Category: Behind the Wheel

WALKER BACK ON PIKES PEAK FOR 5TH ATTEMPT AT GLORY

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo is poised to welcome a host of elite drivers. Among them is Robert Walker of San Diego, CA. Walker will return for his fifth assault on the mountain, this time behind the wheel of the yet-to-be-revealed Evasive Motorsports 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and is set to compete in the Exhibition division.

Walker first launched up the 12.42 mile course on Pikes Peak in 2013 in a Scion FR-S. His time of 10:59.744 landed him in 9th place in the Unlimited division. But, in 2013, the mountain belonged to Sébastien Loeb as he crushed the competition, and the course record, with his unbelievable run of 08:13.878.

“Finishing the race in my rookie year of 2013 was absolutely surreal – it truly felt like a dream come true,” offered Walker. “For years, I had poured countless hours into playing the dirt version of Pikes Peak on Gran Turismo 2, so to finally be there in real life, actually racing up that iconic mountain, was almost like stepping out of the game and into reality.”

Walker continued, “Adding to that overwhelming feeling was the incredible caliber of drivers I was sharing the course with. Looking around the paddock and knowing that legends of the sport like Loeb, Millen, and ‘Monster’ Tajima were also competing was incredibly humbling and inspiring. To be on the same starting line, tackling the same course alongside such accomplished individuals, made that rookie finish even more special.”

IGNITING THE PASSION

Walker shared what sparked his interest in cars, and how that led to auto racing. “My family moved to Japan for a few years for work, so I spent my childhood exposed to tuner magazines, igniting a passion for tuner cars that continued after our return to the US. That eventually led to a strong relationship with Evasive Motorsports, as we shared an appreciation for the clean and functional aesthetic of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) time attack builds.”

“My passion for motorsport began in college with the original Gran Turismo on PlayStation, an import before its US debut. Although real racing started later, I spent countless hours sim racing, even with an early Logitech wheel and pedal set for Gran Turismo 2, before moving to PC titles like GTR2 and Race 07.

“Now, I still enjoy Gran Turismo 7, and despite advancements in wheel technology, I’m still searching for the perfect Pikes Peak course in a simulator. While some do exist, none are quite right, and even a promising PC rally game lacks realistic physics. The quest for the ultimate virtual Pikes Peak remains ongoing.”

“It’s not about a specific time or placing, but the collective sigh of relief, and shared joy of finishing, that truly stands out as my favorite Pikes Peak memory.” 

Robert Walker

BEST FINISH

When Walker returned in 2014, he managed to shave 22 seconds off his rookie time with his clocking of 10:37.791 and claim 4th place in the Unlimited division in his Scion.

RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

Despite a disappointing outcome the following year, Walker shared the fortuitous location of his 2015 finish. “We were running a turbocharged FA20 engine paired with a Nissan 350z transmission. The car was actually a blast to drive – it felt incredibly light and responsive, with just enough power to get it to rotate and really play around at the limit.

“However, we battled boost creep throughout the week, and unfortunately, the engine finally gave way just after the Ragged Edge corner. It started to misfire as I approached the corner, and thankfully, the car came to a stop on the left side of the road, where a race official was stationed. That kind gentleman shared his water and food with me while we waited – I wish I could remember his name to thank him again!”

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF PIKES PEAK

When Walker returned to the mountain for the milestone 100th Anniversary in 2016, his fate was much the same as 2016, hard luck and a second DNF in the Time Attack 1 division.

Walker recalled, “In 2016, it was the same chassis but with a completely different configuration. We swapped out the FA20 for the infamous Toyota 2JZ engine with a single turbo, and upgraded to a sequential transmission, which allowed me to focus more on my driving.

“We knew going into the race that our weakest link was likely the rear driveline. Unfortunately, our concerns were realized in the upper gravel pit section. I hit a bump and, applying a bit too much throttle at the same time, the differential let go.

“While 2016 was disappointing, the significant changes we made to the car ultimately proved successful, as Dai Yoshihara took over the car in the subsequent years and achieved great results with it.”

Yoshihara (pictured above) won the Unlimited division in 2020 in the Toyota 86 with a time of 10:05.006.

HYUNDAI IONIC 5 N IN 2025

Walker was eager to share details of the new Pikes Peak build for 2025. “Evasive Motorsports is teaming up with Voltex Suzuka of Japan, a globally recognized leader in aerodynamic component manufacturing. Evasive serves as the US distributor for Voltex Suzuka, and together we’ve collaborated on numerous projects, including bringing successful aero kits like the S2000 kit to enthusiasts. Voltex is also well-regarded for their performance-focused wings. Their unique design philosophy emphasizes subtlety without sacrificing functionality, reflecting the clean lines and performance-driven aesthetic of Japanese tuner culture. We’re thrilled to be developing the groundbreaking first aerodynamic kit specifically for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.”

Walker states he’s eager to return to America’s Mountain in June. “What I’m most looking forward to this year is the atmosphere of those early mornings before the chaos of practice day truly kicks in. There’s something incredibly special about that anticipation. I cherish those moments with the team, sharing a warm cup of noodles in the crisp mountain air as we watch the sunrise while making those final preparations to the car.”

After the success Hyundai enjoyed on the mountain in 2024, fans are eager to see this IONIC 5 N perform with Walker behind the wheel.

GET TO KNOW ROBERT WALKER

Instagram: @evasivemotorsports

Fun Facts:

“My daily driver is a 2025 IONIQ 5 N. I also have a modified ’92 NSX that I enjoy driving on weekends.”

“My family transitioned to electric vehicles in 2015 and I’m a huge advocate for EV technology. This is a significant reason for my excitement to race the IONIC 5 N at Pikes Peak this year.”

“One of my favorite YouTube channels is Out Of Spec Review, in Colorado.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be: “Without a doubt it would be Sébastien Loeb’s Peugeot 208 T16 from 2013. I’m a huge fan of the World Rally Championship, and Loeb is a legend in that world. Seeing him take his incredible talent to the mountain was just fascinating. Witnessing Loeb absolutely obliterate the existing record in the 208 that year was an awe-inspiring experience. The sheer speed and ferocity of that car on the mountain were unforgettable.”

Notable Achievement: “In 2014, our team had the distinct honor of being among the first US entrants to compete in Japan’s prestigious Tsukuba Attack event, running alongside iconic Japanese tuner cars on their home turf at the renowned Tsukuba Circuit.”

Favorite Section: “For me, the top section of Pikes Peak in the early morning is an absolute favorite place to be. There’s a certain magic in the air – the low hum of generators, the focus of teams getting their machines ready, and the panoramic view as the sun comes up over the landscape. It’s a unique blend of focused intensity and serene beauty that really sets the stage for the day ahead. The only downside is the freezing temperatures we have to endure before sunrise.”

A Memory You’ll Never Forget: “That near-spin on a practice morning is definitely a vivid memory for me! What happened there was a real eye-opener. We had the boost control set up to give us maximum power in second gear, and looking back, I think I just took that corner a little too early. That Toyota 2J engine really comes on strong with the boost, and it seems like it might have just caught me off guard as it suddenly kicked in when I was already at full steering lock. Next thing I knew, the car was sideways and I was just along for the ride. It was a close call. Definitely a moment that shook me up and served as a good reminder of just how challenging and unforgiving that mountain can be. I wish I could say that I was intentionally drifting!”

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM WALKER’S 2016 PIKES PEAK RUN INCLUDING HIS PRACTICE DAY CLOSE CALL

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Jason Zindroski. Scott Paine, Rob Miskowitch, Ryan Randels,Stephen Sullivan, Evasive Motorsports, Robert Walker, PPHC 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

VAHSHOLTZ FOCUSED ON 25TH WIN AT PIKES PEAK WITH PORSCHE GT4 ENTRY

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has announced the final five drivers to compete in this year’s Race to the Clouds. These final five will be competing in the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division, among them is a familiar name to fans of the PPIHC, Clint Vahsholtz.

Vahsholtz has undoubtedly checked just about every box any competitor dreams of on Pikes Peak.

He grew up in the shadow of the mountain witnessing his father, Leonard’s winning ways, and eventually competing alongside him.

As a second generation racer from the famed Vahsholtz family, he not only works in the motorsports industry at Vahsholtz Automotive and Vahsholtz Racing, but is a steadfast force to be reckoned with on America’s Mountain.

He’s raced motorcycles up the mountain and won. He’s raced cars up the mountain and won. He’s raced and won on the beloved gravel road, on the partially-paved course, as well as the current asphalt surface.

“Early on, my dad and Jim Ruggles, our engineer, both said, ‘Clint, everybody’s going to make a mistake, so if you make a mistake forget about it, and keep going.’ I took that to heart. I spun out my first year, and still won!” 

Clint Vahsholtz

Vahsholtz has collected 24 division wins, the most of any PPIHC competitor; 3 onboard a motorcycle, 5 in the Open Wheel division, and a whopping 16 in the Super Stock Car division behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang.

He set division records on a motorcycle, in a stock car, and in his custom-built open wheel beast.

Vahsholtz also earned Rookie of the Year in 1996, the first year he raced a stock car on the mountain.

But one goal eluded him, the King of the Mountain crown. That is, until 2020 when he set an Open Wheel division record and clocked the fastest time of the day, charging to the 14,115′ summit in 09:35.490.

With that boxed checked, the quiet and humble racer could have been satisfied to bask in the glory and step back. That’s just not the Vahsholtz way.

BRANCHING OUT

Driving a McLaren for Flying Lizard in 2018 and ’19, and then piloting the KTM Reiter X Bow GT4 Evo, Vahsholtz shared his viewpoint of working with teams outside his family-run enterprise. “I had a good experience with Flying Lizard, it was different not having my hands in it,” he recalled.

“The KTM venture was similar. Although the team was less experienced, and despite our DNF in 2023, it was good to be part of that team-building process.”

GT4 ATTRACTION

Asked about the switch in both division and make, Vahsholtz expressed, “I’ve been intrigued by the GT4 division the last couple of years. I like the concept, the BoP (Balance of Performance), and the close competition. I also appreciated that the PPIHC has interest in it, and wants to support it. Plus, I love Yokohama as a company as they’ve been very supportive in the past.”

Vahsholtz has entered the Rotek Racing-owned 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport that Robb Holland raced in 2024. Holland’s time was 10:56.880.

“Robb is a high-end professional, with a pro motorsports team,” explained Vahsholtz. “He’s a gentleman. He’s very knowledgeable about the product I’m driving, and about me. That makes it fun and it means a lot that he feels very comfortable with me. I’ve never raced, or even driven a Porsche, so I’m pretty excited about this!”

ALWAYS GRATEFUL

“Every year you show up on the mountain is a dream come true,” said Vahsholtz. “Along with all the help from Rotek Racing, I have to thank my sponsors. Hella is part of the Robb Holland effort so I’m excited to work with them. Altitude Motorsport and Teller Wi-Fi are partnering with us as well. And one of the things I’m most excited about is a new sponsor, America’s Mountain Festival which is happening in my hometown, Woodland Park, on July 5.”

GET TO KNOW CLINT VAHSHOLTZ

Instagram: @clintvahsholtz

Fun Facts:

“I love everything about motorsports from racing cars, to snowmobiling, to riding motorcycles.”

“Since 2019, I’ve gotten heavily into mountain bike riding. I love getting out on a hideaway trail, deep in the back country, with my labs running along. One of my favorite bikes is a super low e-assist Ducati.”

“One of my winning Mustangs is on display at Penrose Heritage Museum.”

Two Unforgettable Pikes Peak Memories: “The day we lost Carlin Dunne in 2019. I had a win that year, so it was very up and down emotionally. It was such a reminder that anything can happen. My son, Codie, was Carlin’s teammate and I just wanted to see him after the race, to know what was going through his mind, and to hug him.”

“Being inducted into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame last year was a high point for sure.”

[Note: Clint was inducted by his parents, Barb and Leonard Vahsholtz, both members of the PPIHC Hall of Fame.]

Three things you ‘must-have’ in your race trailer on Pikes Peak? “I try to have everything in the trailer, so my team has the tools to do their job. We have an ‘essentials’ toolbox, but even if you’ve left something behind or a need comes up, you can walk to someone else’s trailer and everyone will let you borrow something. Last thing, I’d say, is abundant water!”

Most Challenging Corner: “In my experience, there’s not one that is lesser or more difficult. And, if you get behind, they all become exponentially more important.”

Favorite Corner: “The first one, the Start Line, that’s my favorite. It’s GO TIME!”

CLINT VAHSHOLTZ 2024 PPIHC HALL OF FAME TRIBUTE

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Leif Bergerson, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski. Rupert Berrington, PPHC Archives, Revvolution.com, Joshua Hardin, Payton Smith, El Pomar Foundation, Clint Vahsholtz

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

VETERAN DRIVER, PAUL GERRARD, TO RACE ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE IN 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – For more than a century The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has welcomed automotive manufacturers to America’s Mountain. From the entries in the 1920s like Lexington, Essex, Ford, Hudson, and Stutz, to the muscle cars of the 1960s and ’70s, to today’s high performance, purpose-built powerhouses, the Mountain has seen it all.

Fans are sure to flock to Tech Inspection on June 16 to be the first to catch a glimpse of the 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT-Pikes Peak with British-born driver, Paul Gerrard, behind the wheel in the Unlimited division. Naturally, Gerrard and SG Motorsports will run #007 as a nod to the iconic duo of Aston Martin and James Bond. Believe it or not, this will be the brand’s first appearance on Pikes Peak.

ONE SHOT ON DIRT

Gerrard first competed in the Race to the Clouds in 2002 in a 1986 Wells Coyote in the Open Wheel division. It was a different era, the last days of the all-dirt course. Of the thirteen cars entered in the division, only five would see the checkered flag, including 2002’s King of the Mountain, David Donner, and PPIHC first-time competitor, Tanner Foust. Despite a DNF in his first run, Gerrard knew his days on Pikes Peak were just beginning.

NO STRANGER TO TV

Gerrard’s focus shifted to the entertainment world and he appeared for eight years as “The Stig” on Top Gear USA, Mythbusters, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, and several Speed Channel series.

On top of that, he authored a best-selling book about maximizing human performance in any endeavor, Optimum Drive – The Road to Driving Greatness.

“Pikes Peak is the one thing I do that forces me to operate at my absolute maximum. Nothing else even comes close.”

Paul Gerrard

CUSTOM BUILT MACHINES

By the time he returned in 2017 the course had been fully paved for five years. Entered in the Unlimited division in his 2017 Enviate Hypercar PP1800, Gerrard laid down an impressive 10:19.312 for second place in the division, and 13th overall. He recapped his entire run in a PPIHC YouTube episode of Mastering the Mountain.

“My car stalled on Olympic corner, right below the finish,” Gerrard recalled. “I tried to restart it for 30 seconds, and finally got it going after bump starting it in reverse. I couldn’t believe my luck when it fired and I got to drive through the last corner and take the checkered flag.”

In 2019 Gerrard transitioned to a much smaller entry, the Sierra Alpha and completed a weather-shortened course after a week of fair weather practices.

In 2021 and 2022 he entered his proven Enviate Hypercar, but didn’t enjoy the same success as his 2017 result. He finished in 2022 despite dismal weather conditions.

WILL THE STARS ALIGN?

Asked what keeps calling him back to Pikes Peak, Gerrard was quick to reply, “The challenge is unique. That big, old mountain has its own ideas, and we are at its mercy. All the planning and practice are not enough. You not only have to execute well (like any other type of racing), but the mountain has to allow it. Because of that, you keep coming back hoping for it all to align.”

Gerrard further shared, “I’ve had a very fortunate career path that has let me drive just about everything, everywhere, and Pikes Peak is easily the highlight for me every year I am lucky enough to participate.”

As he anticipates his seventh race on Pikes Peak, Gerrard shares, “This Aston Martin is a dream drive, it’s drop-dead gorgeous and incredibly quick…what more could any driver ask for?”

Stay tuned for this beauty to be revealed!

GET TO KNOW PAUL GERRARD

Instagram:@theoptimumdrive

Fun Facts:

“I grew up in Windsor England.”

“I have a Bernese Mountain dog, and four cats.”

“My favorite foods include sushi and Lebanese cuisine.”

“My daily driver is a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8. It has 215,000 miles on it, is fairly modified, and always fun to drive. I also have a 2001 Porsche Boxster S for weekends with my wife up in the mountains. Honorable mention is my 1995 Ducati 916 that I’ve owned for 28 years.”

Favorite James Bond movie: “I loved them all, but Skyfall really resonates.”

Three things you ‘must-have’ in your race trailer on Pikes Peak? “Lots of cold weather gear (those mornings are so cold), spare everything (hope for the best, but prepare for the worst), and a large thermos full of English Breakfast tea (did I mention it’s cold!?)”

Most Challenging Section: “I go back and forth between the first 2 minutes and last two minutes, both are super fast. On the bottom you have to commit immediately, feeling out the car and the conditions while trying not to lose time. Near the top it’s so wonderfully fast, you’re just trying to survive the bumps, and nurse what always seems to be an overheating, rapidly disintegrating car.” 

If you could drive any car, from any era up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “There are so many amazing cars, but I want to break the overall record, so right now a McMurtry Speirling EVO.”

Advice for a PPIHC Rookie: “You only race the mountain at Pikes Peak, so don’t try to be competitive with the other drivers (we’re really just one big supportive family)! Ask a million questions, focus only on your preparation (car, team and driver) and set a goal to simply finish. That, in itself, is amazing because it’s so much harder than you think going into it.”

Advice for anyone hoping to pursue a career in motorsports? “Get a mechanical engineering degree, with a minor in business. And, at the same time, race karts competitively. Oh, and winning the lottery is extremely helpful!”

PAUL GERRARD STALLS AND RESTARTS AT LAST CORNER

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, , Rupert Berrington, PPHC Archives, Paul Gerrard

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

YOSHIOKA BACK ON THE MOUNTAIN FOR FIFTH RUN IN 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is truly an international spectacle. June’s 103rd Running will feature top drivers from 12 countries, including Toshiki Yoshioka who will be representing Japan.

A four-time competitor, Yoshioka is back behind the wheel for the first time since 2014 in a new build – a 2020 Toyota Supra, and is entered in the Time Attack 1 division.

THE JOURNEY TO PIKES PEAK

“I first heard of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the mid-1990s. It impressed me so much when I watched the video of Rod Millen racing that Toyota Celica with a big wing running on Pikes Peak’s gravel highway with wide open throttle,” recalled Yoshioka. “I was young and never thought I would have a chance to do the Race to the Clouds, but when that opportunity came I had no question – just do it!”

Yoshioka first ran on Pikes Peak in 2011 when the course was partially paved. He finished 3rd in the Time Attack 2WD division in a 2000 Nissan Silvia in 11:33.734.

Nobuhiro Tajima won the overall crown, and Rod Millen captured the win in Time Attack 2WD.

He returned in 2012 with the same car, again finishing third in the Time Attack division, but shaving nearly 45 seconds off his time.

Rhys Millen would set a course record and win the division as well.

Yoshioka was back on the mountain for his third year in a new build, a 2013 Subaru BRZ. He clocked a 12:13.753 for a 5th place finish in the Time Attack division and shared, “My biggest racing accomplishment was PPIHC 2013 in the Subaru. Driving in heavy rain and hail was my toughest experience!”

This also marked the first year the 12.42 mile course was fully paved. The overall course record fell when France’s Sébastien Loeb, a PPIHC rookie, raced a specially-built Peugeot to the summit in 08:13.878.

Yoshiko’s last run on the mountain took place in 2014. He raced a Scion FRS in the Time Attack 1 division, clocking his best time ever, a 10:34.564, enough for fourth place.

“In the past,” shared Yoshioka, “I have raced in the PPIHC four times and never had a trouble free event once!  Head gasket leak, driving in heavy rain, hail and fog. I feel lucky I was able to make it to the summit for all of the races I participated in. What a great moment when everyone is smiling after the race – no matter what – finish or no finish.”

TOYOTA TEAM TALK

Asked about the new build, Yoshioka is quick to reply, “We are T-RAD Racing, the after-hours employee team from Toyota R&D in Michigan. Erik Benedikt, our team captain, has taken the lead to build this car for PPIHC with optimized aerodynamics and new powertrain unit. But what makes our car stand out is that Supra is such a famous Toyota sports car.”

“I came to this country for Drift racing, but I really wanted to do something different…and Pikes Peak is a BIG difference!”

Toshiki Yoshioka

PERSPECTIVE

For many reasons, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb presents challenges drivers face nowhere else, changing weather, unpredictable wildlife, and partial course practice sessions. Yoshioka sums it up well, “You can only drive full course on the Race Day which means if you have raced 20 times, that gives you only 20 laps of full course competition driving in 20 years!”

GET TO KNOW TOSHIKI YOSHIOKA

Instagram: @toyota_r.a.d_racing

Fun Facts:

“From 2002-2014 I was a Formula Pro-Drift racer in Japan and the USA.”

“In 2012 we had snow on the summit, so a few of us had a snowball fight, which was fun!”

“I love skiing with my wife and children. We also enjoy farm activities. We have dogs, chickens and ducks, and we enjoy making maple syrup in the winter.”

Pikes Peak Hero:

“Rod Millen with the Toyota Celica Pikes Peak. I was impressed, both with his car and his driving. Loved the dirt coming out behind all of four tires. Driving on the edge of the road. Sideways every time, all the time. What precision driving!

Fortunately, I was in the same class with him in 2011 to see him driving in person when he returned to Pikes Peak with his son Rhys’s Hyundai Genesis.”

[Note: Rod Millen, pictured below, won the division in 2011, setting a division record of 11:04.912.]

Favorite Section: “Glen Cove. I like driving through the brake check point with speed. This section marks of end of the tree line, and you begin to see that change as you move up the mountain.” 

Advice for a PPIHC Rookie: “Enjoy every moment, both on and off the mountain, during race week!”

Anything you forgot in the past and you will be sure have this year?“Anti-fog windshield spray!”

TOSHIKI YOSHIOKA STORMS THE MOUNTAIN DESPITE FULLY-FOGGED WINDSHIELD

Photos by: Rupert Berrington, Scott Paine, PPIHC Archives,Toshiki Yoshioka

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

PORSCHE ENTHUSIAST JEFF ZWART RETURNS IN 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, celebrates every driver who reaches the 14,115′ summit of America’s Mountain, and a lot of those drivers owe their success to Jeff Zwart. As a top tier competitor, a renowned film director, a well respected photographer, and a highly sought-after driving coach, Zwart has seen it all on Pikes Peak.

THE BACKSTORY

In 1989, Zwart entered the Pikes Peak Production division for the first time in a Mazda, finishing fourth. He returned in 1994 as part of the Pikes Peak Open division where he drove his 1990 Porsche to a first place division finish. He repeated that pattern from 1996-1998, bringing the famous German marque to the mountain and standing atop the podium.

His only departure from the brand, aside from his rookie year, was in 2004 when he entered the Group O Rally division in a Mitsubishi Evo 8.

Zwart has claimed seven division wins on America’s Mountain, and every one of those has been notched in a Porsche racing machine.

In 2010 he set a Time Attack record in the Porsche GT3 Cup car, (above).

His fastest time, 9:43.921, was clocked in 2020 in the 2019 Porsche 935, one of three sub-10 minute runs Zwart has recorded to date.

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Having Rod Millen as Zwart’s mentor early in his Pikes Peak career was a real encouragement. Zwart recalled, “Certainly the person I credit most for me racing at Pikes Peak is Rod Millen. Rod built my first rally car which I eventually drove for the my first time on this mountain. He coached me as a friend the first year, and certainly showed me the do’s and don’ts of the Peak.

“In 1994, when I returned for the second time, at Pikes Peak, he helped build that car with Porsche Motorsport. We both had a very big year with Rod winning overall (above) and me having my first win in the Pikes Peak Open division (below). Rod being an actual competitor and having the real time experience to translate that information to me really helped me in my early years at the Peak.”

When asked what sparked his passion for auto racing, Zwart was quick to reply, “My father taking me to the Indy 500 as a kid hooked me on the sport, and it just stayed with me. A love of racing became my passion so I chose photography and filmmaking to allow me to be around the subject I was so passionate about.”

COACH AND MENTOR

Now recognized as a prominent competitor and ambassador for the PPIHC, Zwart not only races, but makes himself available, on and off the mountain as the PPIHC Driver Liaison, to coach and mentor other drivers. From set up, to optimal race line, to racing in rough weather, Zwart has a wealth of knowledge stored up and ready to share.

“I’ve experienced the Hill Climb in so many ways that it’s fun to apply it to the big picture of racing at Pikes Peak.  As a spectator and working as a photographer, filmmaker, racer, and coach, the combined perspectives give me a little different approach to the mountain.

“I’ve been coaching for seven years now, first for Porsche Motorsport North America, and most recently for Mobil 1. The single most important concept I coach to is that learning the mountain is a process, which needs to be respected. I believe in the process, and the first part of the process is not to go fast but to keep people out of trouble. Building on that will eventually lead to speed.” \

“At this point, I’ve spent so much time on this mountain, I don’t have anything to hide. I just want to share my process.”

Jeff Zwart

BEYOND RACING

Zwart began as a still photographer graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California in 1979. His early work was for Road & Track Magazine, which led to advertising campaigns for automotive companies including Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and virtually every other automotive brand. Zwart also channeled his enthusiasm for motorsport as a co-founder of RACER magazine in 1992.

Zwart continues to work as a commercial film director specializing in high action television commercials and films shot all over the world.

Zwart chronicled one of his Pikes Peak experiences, Porsche, the Road to Pikes Peak. He also directed superstar Ken Block’s drifting adventure on Pikes Peak in ClimbKhana.

LOOKING BACK BUT FOCUSED FORWARD

Describing his 2024 attempt, resulting in a crash just beyond the Start Line, Zwart shared, “Pikes Peak 2024 was a difficult year. I signed up to drive a car that ended up very late in its development, so I had virtually no time to drive it before race day. I loved the car, but everything in it was new, and lots of components hadn’t been tested together. On race day, I approached the start cautiously but for some reason the car reacted entirely differently than anything I had experienced before, and left the road right after the starting line ending my race immediately. In all my years of racing at Pikes Peak, it was my first DNF.”

“This year I’m driving the same car,” shared Zwart, “with a lot more testing going into the race.  It should be a fun car since it combines the latest in technology from the modern GT3 Cup Cars with an older air cooled chassis from the late mid 1990s.”

GET TO KNOW JEFF ZWART

Instagram: @Zwart @bbiautosport

Fun Facts:

“The movie, Racing in the Rain, was super fun for me to work on since it was a racing story told through the eyes of a dog, so it kind of took care of two of my favorite things.”

“I first came to Pikes Peak as a photographer for Road & Track Magazine.”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Michѐle Mouton, Bobby Unser and Rod Millen, all Pikes Peak icons.”

Favorite Award: “My 2018 induction to the Hall of Fame for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb was very special. It felt like a culmination of so many things I have had the honor of being a part of at my favorite mountain – from first visiting as a photographer, to racing all these years, being able to coach, and doing film work with some of the greatest racers around.”

Favorite Track: “Surprisingly I have a lot of laps at the Nürburgring in Germany. I’ve filmed there on many projects and, between the open track days and our own days at the track, it is for sure one of my favorites. One lap at Nürburgring is about the same distance as our run at Pikes Peak, so every lap is a bit of an adventure which makes driving there super challenging.”

Favorite Section: “The section around 11 Mile at Pikes Peak has always been one of my favorites. I think the feeling from the dirt days still carries through in that it is very rally-like, and repeatedly blind, so driving with commitment is super fun. I also think when we were filming Climbkhana with Ken Block it was the first area we shot in because I knew it would set the tone for the whole shoot.”

If you could drive any car, from any era, up Pikes Peak, what would you choose: “Racing a Porsche 908/3 from the late 1960s up Pikes Peak would be pretty spectacular. The 908/3 was developed for the Targa Florio which was a super tight and narrow road race which made this car super nimble. I have had the honor of driving one of these cars. It’s super small and lightweight, and powered by a flat 8 cylinder engine, which would make it perfect for Pikes Peak.” 

JEFF ZWART ATTACKS THE MOUNTAIN IN 2023

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Charles Zhou, Jason Zindroski; PPIHC Archives; Nathan Leach-Proffer; Scott Paine

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

JACK PENLEY AND STERLING CHASE TO TAKE ON THE FAMOUS 156 TURNS IN 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has challenged drivers for over a century. From the days of the gravel course, to the fully-paved surface. From early carburetors to electric-power. From summit celebrations to race day disappointment. The mountain has seen it all.

In 2025, Colorado’s Jack Penley, entered the Pikes Peak Open division in a 2004 Volkswagen R32 with the unparalleled enthusiasm of car owner and builder, Sterling Chase.

VW FROM THE BEGINNING

Believe it or not, the first time Jack Penley actually drove up Pikes Peak was in 2006, when he entered a raffle and won tickets to the race. It wouldn’t be the last time.

With a racing background in SVRA at Circuit of the America’s, the NASA Air Cooled Sprint, and Rally Sport, along with his SCORE Baja 1000 experience, and Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Association participation, Penley knew it was a matter of time until the right opportunity came along to race on America’s Mountain.

That chance came in 2011 when he was navigator in a 1991 VW Jetta for Roger Matthews in the Time Attack 2WD division. Penley recalled, “It was the last year there was still a section of the course that wasn’t paved.”

Despite a DNF, Penley knew he’d be back. He even inked the sentiment, “Pikes Peak or Bust” shortly afterward, as a reminder.

TEAMING UP

“I’d always had an affinity for Volkswagen in my SCCA Rallycross days in a friend’s VW Rabbit in 2006. That started me down the VW path,” explained Penley. “I bought a 1985 Golf because the Germans make good cars that keep you engaged in the driving experience. That’s how I met Sterling in the first place, through VWs. My buddy had an ’83 Rabbit and he lived about a block from Sterling. One day Sterling showed up at the door, and said, ‘I see you have this Volkswagen. I have one, too!’

“At that time, we were all on a path to get into stage rally. Sterling was crewing for a lot of teams and I was co-driving, so I’d see him at events here in Colorado. We tended to run in the same circle of friends.

“In 2021, Sterling asked if he built a car, would I drive it. Now, Sterling gets fired up about a lot of things, but Pikes Peak is definitely at the top of the list. I couldn’t pass this up.”

CHALLENGES ARE PART OF THE GAME

Penley talked about some of the challenges the team faced in their lead up to last year’s race, “Most of it was getting there. It felt like the time between getting the acceptance letter and our first testing day was so short. It seemed like we only had weeks to get the car ready. We had to budget our time and money to see what we could accomplish.”

He continued, “There’s always something that goes wrong, and that stuff just chews up time, like our fire system. We asked Dan Skokan [PPIHC Director of Competition] to do a pre-tech inspection and he gave us a bunch of little pointers. We had to move the cable for the fire system, but the cable was too short to move it where we needed it to be, and it was tough to find a new one. There were so many things like that.”

PENLEY CHRONICLES 2025

Reflecting on his race day experience, Penley shared, “Our start time was pretty late since I was slower in qualifying. There had been a lot of red flags throughout the day. We finally took our green flag about 2:00pm and I thought my time on the lower section was pretty good. But we got a red flag at Glen Cove since the car ahead of me had blown a motor. I had to park, but the car was getting hot, so I finally shut it off.”

“Before testing days we took the car to La Junta where we had the track to ourselves, and we pushed it. It was about 95 degrees at the track, and I thought we’d be fine on the mountain. But, you can’t replicate how altitude affects cooling. You can’t account for the fact that there’s no air up there to do that cooling. At the track, it never got close to hot. But, on the mountain, it was boiling by the time I got to Glen Cove.”

“On practice days on the mountain, we didn’t have the same conditions, so there weren’t any cooling problems.”

“Back to race day, I finally got turned around for the restart and tried my best to hustle downhill to keep some airflow going to help with cooling. By the time I got back to the start, the temps still weren’t coming down. We spent our 20 allotted minutes in the pits trying to cool the car. Ted, from Short Stop, even came running out of his little trailer with a 5-gallon bucket of water to try to assist!

“We’re still not sure of all the causes, but I know now that one of the cooling lines to the turbo failed, and I think we had a big air pocket in the cooling system that just never burped out.”

“Race officials gave us the option to start last to let the other competitors run, but we eventually decided to preserve the car and didn’t make our restart.

“When the guy leaned in the window and gave me the ‘we’re done’ sign, I knew that was it.”

EFFORT RECOGNIZED

Jack Penley, accompanied by car owner Sterling Chase, at the 2024 PPIHC Awards Ceremony was the recipient of the “Be All You Can Be” Award, presented by the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Ft. Carson, Colorado. The award was given to a Colorado-based competitor who continued to persevere in the face of adversity.

“Remember, you’re racing the mountain first. That’s a hard thing to keep in mind. You start looking at qualifying times, and thinking about your driving line and your brake markers, and you can kind of forget that the mountain is your number one competitor.”

Jack Penley

FOCUSED ON 2025

Describing what’s new for the 103rd Running, Penley shared, “We’ve added to the crew. There were three of us last year, Sterling, myself, and Lindsey, who did ECU tuning and ordered parts. This year we’ve brought in Adam to do motorsports management and head up the effort.”

Penley is eager to get back behind the wheel in June and seeing those checkered flags wave at the 14,115′ summit. “I’m looking so forward to those donuts at the top,” he said, “Sterling’s made me promise to bring a dozen back down the mountain.”

GET TO KNOW JACK PENLEY

Instagram: @penleyracingstable / @sterling_autowerks

Fun Facts:

“My parents trained quarterhorses, and dad was a jockey when he was younger. They kind of pushed for me to be a jockey…but I was quickly way too large for that.”

“I had a pet calf named Ellen when I was kid. My grandpa gave her to me when I was 10.”

“I’m a member of the Flying Elephant Scooter Club (Worldwide!)”

“I have three taco-themed tattoos!”

Pikes Peak Hero:

“Sébastien Loeb. I was at Picnic Grounds in 2013 when he flew by me, not 12 feet away, at 140mph. He demolished the record! When I close my eyes, I can still smell the fuel he was burning!”

Daily Driver: “A 2009 Hyundai Accent that just rolled over 100,000 miles! If you’d told me I’d fall in love with this car in the beginning, we would have had words, but I absolutely love my little car. It’s very similar to a cross between a VW Mk1 and Mk2, a 2-door hatchback with a manual transmission and crank windows. That’s my jam, right there. I don’t know what I’m gonna to do when that car dies.”

Three ‘Must-Have’ Items in the Race Trailer: “Coffee is mandatory – from Ted at Short Shop! Warm clothes…like half your wardrobe since you have no idea what the mountain’s going to do. Plus, a giant bucket of Red Vines.”

Advice for getting started in motorsports: “Just get started now. Go to races and hang out in the pits. Talk to drivers and crews. It’s really easy to put things off, whether it’s due to procrastination, or insecurity, or a sense of perfectionism, don’t let it stop you. You’re not guaranteed tomorrow.”

JACK PENLEY AND TEAM EXPERIENCE HIGHS AND LOWS OF 2024 PPIHC

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Scott Paine Photography, Jack Penley, Boki Evans

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

SERIOUS ABOUT HIS 2025 GOAL SHAWN BASSETT PLANS TO STORM PIKES PEAK IN DATSUN 240Z

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, draws competitors to compete in the famed Race to the Clouds from around the world and from coast to coast. Shawn Bassett (Mount Dora, FL) has challenged the 14,115′ summit three times and in 2025, he’ll return to America’s Mountain in his popular 1972 Datsun 240Z in the Unlimited division.

ONCE THOUGHT UNOBTAINABLE – THE BUILD

Bassett described his racing transition from two wheels to four, and shared how he had always longed for a 240Z. “I wanted to do Time Attack events, so I found this one on Craigslist in Miami for $1,100. It was an absolute mess and, really, should have been free. The guy sold it for a little more than it was.

“I just started taking more and more of the car off and determined it wasn’t salvageable. I stopped working on it for about six months, but during that time I got excited about Pikes Peak. I thought, ‘Let’s let it live it’s best life and get it up Pikes Peak.’ So, not much of the original car is left. I kept the best parts I could.”

RACING TOWARD A DREAM

With a foundation in motorcycle racing, Bassett began racing his 240Z in Time Attack and GridLife events in 2019.

He discussed how he met Scott Birdsall and began his path to Pikes Peak. “I met Scott at SEMA in 2019. He was a Toyo Tires driver/athlete. I conveyed my aspirations and just took me under his wing. I crewed for him three times, twice with Old Smokey and one year with the LMP. Scott has been a mentor ever since. I’ve always taken racing super seriously, and Scott gave me the opportunity to experience it on his crew before I started to compete. It was hard, but you learn how to prepare.”

Bassett first raced on the mountain in 2020 where he recorded his best time to date, a 13:08.904. The following year, he experienced the unpredictable weather that Pikes Peak can throw at competitors, and raced only to the 16 mile marker.

LEARNING THE 156

The 156 turns on Pikes Peak are notorious. Bassett shared how he has committed them to memory. “I started watching YouTube videos, and now watch my own Pikes Peak videos. And, my sim is incredibly helpful. I’ve done a lot of work improving my sim, too. Everything on it is identical to what’s on my racecar. Getting it set up like my car, and getting comfortable in it, really has translated to my racing performance. I’ve spent thousands of hours on the sim and have, without a doubt, memorized the entire course. I don’t have to second guess any of the turns.”

“The upper section is super disruptive to everything in a car. It’s not like a typical road course. I wince with the scraping as I’m going through those heaves.”

Shawn Bassett

RELIVING 2024

Bassett returned to Pikes Peak in 2024 and experienced all the ups down this race can deliver. Sharing his behind-the-wheel viewpoint Bassett offered, “The car did so well all week. It was prepped for my one race day run. I was so ready and really excited. Competitors were telling me I was looking good, and it felt good to have the officials see my progress.”

“At the start line, there was so much emotion. I took off and the car was just ripping,” exclaimed Bassett. “I got to Glen Cove and I saw a low oil pressure warning. I was braking hard into the corners, but then I’d accelerate and get right back to speed, but that warning kept popping up. In pretty much every 180 degree turn, I’d get the warning, and I’d delete the warning. At Devils, it happened again, but I was planning to keep pressing that button until we got to the top.”

“When I pressed it at Olympic, right below the summit, the car just stalled. I literally went into Olympic thinking, ‘I just drove my butt off…I must have a 10:30…definitely under 11:00.’ I turned off the warning light, and the car just wouldn’t restart. I didn’t know it at the time, but in the ECU settings, there was a limit of 10 warning cancellations, and then it wouldn’t restart. I’d reached the limit. So, I had to do a hard restart of the ECU, but it took about three minutes.”

In the interim, Bassett was able to restart the car, but a red flag has been thrown, recording his run as a DNF. He was eventually able to drive the car to the summit where he was welcomed enthusiastically by fellow competitors. “It was crazy getting out of the car. I think everyone was really happy to see us put in a good run,” Bassett explained, “We’d been working really hard. It was cool to see how many people were rooting for me and how much they felt for me, though definitely bittersweet that day.”

FAN FAVE

“The 240Z is such a relatable vehicle,” shared Bassett. “If you’re young, it’s classic Japanese technology. If you’re older, it’s racing heritage. Either way, it’s relatable. It looks like a Pikes Peak car. But for me, it was just something unobtainable when I was growing up.”

Bassett shared his first experience with Fan Fest in 2024, “It’s so accessible for the fans to talk to you, you can pop the hood, put kids in the seat. You hope it sparks something for them to be involved in motorsports.”

LOFTY GOAL FOR 2025

Asked what fans can expect to see in June, Bassett was eager to share, “We’ve redone everything, mainly focused around aero. It’s real high level aero, and looks completely different. We’re going for a really max effort with the downforce set up, and anticipate a significant increase in grip. We’ve also added a new ABS brake package, so we have more stopping power.”

“We’ll also be turning off every single alarm on the car for race day,” quipped Bassett. In 2025 we have one goal, one vision – top 10 under 10!”

GET TO KNOW SHAWN BASSETT

Instagram: @shawnb26 / @AttackingTheClockRacing

Fun Facts:

“My favorite place to go in Colorado is Hungry Bear in Woodland Park. Every morning after practice, you’ll find us there.”

“I’m a business owner, and I’m also self-taught, so I’m always trying to learn new skills. I’ve recently invested in our fabrication shop and am working on my skills at metal shaping.”

“I have two daily drivers, a Model 3 and a Tacoma.”

“We have a Bassett hound, Hamilton, but he needed a little brother, so…welcome Ted!”

How to you train and prep for Pikes Peak, living at sea level?

“I’m in my car a lot, but it’s hot. I do a lot of controlled breathing. I’m an avid mountain biker. But nothing can prepare you for Pikes Peak unless you live there. As far as the car, we’ve got some Pikes Peak data now. We can look at how the car performs at a high level. I partnered with HalTech who does the ECU and tuning. They make sure it’s tuned well.”

If you could drive any car up the mountain, what would it be? “When Betim Berisha at BBi brought the Type 99 GT2 Evo Jeff Zwart drove in 2024, I just fell in love with that car.”

Pikes Peak heroes: “Riders would be Carlin Dunne and Chris Fillmore; driver would be Jeff Zwart.”

Three ‘Must-Have’ Items in the Race Trailer: “Fuel, for obvious reasons; nitrogen for the air jacks…our car is impossible to jack up off the ground; and a cooler full of beer to celebrate after the race!”

Advice for someone serious about getting involved at Pikes Peak: “Consider a path to Pikes Peak versus debuting your car at Pikes Peak. Try to find a Pikes Peak team to crew with, and invest in yourself. Pay your own way. Look at it like you’re paying for education. It’s not easy, but try it. It looks good on your resume, and plus you get to see how it works. If you plan on racing your car on the mountain, you should at least have two full race seasons in that car. It’s pretty important to come out of Pikes Peak with some speed, so you can carry that over to your next year’s effort. You don’t want to be a mistake for the selection committee. Even if you can’t crew, come be a spectator, shake some hands and see what’s it all about.”

Favorite Track: “We did a race at Lime Rock Park. It’s a cool, historic track. I was really surprised how much I liked it. We went after Pikes Peak for a GridLife event. One of the turns is called Uphill, which is a pretty steep turn. We put our Pikes Peak slicks on, and believe it or not, we were ripping wheelies going up that. Cars shouldn’t leave the ground, right?” 

SHAWN BASSETT ATTACKS THE CLOCK IN 2024 IN THIRD PPIHC ATTEMPT

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Charles Zhou, Jason Zindroski, Shawn Bassett

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON PIKES PEAK

LONI UNSER SLATED TO RETURN IN 2025

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is on pace to welcome 70 drivers on June 22. Five of those are women. Fourth-generation Unser, Loni Unser, will return for a fourth run on the mountain, along with veterans Kathryn Mead, Katherine Legge, Ryan Cheek, and rookie, Tracy Gaudu.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, here’s a look at Loni Unser and what drives her to compete on Pikes Peak.

FAST 15 IN 2024

“Last year at Fan Fest, it was so cool how many people came up and said, ‘Dang, girls in the Fast 15!’ I love being able to show that women can compete and excel in motorsport.” [referencing both Unser and Laura Hayes in 2024’s OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 qualifiers]

DISAPPOINTMENT TO INSPIRATION

Unser’s experience on the mountain included two previous races through the 156 turns to the summit, including a podium finish. Back for her third year on America’s Mountain in 2024, Unser talked about being sidelined at Devils Playground. She’d made her initial attempt, but was forced to return to the line to make a restart after an incident took place on the course ahead of her. Taking her second green flag of the day, she was running well until the car became extremely hot and caught fire at the top of the 4th leg of the switchbacks.

She shared, “Having a mechanical was a massive bummer last year after being on a really good run. So, when my car, Lucy, was towed to Devils Playground, I thought to myself, ‘What good will it do me to sit here and be upset? Why don’t I take this time and help share my passion?’ Ultimately, one of the biggest reasons I race is because I love to inspire other people to chase their dreams. So, as kids started to show up to check out my Turbo Cup car, I started letting them climb into the driver’s seat. Watching their eyes light up made all of the heartache worth it!”

Unser continued, “I hope that day I inspired someone to do something they love, and maybe something they’re a little bit scared of.”

“If you have a dream, find a way! If you want to work in motorsport, it’s important to make connections. So, show up, introduce yourself, and be open and willing to learn!”

Loni Unser

PIKES PEAK AND THE UNSER #92

The number #92 is iconic on Pikes Peak. Generations of Unser’s have campaigned it with great success. Loni Unser first raced with it in her rookie year, 2022, in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division, where she finished in second place in 12:55.774.

She returned in 2023, this time driving for Acura in the #92 Integra Type S model in the Exhibition division. The fan favorite, anime-liveried, race car was a tribute to Acura’s series Chiaki’s Journey which showed the strength and determination of their fierce female competitor, Chiaki. It was a perfect fit for Unser who raced in the Exhibition division, summiting in 11:34.709.

In her 2024 attempt, Unser experienced the highs and lows of Race Week. From frigid and foggy on a practice day, to a warmer than usual race day, she made the best of the conditions every day.

“Racing on Pikes Peak has helped me in all aspects of my career,” shared Unser. “My first year running, in 2022, I partnered up with Yokohama and Mobil 1, and I am lucky enough to have continued both of those relationships for the past three years.

“I’ve also had the privilege of meeting people like Jeff Zwart and Betim Berisha at BBI who are now a very big part of my 2025 campaign. Both of them have also taught me an incredible amount about the industry as a whole.

“For me, Pikes Peak is so cool because I have built some lasting friendships and relationships. It doesn’t matter if you are driving, working on a team, coaching, photographing, or representing a brand, everyone who gets to spend the month of June on the mountain develops a bond due to the uniqueness of the event, and maybe the trauma of waking up every morning at 2:30am!”

HONORING THE PAST AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE

Loni Unser’s grandfather, Jerry, raced in 1957 in his record-setting Unser Ford (pictured) with his time of 15:39.20 in the Stock Car division. His father, Joe Unser, was one of a trio of Unser brothers to establish the name on America’s Mountain in the late 1920s.

Johnny Unser, Loni’s father, challenged Pikes Peak twice in the early 1990s and set the stage for the first female in his lineage to set her sights on the 14,115′ summit.

Look for Loni in June, behind the wheel of the #92 Porsche 911 Turbo Cup in the Pikes Peak Open division on the 2025 Competitor List, as she makes her fourth run, and cheer her on as she passes Devils Playground.

GET TO KNOW LONI UNSER

Instagram: @loniunser

Fun Facts:

“I went to college for Landscape Architecture, I think it would be really cool to be a race track designer one day. It’s a perfect combination of two of my favorite things!”

“I love anything outdoors, including skiing and mountain biking. Recently, my Dad and I went snowmobiling in Idaho. He absolutely rips on a snowmachine, so it’s fun to go out with him and try to keep up.

“I also just got into surfing! It’s been fun to be a beginner at something and start from scratch.”

Loni Unser with Tim Matthews, Curator at the Museum of American Speed, and sponsor of the Unser Legacy King of the Mountain ring, present 2024’s champion, Romain Dumas, with the one-of-kind award.

And mark your calendar! The grand opening of the Museum of American Speed’s Unser exhibit is slated for April, 2025. Plan to trip to Lincoln, Nebraska to experience and explore the rich legacy of the entire Unser family.

Favorite Corner: “I love Blue Sky! One of the most iconic videos of my Uncle Bobby racing Pikes Peak shows him going through Blue Sky and it’s just the coolest video on the planet. So, I like it for that reason, but I also like it because it’s very fun and technical.”

Most Challenging: “Overcoming the top section is ALWAYS top of mind on Pikes Peak, because not only is it the fastest section, but it’s also the most high commitment. It changes year to year with the frost heaves, so you have to constantly be learning and relearning it. It’s also challenging from the engineering side of things in that you have to make sure your car is well balanced, but has compliancy over the bumps, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Plus, if you’re going to get difficult weather conditions anywhere on the road they will likely be happening on the top section. So, testing up there can often be cut short. It’s tough, but that’s what makes it so much fun.”

Three ‘Must-Have’ Items in the Race Trailer:

“LIGHTS! You may not think of bringing lights, but on Pikes Peak you’re up there in pitch black before the sun comes up so lights are an absolute must.”

“A tarp for the ground on the upper section, again one of those things that you wouldn’t prioritize on a normal race team, but having a tarp to park your car on in the dirt parking lot of Devils Playground is pretty crucial!”

“Of course, if you want to go fast you HAVE to have Yokohama Tires and Mobil 1 lubricants!”

LONI UNSER SHOWCASES TALENT WITH ACURA INTEGRA TYPE S IN 2023 PPIHC

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Louis Yio, Charles Zhou, 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

NEED A LAST MINUTE REPLACEMENT?

CALL RANDY POBST

Colorado Springs, CO – Racing on America’s Mountain is all about expecting the unexpected, from weather to wildlife to waiting on the grid. In the 2024 edition of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, Randy Pobst (Gainesville, GA) received an urgent call during Race Week inviting him to get behind the wheel.

LEAD UP TO 2024 AND HYUNDAI ON PIKES PEAK

Asked about his race-week experience in 2024, Pobst enthusiastically explained, “2024 was a miracle for me! I’d done some consulting for Hyundai, including with the street IONIQ 5 N, and was working to be part of the Pikes Peak team last year, but it didn’t happen….until Tuesday of race week. I was at home and got a call from Bryan Herta Autosport, who built and ran the cars. A seat had become available, and would I like to drive. I grabbed my helmet and toothbrush and headed straight for the airport.

“I arrived in Colorado after midnight. By 4:00am, I was at the Pikes Peak Gateway, and by 6:00am, I was in the car leaving the start line for practice up on the middle section. It was like I’d been beamed there.”

EV ADVANTAGES

Pobst shared what made the Hyundai excel on the mountain, “The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec is electric which brings two great advantages to a race that starts in thin air at 9,000 feet in elevation, and goes a mile up. First, electric motors don’t need oxygen: perfect! So, unlike petroleum-powered cars, the IONIQ keeps its full 680 hp all the way to the summit.

“Another great advantage is the combination of very strong, and instant, torque which launches the car explosively from all those tight hairpins. Okay, and a third, the weight of the batteries in the cars is carried very low, below the floor, giving the cars an extremely low center of gravity, which helps create great handling and speed in the many corners.”

Pobst finished his Exhibition division run in 09:55.551, just three-quarters of a second from his personal best time in 2023.

NO STRANGER TO PIKES PEAK

Pobst’s decade on Pikes Peak has prepared him for the best, and worst, conditions on the mountain. He has run weather shortened courses, suffered practice week crashes, and seen clear skies and sunny days as he raced through the 156 turns.

His first appearance on the mountain came in 1995 in Pikes Peak’s IMSA division where he ran a shortened course in a BMW. He entered an Audi A4 in 2012, but suffered a race week crash, which prevented him from competing. In 2015, he entered the Time Attack 2 division in a 2009 Nissan GTR, but didn’t finish.

Back for the 2018 event, Pobst would switch to an iconic American brand, a Ford Mustang GT, racing in the Pikes Peak Open division. He would claim third place with his impressive time of 10:02.410.

Since 2019, Pobst has competed in the Exhibition division. He entered a 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat the same year and finished with a time of 11:57.874 for second place.

In 2020, Pobst acknowledged the potential of electric power on Pikes Peak and competed in the Exhibition division in the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model 3 Ascension-R. The week ended up being much longer than he expected.

A TESTAMENT TO TEAMWORK

Pobst’s team photographer grabbed an amazing shot of the practice day incident, just past the Bottomless Pit wall, when the car left the course, and was significantly damaged. Undeterred, Pobst, and his crew, embraced the challenge and the car was rebuilt and race-ready as it rolled to the Start Line on Race Day. Pobst finished second in division in 11:04.131.

He was back in 2021 where, for the second time in race history, it was announced prior to the race that drivers would run only a partial course, due to weather. It’s interesting to note that Pobst is one of only a handful of drivers to compete in the only years that occurred, 1995 and 2021.

Pobst, not intimidated by the conditions, finished first in the Exhibition division in the Tesla Model S Plaid.

He continued to race the Tesla in both 2022, for the 100th Running, where he finished in the clouds, and in 2023, when he set his fastest time ever on the mountain, a 09:54.901, both times in the Exhibition division.

“For me, the most challenging corners are two fast lefts, just before Upper Gravel Pit, with the mountain on the left and nothing but blue sky on the right. The second one gets tighter and will dump you off the road if you are not ready for it. What a thrill, and also quite crazy! It’s the greatest shot of adrenaline I’ve ever felt, and I’m addicted to that!”

Randy Pobst

RACING PAST RACE WEEK

Recalling an amazing racing season after he competed at Pikes Peak in 2024, Pobst shared, “I won overall at a WRL 13 hour endurance road race at High Plains Raceway, in an AMG GT4 with NFC Racing. I won overall at Targa Newfoundland, a 1200-mile rally with 300 miles of timed stages on closed public roads, like mini Pikes Peaks. I won overall in my own Flyin’ Moose Volvo 760 Turbo endurance car at Barber Motorsports Park and Rockingham Raceway 7 hour Lucky Dog races.

“I hosted the Miata Reunion at Sonoma Raceway, and the N Festival for Hyundai, also at Sonoma.

“I had an amazing week at Monterey Motorsports Reunion, raced the Champion Racing Audi S4 I drove in 2004, and saw the Pebble Beach Concours.

“I also hosted the Race Against Kids Cancer for the Morgan Adams Foundation at High Plains Raceway. Was a great year!”

PLANS FOR RACE WEEK 2025

Pobst is not listed (yet) on the 2025 Competitor List, but he shared, “Oh, I’d love to drive again, just don’t have a ride this year. If you need a driver, call me, even if it’s during race week…been there, done that, in under ten minutes! And best of luck to the terrific racers for 2025!”

GET TO KNOW RANDY POBST

Instagram: @randypobst

Fun Facts:

“I’ve been vegetarian for 33 years, and I love fake-chicken Buffalo wings!”

“My treasures are my motorcycles. My collection ranges from vintage Japanese, to cafe racers, to modern adventure bikes like BMW GS and KTM 690 and 390.”

“Some of my favorite movies are animated films like Shrek, Up and Toy Story. So cleverly written.”

“I’ve also done a lot of video creation with Hagerty Icons, Drag Race, and Motor Trend’s Best Driver series.”

Between you, Dani Sordo and Ron Zaras, the Hyundai team from 2024, who could eat the most summit donuts?  “Ron Zaras is the Doughnut King for sure!”

Favorite Corner: “So many great ones! I’m going to call out Upper Gravel Pit, about 3/4 of the way up, a fast right-hand sweeper that I love because it starts downhill, then banks inside and bends back up. The bank and the uphill both increase traction, making the car feel so connected, really grabbing the road. It feels like the positive g’s of an aerobatic airplane.”

Top Racing Achievements: “I have nearly 100 pro road-racing wins. I was inducted to the SCCA Hall of Fame. I also have 10 driver’s championships.”

Advice for a rookie on Pikes Peak: “Study the road until you can run the entire length of it in your mind. Get it into your subconscious by racing SIM and watching single point of view in-car videos.”

Any Bucket List Races? “I never got to race the 24 Hours of LeMans, would love to make that, or the vintage version. Also, Colorado Hill Climb series events on dirt. And I’d love to race at Goodwood in England, I’ve seen so many great videos.”

If you could race absolutely any car from any era up the mountain, what would it be? “Easy! That dual-wheeled Auto Union V-16 hill climb car from the 1930s. It’s an incredible car of my dreams!”

RANDY POBST TALKS ELECTRIC POWER ADVANTAGE ON PIKES PEAK IN 2024 PPIHC

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Louis Yio, Charles Zhou. Unplugged Performance/Dan Oldfield/MotorTrend, SuperCars.net, 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

TEN YEARS ON THE MOUNTAIN

DAN AWEIDA RETURNS FOR 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has been run on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain for more than 100 years. Dan Aweida has been a part of almost ten of those. During his nine years on the hill, he has persevered through blown motors, disappointing shortened courses, and starting from scratch after losing his home, shop and race cars in the 2022 Marshall Fire. Looking forward to year number ten this summer, Aweida shows no signs of slowing down.

CELEBRATING A DECADE

Dan Aweida’s first entry, in 2014, was a 2008 Ford Mustang FR500S bearing #117, a number which his son, Trevor, now sports on his own PPIHC racer. Aweida finished third in his inaugural run with a time of 11:28.679 in the Time Attack 2 division.

The following year, Aweida entered a 1998 Audi S3, but due to weather, had to run a shortened course.

In 2016, he was back with high hopes for the S3 in the highly celebrated 100th Anniversary of the iconic race, but a blown motor during practice eliminated his chance to make a race day run.

Aweida didn’t enter again until 2019 when he was back in the Time Attack 1 division in the Ford Mustang. Again, weather cut the race short and he wasn’t able to make the full run to the summit.

“It’s a wonderful experience that you can’t really put into words. You need to be there…smell the exhaust, see the headlights before the sun rises, then feel the cold melt off as the sun comes up.”

Dan Aweida

Aweida’s 2020 run looked a lot different than previous years, with the absence of race fans. Despite the COVID pandemic, the race was run, but only race officials, crew members, a handful of photographers, and nature, would witness it. With a finish time of 11:23.617, the 2020 run in the Mustang was Aweida’s best run yet.

OVERCOMING BUMPS IN THE ROAD

Pikes Peak is known for the way the mountain can change day to day, even hour to hour, due to freezing and thawing. The well-known bumps on the upper section are often a topic of conversation on practice mornings.

But, life can also be bumpy at times. In 2021, the weather was unbelievably cold and stormy on race day, and a difficult decision was made as all drivers were told they wouldn’t finish at the summit, but at the 16 Mile marker. It was only the second time in the history of the event it was announced in advance that the race would be shortened.

As the New Year approached in December, 2021, one of the most devastating wildfires in Colorado history erupted in Boulder County. With the sudden loss of his home, shop and race cars, Aweida wasted no time looking for cars both he and son, Trevor, could enter in the milestone 100th Running in June, 2022. He found, prepped and entered a 2012 Ford BOSS 302S Mustang. Trevor would run a 1984 Audi 4000.

His 2022 run was made in dense fog, cold temps and wet conditions. Aweida was determined to make it to the top. No records were set that year, but just finishing felt like a win.

Aweida has continued to race the Mustang, in 2023 to a disappointing DNF, and to his best result last summer.

PERSONAL RECORD RUN

Aweida clocked his personal record in 2024, an impressive 10:48.870, and a full 35 seconds better than his 2020 time. Asked how he did it, he explained, “I know the road much better now,” adding, “the car I’m running now is also a lot more powerful. It handles much better with the wider tires, and allows for more suspension adjustment than my previous cars.”

Part of a tightknit community of local racers including his son, Trevor and Matus Huska, Aweida elaborated their 2024 race day runs. “Matus ran first and got a 10:49.233. Trevor and I were both impressed and now had to beat it. Trevor ran next clocking a 10:48.402!  All of us were hooting and hollering for him in the pits.

“Now I was nervous, because I had to beat them both. I was feeling pretty good going up. I saw a couple places where I could’ve gone faster, but there’s no looking back. Then, just past Devils, all of a sudden I see coolant on the passenger windshield! I panicked a bit and took my foot off the gas for a second, but decided, ‘Pin it! I’m almost there, and if she breaks so be it! I didn’t want a DNF two years in a row.”

“I made it to the top in 10:48.870, splitting Trevor and Matus – 4/10ths on each side!  I think if it didn’t overheat I would’ve had more power, and I wouldn’t have lifted at all, so I believe I would’ve been a bit faster.”

LOOKING FORWARD TO NUMBER 10

Dan Aweida and the ‘Flying Horse’ will be back this year in the Pikes Peak Open division. Reflecting on a decade on the mountain, he shared, “It goes by so fast! My approach hasn’t changed that much, but my knowledge of the road has changed. I know it much better, so I guess I can approach it much faster. I can look for places to gain speed by knowing the corners better.”

“I’ve really enjoyed doing this with Trevor, first as my crew chief, then when he began racing. Now we love to do it each year as father and son. It’s really such a fun thing to be able to do together.”

GET TO KNOW DAN AWEIDA

Instagram: @danimal427

Fun Facts:

“I have a couple of favorite books, The Art of Racing in the Rain, which is an amazing story; and Shackleton’s Journey, a true story about the expedition. I’m amazed at the grit of those men!”

“I enjoy skiing, hiking and traveling. My favorite vacation spot is Martha’s Vineyard. My folks have had a place there since the 1940s. As a kid I went there every summer, and now we take our kids every summer. It’s a magical place for us on the beach of the rough Atlantic Ocean.”

Daily Driver: “I have two, a 2007 Audi RS4 and a 2022 Ford F250 Tremor pick up.”

Occupation: “Real estate.”

Most Challenging Corner: “EVO corner. No guardrail. And, we all know what lies beyond…”

Favorite Corner: “‘Pastor’s/Pobst’s Pond’ (Sump). Every time I come through there, I smile a little. It’s fun to push the limit up to the point where you get a little understeer and have to lift a bit, to settle the front end again.”

Three things you must have in the race trailer: “The crew, warm clothing and tools, including lights. It’s cold and dark every morning during race week.”

Advice for a rookie on Pikes Peak: “It’s just you and the mountain, respect her and stay close to her. Too much on the outside of the road can be BAD.”

Favorite Track: “Mid-Ohio. It is so technical with the Keyhole, China Beach and Madness, so you’re always busy, no time to rest.”

If you could race absolutely any car from any era up the mountain, what would it be? “I’ve never thought about this. I only focus on what I have, and how I can go faster with it.  But, I’m totally enamored with Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang. A twin turbo all wheel drive BEAST! I can’t imagine.”

DAN AWEIDA MAKES PERSONAL BEST RUN IN 2024 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Lief Bergerson, Luis Garcia; Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Jason Zindroski. Scott Payne Photography, Nathan Leach-Proffer, 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