; folks like the O’Maleys and Shucrafts would give you the shirt off their backs.

“I learned early on what it’s like to be part of the ‘hill climb family’. Nothing can beat it.”

Dan Novembre

Whether Dan was running his Wells Coyote, his Novembre Special, or his 2013 Wolf, the experience with his fellow competitors was the same.

“On Pikes Peak, it’s like a family reunion,” he exclaimed. “Not seeing some people from out of state, or even out of country, all year and then reuniting in June, it’s like we were never apart. Everybody is looking out for each other and cares so much about every single effort on the mountain.”

A FAMILY OF FANS

Since the inception of the Fast 15 qualifiers in 2021, Novembre has been on the list of top qualifiers every year, this year qualifying third overall behind France’s Romain Dumas and Italy’s Christian Merli.

Novembre enjoys getting fans to sign his car as much as he likes signing autographs.

REFLECTING ON 2024

In June, Novembre was back behind the wheel of his 2013 Wolf GB08S TC Special ready to challenge the 14,115’ summit for the sixteenth time. Despite a successful streak on the mountain with 15 consecutive finishes, including his personal best race time of 09:27.611 in 2023, Novembre found himself making a tough decision after exiting the Ws.

He explained, “About three quarters through the race in the W’s, the toughest part of the mountain, I not only was experiencing near fatal water and oil temperatures, my brakes started going out. I lost all brakes due to overheating fluid and had to use the engine to slow the car down. Rather than risking hurting the car, or myself, I decided to pull over at 16 Mile and call it a day.”

In the true spirit of family, Novembre jumped in to help fellow competitor, Henry Hill, get turned around for a restart.

Novembre said, “The 2024 race showed a ton of potential that we just weren’t able to realize on race day. We had very little test time due to late completion of the car, upgrades, and very little practice time due to bad weather impacting three of the four sessions.”

He reflected and shared, “After this year’s performance, you bet I’m asking for a bit more help from Santa for 2025!”

Though he had settled for his first ever DNF, what mattered most to this driver was another type of DNF, his Dan Novembre Family waiting for him after the race.

GET TO KNOW DAN NOVEMBRE

Instagram: @novembre_racing

Fun Facts:

“Every year after the Hill Climb, my family visits Yellowstone National Park and stay at the Old Faithful Inn.”

“I went to Air Academy High School here in Colorado Springs and ran Cross Country and Track.”

“I went to the Colorado School of Mines majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and I also played Ultimate Frisbee!”

“Oh, and Santa, I have a pretty big sweet tooth and love snacking on unique candy. My latest craze is freeze-dried Skittles!”

What’s faster, a Wolf or a flying reindeer? “Well, I am a numbers person, and this year with the twin-turbo system, we were around 800 horsepower. So, comparing 800 horses to one flying reindeer? Hmm.”

“On the other hand, if you ever do the math on how fast Santa has to be to get to every town in the world in one day, well, I guess I would never stand a chance!! Hint: It’s somewhere close to 3,000,000 miles an hour!”

Three Must-Haves in the Race Trailer: “1) Various Ryobi battery pack tools, there is literally something made for every need. 2) A whiteboard to jot down notes or thoughts. 3) Homemade cinnamon rolls! Gotta keep everyone going with the breakfast of champions.”

Advice for a Rookie: “Know the road! There are so many resources and videos to get to know all the turns. That will allow you to focus on more important things during practice week and race day. The other piece of advice is don’t rush to go faster, but incrementally step up the pace to know your limits and the car’s handling abilities. Each day the road conditions can vary greatly in terms of traction and how the suspension reacts. The more runs you make, the more you will learn, so just try to make every session and every run possible.”

WATCH DAN NOVEMBRE’S FASTEST RUN UP THE MOUNTAIN IN 2023 – 09:27.611

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, PPIHC Archives

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

JEREMY LOWDER FINDS INSPIRATION AT 2024 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, serves as a proving ground for emerging technology and veteran drivers, and a great opportunity for newcomers to the mountain. In 2024, rookie competitor, Jeremy Lowder, of Middlesex, New Jersey, entered his 2019 Chevrolet Camaro in the Pikes Peak Open division and was both humbled and thrilled to compete alongside some motorsport standouts. As a grassroots driver, where else but Pikes Peak are you able to line up on the same course with Romain Dumas?

BEGINNINGS

“I was always interested in any motorized vehicle and wanted to be a racecar driver since I could remember,” shared Lowder. “My cousins had motorcycles and quads, and I would ride as often as I could. I loved it. When I was growing up as an Army brat, we never had money for those, but fast forward 35 years and I bought my favorite childhood car, a Camaro…and not just any Camaro, a 2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE. Wow, what a machine!”

From his dream car to stepping into the world of racing, Lowder explained his path, “I started reading about tracks and saw this type of car on the track, and then I heard about track days. I couldn’t even imagine that a person could actually drive their car on an actual racetrack. So, I brought my car to an SCCA Track Night in America event. I was blown away! I had been waiting my whole life to do this!”

Lowder took the car to as many events as he could in 2020, and his love of racing progressed.

“This car is strictly a time attack, time trial car,” he said. “I started out in SCCA autocross and time trials, then branched out to NASA TT, Global Time Attack, Super Lap Battle and SCCA hill climb events.”

FUELING THE JOURNEY TO PIKES PEAK

Lowder recalled the car prep leading up to Pikes Peak, focusing on one major hurdle he had to overcome. “I missed in the Rule Book that I needed a fuel cell. So, a week before practice my buddy, and nemesis, Eric Magnussen made a few calls to Radium Engineering. They were amazing! I explained my situation and they sent me everything needed to make the conversion right away! I was so grateful. But once the parts arrived, I needed a shop to install the fuel cell. My local shop only did OEM. At this point I was beyond stressed and had to call practically every fabricator from Long Island to Pennsylvania! Finally, a friend of a friend found a local drag shop, Farks Supercars. I told them my timeline was three days and they made it happen.”

The car was finished in record time and arrived at Pikes Peak for Tech Inspection. “We never did have a chance to put it on the dyno, and it had a few bugs, but all in all, the car ran well,” Lowder said. “I was nervous about the cooling, but the car ran perfectly in all temperature variations.”

ON THE MOUNTAIN

Sharing a practice week incident, Lowder recalled, “the toughest corner I faced was near Tin Barn. That turn continued to close and I thought it would open; it didn’t. I end up rolling the car onto its side in the concrete ditch during practice.”

“Be humble, or the mountain will make you humble.”

Jeremy Lowder

Sharing heartfelt gratitude for this 2024 Pikes Peak experience, Lowder commented, “It’s hard to explain how amazing it feels to drive among such a great group of wonderful and talented individuals. These epic people that you look up to would talk to you as a fellow driver, a real person. I thought to myself a few times, ‘What am I doing here? How did they allow me to run with such greatness?’ I had to pinch myself multiple times.”

A TEAM EFFORT

Lowder finished 9th in Pikes Peak Open in 11:31.622 and shared, “Racing on Pikes Peak is really the chance of a lifetime. Cherish it, and all the people who help you along the way.”

“Initially, I was so surprised to get in, I said I only wanted to challenge the mountain once. In 2024, I drove a little conservatively on race day due to a race week incident, plus I’d made promises I’d make it to the top. But, after doing it once, I’ve been bitten by the bug! Now I need to prove to myself, and to the people who believed in me, that I can make a good time up there.”

APPRECIATION

“I have to thank Jake Graham at TGA Performance, a great friend in Colorado Springs, who opened his shop, his home, his trailer, and everything he owned to help us,” exclaimed Lowder. “I am eternally grateful.”

“My sponsors, along with my family, supported my craziness along the way and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

GET TO KNOW JEREMY LOWDER

Instagram: @bad_zl1_1le

Fun Facts:

“I work as a contractor, but also help my community as a fireman.”

“My motto is ‘work hard so I can play hard.’ I like to hunt and fish, but working on the car seems to take all my time. Most people in our industry have a hobby that consumes them…it’s working on their cars.”

“My daily driver is a GMC Pickup.”

Best advice about racing on Pikes Peak: “Be prepared for everything…with your vehicle, your crew, the weather and yourself – physically and mentally.”

Favorite Turn: “The last one, at the summit. There is so much anticipation building throughout the day, the week, the month. You practice all week in three sections, but you don’t get to practice the entire course at once. At the bottom, it seems so far away, but when you round that last corner and see the checkered flag, it’s over in an instant.”

Mentors: “Two months before the race, David Donohue reached out to me. I was just floored. Why would he reach out to me? He told me, ‘You seem to live close, and you’re on the team now.’ I didn’t know what to say. Of course I had seen him at Super Lap Battle at COTA, but for him to talk to me like an equal was really something. I’m a nobody, yet here I was talking to a master. It really is something, the Pikes Peak family.”

Advice for a Rookie: “Listen to anyone who will share their past experience; there is no amount of time or money that can give you this. Everyone will talk to you, so don’t be afraid to ask. It’s just an amazing community.” 

What is Racing for ALS: “When Ryan Cheek, another rookie on Pikes Peak this year, and I found out we were both accepted, it was like the heavens opened up. We are both Racing for ALS supporters. Most people who support the cause have an ALS reason, losing someone to ALS. I met Dave and Scott Lloyd of Racing for ALS at the track. We had all started racing later in life. When Dave passed away, a movement was created to find a cure. It’s hard to put into words what they’ve done to raise awareness.”

Favorite Track: “Circuit of the Americas (COTA)”, is the most epic, but on the East Coast there are two sister tracks to Virginia International Raceway (VIR), Lightning and Thunderbolt in New Jersey. They’re smaller, but very fun tracks.”

WATCH JEREMY LOWDER’S ROOKIE RUN ON PIKES PEAK – AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Duncan Cowper

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

DUNCAN COWPER

2024 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

TWO APPEARANCES – TWO PODIUMS

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has been a storyteller’s paradise since 1916. The history is rich, the competitors are fearless, the machines are often unstoppable and the personal stories bring the event to life for fans around the world.

Duncan Cowper from Bishop’s Stortford in the UK, returned to Pikes Peak with his dreams, his enthusiasm, and a car he built himself, to challenge the 12.42 miles to the top of America’s Mountain.

REPEAT PERFORMANCE

Cowper was a rookie in 2023 when he clocked an amazing sub-10 minute time of 09:57.072, finishing 12th overall, and taking third place in the Unlimited division.

He was back on the mountain in 2024 behind the wheel of his 2009 Dax Pikes Peak Cowper Special. Despite a week of adversity, he broke into the top ten overall, and claimed another third place finish in the Unlimited division with a 10:03.973.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think my little car, built at home, would ever race outside the UK, let alone in the US and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.”

Duncan Cowper

MEETING THE CHALLENGE(S)

Cowper reflected on his two appearances on America’s Mountain, sharing, “My first year was phenomenal and everything went to plan…from tire tests to race day. The car ran faultlessly, and we achieved a sub-10 minute time in my rookie year.”

He continued to contrast the two runs, adding details about his most recent attempt. “This year presented the very highs and the very lows. On the first day of practice we lost the engine, which was very traumatic. We stripped two engines to re-building a race engine overnight, then it was on to qualifying the next day with just under an hours sleep.

Just as we were loading the car to stage it for race day, we found a wheel bearing had failed and had to rebuild that, then the car wouldn’t start, so we had to repair the fuel pump, all with limited spare parts.

On race day, the clutch master cylinder failed just six corners in, the oil and water temperatures were through the roof, due to the very hot weather. This year, the twelve and a half miles felt more like 120, but I feel now that I’ve had the full Pikes Peak experience, and I loved every minute of it!”

BEST MEMORY

Asked what he’d look back on as a fond memory from 2024, Cowper shared, “Beyond reaching the top again on race day, I was honored to be the ring bearer for the wedding at the summit.”

Cowper stood with Mary Barker and Kendall Samuel as they exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by the ‘Fastest Pastor,’ Don Wickstrum on the summit of Pikes Peak. Fellow drivers joined the couple to celebrate the occasion.

Cowper once again took his place on the podium with division winner and Rookie of the Year, Italy’s Christian Merli, and Don Wickstrum, who finished second. Frederic Gasser of B.R.M North America presented a custom timepiece to Merli.

SINCE PIKES PEAK

“I’ve done one sprint race at my local club since the car has been back in the UK, and I’m hoping to do some more next year. As far as plans to return to Pikes Peak, I don’t have any at the moment…but never say never!”

GET TO KNOW DUNCAN COWPER

Fun Facts:

“My daily driver is my work van, a Ford Transit.”

“I’ve got a 14-year old dog, a Jack Russell / Yorkshire Terrier named Trixie.”

“I like collecting junk (as my wife calls it) especially vintage motocross bikes,1970s Husqvarna 400cc models in particular, and anything to do with petrol basically!”

Love to eat steak and chips or ‘fries’ as you call them in the US; and I enjoy the pancakes from Uncle Sam’s Pancake House in Manitou Springs.

Occupation: “I work as a plasterer.”

(Nicknamed “The Fastest Plasterer” in a nod to Don Wickstrum, “Fastest Pastor,” the two posed for a selfie at Tech Inspection in 2024.)

Best advice about racing on Pikes Peak: “Jonathan Edwards at Alcon Brakes told me, ‘Drive the road as you see it and don’t overthink it. Trust your ability.'”

Favorite Section: “From Glen Cove upwards, the car comes alive on this sector. That’s when you really know you’re at Pikes Peak.”

Most Challenging Corner: “Elk Park, a very high speed corner on a constant high radius into a very tight hairpin.”

What makes your car well-suited to race on Pikes Peak? “The power to weight ratio and its unique suspension.”

Fan Fest: “It’s just so unique. You get to talk to the fans, and it’s a personal experience for all of us.”

Three Must-Have Items in the Race Trailer: “Water. Torches (flashlights) for the very early mornings. And a big bag of luck!”

SEE DUNCAN COWPER’S 2024 ONBOARD RUN

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Duncan Cowper

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

JIMMY FORD ON THE PODIUM IN NEW BUILD AT 2024 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – One of the hallmarks of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is the welcoming nature of veteran competitors as they often share knowledge and resources with new drivers. Another well-known aspect of the Race to the Clouds is that many competitors are second, third, and even fourth generation competitors on America’s Mountain. Jimmy Ford, following in the footsteps of his father, Jim, is one of those second generation drivers who is carving his own legacy through the famed 156 turns.

FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FORD

With a nod to his family, his car owner, and some rich PPIHC history, Colorado’s Jimmy Ford challenged the mountain for the third time in 2024.

From a disappointing DNF in his rookie attempt in 2022, to a 4th place the following year, Ford was behind the wheel of a 1994 Ford Bronco. This is noteworthy, as the car was originally built by PPIHC Hall of Famer, John Wells, and driven to victory by Leonard Vahsholtz, also a member of Hall of Fame.

Ford brought a new build to Pikes Peak in 2024, a 2017 Ford Mustang, capturing second place in the Pikes Peak Open division. His sub-10 minute run of 09:40.660 landed him not only on the podium, but in sixth place, overall.

His father, Jim, an integral part of the team, raced on Pikes Peak in the early 1990s. Pair that with support and expertise from veteran PPIHC stock car winner, Joel Newcomer, and the depth of experience on Jimmy’s team is impressive.

A YEAR IN THE MAKING

Joel Newcomer, car owner, shared the story behind the year-long transition from the Bronco to the Mustang, “During our 2023 race preparation, I saw an opportunity to purchase a 2017 TransAm Mustang racecar on the Bring-A-Trailer auction site. I thought it might be a chance to upgrade the Jimmy Ford Racing program, and be able to compete for a top spot. I was fortunate to win the auction, and we stored the car and focused on Jimmy’s 2023 run.”

The team came together and made a plan to transition the car to fit their vision for Pikes Peak, giving it a new look and prepping it for the unique challenges on the mountain.

Newcomer recalled the process once the car was track ready, “We set aside the Roush/Yates Engine for our first test runs in the car and put in the engine Leonard Vahsholtz built for the Bronco in 2023. From the new car, to a new trailer, and new tools, this was becoming a true road racing car. We had bigger tires, different gearing, transmission options and we lowered the car. There were a lot of upgrades to the safety equipment to comply the the PPIHC Rule Book.”

He concluded, “I had my racing moments back in the 1980s and 1990s, and now I get to do it again, in another way. I am so proud that I could help this family chase their dreams, and share the experience with them.”

COMPARISON

Ford described similarities and differences between the builds, “Both cars share similar tube frame chassis and comparable weights, which gave me a bit of familiarity in terms of feel and balance. However, the Mustang packs an extra 50-75 horsepower over the Bronco, which really made itself known on the straights! And while both cars used NASCAR-style small-block Ford engines—another familiar point for me—the Mustang’s streamlined build and lower center of gravity made it significantly faster when entering and exiting corners.

“In the end, the Mustang wasn’t just faster; it felt like it was a car built to take advantage of every inch of Pikes Peak. Where the Bronco required constant attention and adaptation, the Mustang let me focus more on pushing for speed and precision, giving the entire experience a new level of intensity and excitement.”

GRATITUDE

“I have to thank my family and friends for all the hard work they put into this program. Without them, none of this would be possible. It’s a true team effort, and I’m grateful for their unwavering support.”

Commenting on the legacy aspect of his team, Jimmy Ford shared, “Pikes Peak is where generations come together, where the legacy of those before us fuels the drive of those who follow. Working alongside my dad and Joel, we’re not just racing—we’re continuing a story that spans generations. It’s about passing down lessons, wisdom, and a passion for the mountain that runs deep in our blood. Every time we take on Pikes Peak, it’s a reminder of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed, carrying the torch forward for the next generation.”

SINCE PIKES PEAK

Following his exceptional performance on Pikes Peak, Ford shared how he has continued to develop as a driver, “I’ve been focused on racing in the NASA Rocky Mountain series and the NASA Nationals at Utah Motorsports Campus. It’s been a great opportunity to continue fine-tuning the Mustang in a more controlled, competitive environment. This series has allowed me to focus on improving my skills on more traditional asphalt courses, which was a perfect complement to what I learned at Pikes Peak.”

“I raced against some of the best drivers in the region and tested the Mustang’s setup on a new track with high-speed straights and challenging corners. It was a really great way to see how the car handled in different conditions, and it gave me a lot of valuable data to work with as I continue to refine the car for future events.”

GET TO KNOW JIMMY FORD

Fun Facts:

“I enjoy backyard target shooting with friends; it’s a great way to unwind and spend time outdoors.”

“I enjoy interacting with the community when I can.”

“I love traveling and exploring new places; my favorite part is the plane taking off on the runway. I always think of it as a drag race, the acceleration and power getting the plane off the ground is something I can definitely relate to as a racer.”

Occupation: “I work as a welder for Martin Marietta at the Walstrum Quarry. It’s a job that keeps me grounded, and I get to use my welding skills in a challenging environment. The work is physically demanding, but it’s rewarding to see the direct impact of what I do.”

Advice for those dreaming of racing on Pikes Peak: “If you’ve ever thought about Pikes Peak, step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. It’s a race that will push you in ways you can’t imagine, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

One Must-Have in the Race Trailer: “Our Milwaukee tools!”

Pets: “Otis the Hound Dog! His bark can be heard echoing through the mountains of Colorado (probably to the top of Pikes Peak) all the way from our house in Georgetown, Colorado.”

Daily Driver: “My 2016 Dodge Dart gets me just about everywhere I need to go but I can always call on my trusty ‘ol 1993 Dodge W250 Cummins when I need to.”

Will we see the Bronco on Pikes Peak again? “As we move forward with the Mustang, we’ve been talking about selling ‘Bronczilla’ to make room for an upgrade. The plan is to focus on ‘Thunder,’ our new project, and make some waves with it. It’s exciting to think about the future and the potential this new car has, especially as we look to continue building on the momentum from this year. Anyone interested?”

SEE JIMMY FORD’S ONBOARD RUN AS HE CAPTURES HIS FIRST PPIHC PODIUM FINISH

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Lars Gange – Blackbullet; Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

KEN BLOCK’S PIKES PEAK LEGACY

FOREVER ON THE EDGE

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has played a role in developing, showcasing and remembering motorsports icons and legends. Ken Block was perhaps one of the most memorable.

Block, a name synonymous with high-octane action and motorsport innovation, left a legacy that continues to inspire and excite fans worldwide. On what would have been his 57th birthday, the PPIHC celebrates Block and how he revolutionized the way people view car culture, stunts and rally driving. He had the unique ability to see new possibilities in motorsports and created pathways to bring those ideas to life.

RALLY ROOTS ON PIKES PEAK

In 2005, Ken Block began his national rallying career with the Vermont SportsCar team, driving a 2005 Subaru WRX STi. He entered the PPIHC in the Rally America division, racing his Subaru in Group N, with co-driver Alex Gelsomino, finishing in 13:19.17 on the partially paved course.

Following his first season of rally racing, Block was awarded Rally America Rookie of the Year. He would continue competing in rally events through 2014.

“It would not be overstepping to say Ken Block was the most influential motorsports athlete of our generation.”

Travis Pastrana

HOONICORN ON THE HILL

Following his rallying career, Ken and Hoonigan unveiled the Hoonicorn in 2014. Boasting 1,400 horsepower, and all-wheel-drive, the Hoonicorn became a symbol of Block’s relentless pursuit of speed.

In 2017, Block brought the Hoonicorn V2 to Pikes Peak to create the next installment in his popular Climbkhana series. These videos redefined the boundaries of automotive performance and entertainment, spotlighting Block’s incredible driving skills, pushing vehicles to their limits with jaw-dropping stunts and drifts.

Ken Block’s Climbkhana: Pikes Peak featuring the Hoonicorn RTR V2, was a closed course ‘man versus mountain’ showdown directed by Brian Scotto and Jeff Zwart that captivated audiences around the world, further solidifying Block’s status as a motorsport icon.

In true Ken Block style, he made drifting up the side of a 14,115’ mountain look easy. The cinematic adventure takes viewers through 156 turns to the summit, while presenting Block with some unique and unexpected obstacles. The hugely successful film has garnered over 49 million views since it was released.

MILESTONE RETURN

In 2022, Block’s highly anticipated return to Pikes Peak was one of the most talked about events of the year. The Race to the Clouds would celebrate the 100th Running, and action sports icon, Ken Block was to be among the elite field of drivers.

Unfortunately, mechanical issues sidelined him during race week forcing him to miss the big event.

FAMILY TIES

In 2023, the Block family and Hoonigan returned to Pikes Peak for the 101st Running of the famous Race to the Clouds to honor Ken and bring the Hoonipigasus back to the mountain.

Block’s wife, Lucy, entered a 2024 SIERRA ECHO Block Edition by Hypercraft, in the Unlimited division. Aptly numbered #430, the EV-powered SIERRA with a throwback livery, proved successful on the mountain. She completed her rookie run in 11:25.315, and waited for her daughter to reach the top as the last car to leave the start line.

Block’s 16-year-old daughter, Lia, made a tribute run in the Hoonipigasus to honor her late father in the car he brought to Pikes Peak in 2022, and had planned to race in 2023. It was the final run of the day and brought fans to their feet as she piloted the #43 fan-favorite pink Porsche past their vantage point.

43 INSTITUTE

Created to honor the man many described as passionate and inspiring, 43 Institute provides resources for underserved, highly driven ‘motivated misfits’ who dream of an action sports career. Following Block’s deep love for cars and motorsports, 43 Institute aims to open the door of opportunity to the network of creatives, business leaders, marketing experts, top level athletes, and artists that Ken has built in his decades-long career; providing grants and support to make dreams happen.

“Ken Block did so much for the car culture community and made an impact on my life, personally. I was so lucky to be able to work with him closely for so many years. I’ve been doing my best to keep Ken’s legacy strong. Even though he’s no longer here with us, his foundation will continue to help those seeking an entry to the action sports world.”

Larry Chen

000 Magazine is supporting 43 Institute, with a portion of the proceeds from their current sweepstakes. “We spent time with Ken Block’s team during Race Week in 2022, and looked forward to seeing them on Race Day—but it wasn’t to be, and then we all lost Ken in 2023,” said 000 co-founder Pete Stout. “Everyone at 000 cares about motorsports and the creative arts, so a chance to support 43i in carrying Ken’s work forward wasn’t something we wanted to miss.”

HALL OF FAME HONORS

Block was honored with posthumous induction to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in October, 2024. His rally racing success and legendary status as an entrepreneur were recognized.

He has also been inducted to the Model Car Hall of Fame.

PARTING WORDS

“At some point in my life, I basically said take every day as a day to learn something…you just learn so much through life.”

“I really don’t have any regrets. I try to inspire people to be creative and live a fun life, and don’t be an a**hole.”

“At the end of the day the motivation is to be successful. At the end of the day the motivation is to have something you have a lot of pride in.”

Ken Block (1967-2023)

WATCH THE 10 MINUTE FILM THAT CAPTURED THE ATTENTION OF 49 MILLION VIEWERS

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Lars Gange – Blackbullet; Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

HOUSTON’S ZACHARY SOBER MAKES HIS PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB DREAM A REALITY

Colorado Springs, CO – As the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, gears up for the 103rd Running of the famous Race to the Clouds, competitors are prepping their entries. Rookies and PPIHC veterans alike are dreaming of June and those 156 turns to glory.

As a first-time PPIHC competitor in 2024, Zachary Sober recaps his desire to challenge the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak, along with his perspective as both crew member and competitor.

FAMILY DRAG RACING ROOTS

“My dad was a drag racer. He raced in Lafayette, Louisiana and at Midland in West Texas, but most of our family racing was in east Houston at Houston Motorsports Park, on the Baytown Drag Strip. Some of my first passes on the drag strip were before I had a driver’s license…back when you could do that!”

“I loved racing. I was an obsessive SPEED Channel viewer! When I was 11, my dad started letting me drive my sister’s 5-speed Mazda 626 in our church parking lot with him. At 12, I got my first go-kart. By 14, I was hitting shots of nitrous on top of his 455ci Pontiac Trans-Am with him on some Texas highways. In my late teens we made our own personal four-wheeler and dirt bike racing trail in our backyard woods.”

BUILDING A RACING RESUME

Sober became serious about building his resume and showcasing his talent. With over twenty SCCA national level solo autocross events, forty rallycross national events and three stage rally events, at the Rally Ready Driving School and in Rijeka, Croatia, Sober had a solid foundation.

Sharing details of his Croatia experience, Sober recalled, “In 2018 I travelled to Automotodrom Grobnik and competed in a Stage Rally Event. In a friendly bet between two friends who were Italian hill climb champions in the 1980s and 1990s, my friend, Lucio, bet his friend, Achille, that he could send an American over that would beat his Italian drivers. I not only won my class but outran the entire class above me. The deal was the winner received the trip all expenses paid, so Achilles paid for my entire trip. We were living well eating all of the Ćevapčići!”

In 2019, Sober began competing in Time Attack events with Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battles. He was able to reset two long-standing records at both Road Atlanta and ButtonWillow Raceway in 2022 in the same Subaru he raced on Pikes Peak.

PIKES PEAK INSPIRATION

“Sometime during COVID, I reconnected with some of my childhood interests. I started riding mountain bikes again, hitting the jumps and nailing the downhill sections. Then, I got the chance to crew for Raymund Guerrero (pictured below) and realized that while I was in Colorado Springs I could ride a bunch of challenging trail systems, too. The sense of accomplishment in getting down those trail systems made me think of cycling on Pikes Peak, then trying to conquer it in a race car.”

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

As a previous crew member, Sober had experienced the grueling schedule of Race Week on Pikes Peak. He knew what was expected and felt that gave him a bit of an edge over other first-time drivers.

“In 2022 while I was crewing for Guerrero in his Dodge Viper, we drove up the mountain many times to take notes and talk about the course. I left that event thinking MAYBE it was possible to run the race myself one day, but that seemed unlikely to be anytime soon. I am very grateful for this year’s opportunity, all the help I have received.”

ABOUT THE BUILD

Describing his Subaru WRX, Sober shared, “The car is technically a “Special Edition” 1 of 100 in the Tangerine Orange Pearl color. The motor has been modified with forged internals, but has stock cylinder heads and cams and the Turbo Dynamics 450 ball bearing turbo is capable of 480-wheel torque at sea level. Most of the performance parts on the car are from COBB Tuning, and IAG Performance.”

Sober continued, “The MeisterR Suspension coil-overs handled the bumps very well in the upper section. Kozmic Motorsports wired the car on a Haltech ECU with multiple sensors to support this demanding race, and it really paid off. Radium Engineering supplied the FIA fuel cell required for safety, and it even has a surge tank built into the cell! The car ran well at high elevation and all of my temps remained in check, even when we tested in Texas at 95 degrees.”

REACHING THE GOAL

Asked about the goal for his inaugural race on Pikes Peak, Sober shared, “I decided in September 2023 that I wanted to enter, and I prioritized doing what was necessary to FINISH.” He continued, “The car got the required equipment for safety and performance reliability, and I trained myself physically and mentally. I felt I had prepared exactly what I needed to finish the race, and no more. I don’t have an extensive spares collection, so my focus was keeping the car healthy on the way up.”

Putting his 2013 race-prepped Subaru Impreza STI to the ultimate test, Sober’s strategy paid off. He reached the 14,115′ summit of America’s Mountain in 11:14.233 for 7th place in the Time Attack 1 division.

DREAMING OF NEXT TIME

Recalling his successful run on Pikes Peak, Sober said, “It was the coolest experience of any event I’ve done, by far.”

Sober, like all drivers with the need for speed, is dreaming of his next attempt on the mountain while he tears down the car and begins preparation for next time. He shared, “Qualifying and practice sessions were so easy and relaxed, but when it actually came to race day, it seemed like it was over so quickly. It’s reinspired me. I’m so into this sport and love everything about it. I can’t wait to be back.”

GET TO KNOW ZACHARY SOBER

Fun Facts:

“I love throwing darts. I can play for hours against friends, and I am not picky about which beer is served!”

“The first car I bought was a 1985 IROC-Z Camaro, and built the engine myself in my garage.”

“I will school you in a game of hockey! I am graceful and balanced on skates, and on my feet, which has absolutely contributed to my auto racing success.”

Favorite section: “I really love the lower section…zooming past the trees, and approaching the blind corners that you can’t see through.”

What prepared you for Pikes Peak? “Hours and hours of research, reading advice from racing professionals, experimenting in the simulator, recording and watching video, and always looking to improve something.”

Advice for someone dreaming of racing on Pikes Peak: “There’s a lot of risk in racing, so start with a lower form of competitive motorsports, like solo autocross. Learn racing procedures and establish a process to ensure your success. Accuracy is important. You have to do your homework, be prepared, and know that you have a good package ready to go.” 

CHECK OUT THE ONBOARD VIDEO FROM ZACHARY SOBER’S ROOKIE RUN IN 2024

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski; Zachary Sober

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

The Colorado Springs Airport provides a travel experience that prioritizes friendliness, safety, and comfort. Enjoy the speed and convenience of a small airport with options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. COS is committed to delivering exceptional service and a warm welcome to all our passengers, making your journey memorable from start to finish. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.­ Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

ROBB HOLLAND TAKES ON PIKES PEAK GT4 DIVISION

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, draws top competitors from across the USA and around the world. In June, Colorado’s own Robb Holland strapped in behind the wheel for his eighth run on Pikes Peak, this time in the inaugural Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division.

THE ROAD TO GT4

In 2016, the 100th Anniversary of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Robb Holland made his first attempt at the 14,115′ summit. In an impressive rookie run, he finished 4th in the Time Attack 1 division in his Audi TTRS, setting a front-wheel-drive record that stood for two years – 10:56.878.

Holland debuted his Corvette Z06 in 2017. The build began as a salvage-titled car with potential and emerged as a race-ready contender. Holland’s result was a nearly identical time to his prior run, a 10:55.166. He later led viewers through his 2017 run in PPIHC’s Mastering the Mountain series.

In 2022, the milestone 100th Running of the famed Race to the Clouds took place, and Holland was among the elite field of drivers facing off against the mountain. His vehicle of choice for the special occasion was a 2022 Porsche GT4 RS Clubsport. The mountain decided to shroud itself in fog that day, so no one came close to beating any records. Holland described a close call at Cog Cut in the thick fog, unable to see beyond the nose of his race car.

FROM FOGGY TO FASTER

Holland’s luck changed in 2023 when he set his best time yet in the same car. Clocking a 10:37.499, he claimed 5th place in the Pikes Peak Open division in his #99 Porsche.

GT4 UNVEILED

An advocate of bringing the GT4 division to Pikes Peak, Holland was thrilled to learn it was about to be a reality. In June, he was part of the first-ever GT4 division on the mountain, the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama.

Competing in his 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, Holland went head to head with Nuno Caetano’s same-model Porsche, Chris Becker’s Ford Mustang, and Laura’s Hayes turbo-charged Toyota Supra.

Holland would finish second in the normally aspirated class in 10:56.880, recalling, “In 2024 everything was going great, right up until Bottomless Pit when I lost a radiator hose. So, it was pretty miserable after that.”

Watch the 2024 live stream, Pikes Peak Live, presented by Mobil 1 and catch Robb Holland’s pre-race interview at 51:45, and his race day run at 2:41.30.

TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS TO WRAP UP 2024

Racing on Pikes Peak is only one dimension of Holland’s career. His Rotek Racing team captured the 2024 championships in both GT America and GT4 America series that culminated at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October.

“I think one of the most interesting things that people might not know is the car I ran at Pikes Peak is the same car that won the SRO championships for us this year. The only thing that was different was that we have to run extra ballast and a restrictor in SRO. Other than that, the car is in identical trim to the Pikes Peak car.

It made the race (on Pikes Peak) this year substantially easier, as we weren’t working on issues with the car, or set up, as all of these things translated straight from everything we’ve done in SRO.”

SIGHTS SET ON 2025

Holland already has plans in place for next year, sharing, “We’ll be back in the SRO championships in GT4 with Porsche, of course…and we’ll be back on Pikes Peak running our cars in the GT4 division.”

GET TO KNOW ROBB HOLLAND

Fun Facts:

“I’m still a cyclist at heart so I try to ride pretty much every day.”

“First car I ever bought was a Saab 900. It was fun and quirky at the time. I probably would’ve been better off with something a bit more reliable.”

“When I’m not racing, I’m figuring out ways to be racing!”

Three Denver go-to spots:

“Maci Café for Panini’s”

“Steam Espresso Bar for coffee”

“Guard and Grace for steaks”

Like to read: “Anything ever written by Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett”

Favorite Track: “The Nürburgring. I was one of the first Americans to move over to the Nürburgring full-time and I have a number of class victories in the VLN series there.”

WATCH ROBB HOLLAND’S FASTEST PIKES PEAK RUN IN 2023

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; PPIHC Archives, Robb HollandABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
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