Category: Behind the Wheel

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

TYING THE KNOT AT 14,115′

MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL MAKE IT OFFICIAL AT 2024 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – When you love cars, love racing, and love each other, what better wedding venue than the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak! Meet Mary Barker, now Mary Samuel, and Kendall Samuel, a North Carolina couple with a passion for competition. Their story played out on the PPIHC livestream during the 2024 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, once word spread about their post-race plan.

FROM THE BEGINNING

Meet Kendall Samuel, a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines where he had a chance encounter with PPIHC competitor, Dan Novembre which eventually led to his first race on Pikes Peak in 2023. He clocked an 11:40.859 in the challenging Unlimited division. Following his successful rookie run, and the downhill Parade of Champions, he had a surprise proposal planned for Mary.

Mary Barker grew up in horse country in North Carolina. She shared the story of how she met Kendall, “My 2006 Subaru Forester broke down, which is how we met. I called his Subaru shop and he drove out to look at my car. He figured out it needed a radiator, but the radiator he went to pick up from a friend didn’t fit. By that point, we were both hungry, so we went to get dinner…and the rest is history.”

INSPIRATION

Asked what inspired her to enter the Race to the Clouds, Barker explained, “It was a combination of things. Initially, it was a pipe dream after meeting so many competitors in 2023 while being Kendall’s pit crew and realizing how kind and supportive everyone was. Unfortunately, that isn’t as common as it should be in competitive motorsports.” 

“The second thing that inspired me was my cancer diagnosis in September, 2023. I was battling the symptoms and had knowledge of the tumors during that year’s PPIHC, but didn’t quite know what was going on. After the diagnosis and surgery, I decided that life is short, so you need to go after what you want. This was one of the things I wanted, so I figured, why not apply?”

“This car raced on Pikes Peak in 2023 under the number 197 with Kendall behind the wheel,” shared Barker. “We spent two months building it from a bare chassis to a full race car, so I’ve had my hands on nearly every aspect of building this car, from bodywork, to fabrication, to the engine.”  

The AWD 2000 Subaru Impreza with a 2.3L Turbo under the hood was again ready to challenge the mountain, this time with Barker taking the wheel.

MORNINGS ON THE MOUNTAIN

Relating her experience during the first practice runs on Pikes Peak, Barker said, “It was a little overwhelming. I wanted to just get through it. I knew I had to make a run on each of the three sections, or I couldn’t race. The first practice day was hard…that was Devils Playground to the top. There was so much going on and both of our cars had been giving us some issues. By Friday, I definitely felt more emotion. When I made it to the top of the middle section, I thought, ‘I’ve made it this far, now I can breathe. I just need to get through race day.'”

THE BIG DAY

“The most encouraging advice I got was on race day, at the start line,” shared Barker. “Grant, a long-time friend of Kendall’s, leaned in the window and said, “It’s just a road, go drive it.” That calmed me down and was just what I needed to hear. It took so much pressure off.”

“But the waiting…it was a long day. I was burning up in the car since it was such a hot day, and I ran at the end of the field,” Barker shared. “Then, at Halfway Picnic Grounds, my paddle shift went out and I had to switch to the lever. Everything was such a blur, and by the time I got to the top section, I was ready to be done. The car was getting hot, but I wasn’t willing to risk pushing it. I played it safe and slow, and it paid off when I made it to the top. I was just so exhausted by that time, but it was wonderful finally being up there.”

Despite a year of battling cancer, working on the car, racing on the sim, and then the sudden and devastating loss of her precious horse, Gracie, just two days before the race, Barker demonstrated unfailing perseverance, finishing in 12:20.556. With Kendall’s time of 11:46.875, the couple finished 9th and 10th in the Unlimited division in their Mechanical Advantage Racing prepped Subarus.

“I love the LOVE you feel at Pikes Peak. Everyone there is supportive and willing to help. We all share the same goal – get to the top. The whole event is about the love of racing, the love of the community, and the love of the mountain.”  

Mary Samuel

“More than anything, I LOVE how Pikes Peak brings people together. We’ve made so many amazing friends and lifetime connections. Race times are great, but what I remember most are the people.”

Kendall Samuel

WELL SUITED

Asked about the custom bride and groom race suits, Barker explained, “Kendall talked to Sabelt. They are big on taking care of people who struggle with cancer, other illnesses and disabilities. It was really cool for them to support us in that way and do the whole design process.”

CELEBRATING LOVE

Four-time PPIHC racer, Don Wickstrum, the “Fastest Pastor,” officiated the ceremony while fellow competitors surrounded the couple to witness the milestone moment. Barker shared, “There were folks who had been so kind to us, like Duncan Cowper, Dan and Trevor Aweida, David Hackl, Andy Kingsley, and even Katherine Legge wanted to be involved. Some of those drivers I didn’t even know, but seeing them gather to support us was awesome.”

See the ceremony on Pikes Peak Live, presented by Mobil 1.

AFTER PIKES PEAK

The couple returned to North Carolina after Pikes Peak and faced yet more adversity when Hurricane Helene swept through their hometown of Hendersonville. They immediately set about helping family, friends and neighbors, even as they dealt with their own damage.

In late November, they traveled to Steamboat Springs to work at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. Barker states, “We’re kind of ‘jack-of-all-trades’ people. Kendall works in fleet management taking care of the performance cars, doing the decaling, and organizing the performance driving days. We’re both becoming instructors and have been helping with the drive-and-learn program. I’ve even been helping with bus duties.”

As far as the outlook for the 2025 season, the couple plans to leave this year completely open to enjoying life, adventuring, traveling, horse shows and maybe some spontaneous car events.

GET TO KNOW MARY AND KENDALL SAMUEL

Instagram: @mechanical_advantage_racing / @mary_abarker

Fun Facts:

“Our February birthdays are four days apart.”

“Kendall loves guitars and has been building guitars from scratch using his engineering background to do it.”

“Mary has learned to ski. In two weeks, she’s gone from greens to double blacks. She also likes sitting on one of the ski jumps at the terrain park and taking photos of complete strangers doing something awesome. She gets to send them a memory. It brings her joy.”

Mary’s first car:“I grew up with trucks. I learned how to drive a manual in an old Subaru Forester. Since I was into horses, I had to get a truck. We got one when I was 16 – an old 1991 F150. I needed 4WD, so I bought an ’88 F150 4×4. I went through a lot of trucks!”

Kendall’s daily driver: “Currently, I daily drive my 2008 Subaru STI hatchback in Lightning Red. It’s the same car I drove with Mary on our first date!”

Mary’s start in motorsports? “I worked at a used car dealership, and at Discount Tire, for years. I had friends who were into cars and we’d have meets at the local Sonic and Sam’s Club, but I never realized that racing was accessible until I met Kendall, I thought, ‘That’s a thing? That’s possible?'”

Mary’s Biggest Motorsport Accomplishment: “Being invited to compete at Pikes Peak has got to be up there, but also beating Kendall’s time in the same car at one of our local hill climbs was super exhilarating! Kendall and I hold some nice healthy competitions with each other, and it’s always fun to push each other to improve.”

Kendall’s Favorite Track: “Lime Rock. I feel I’m far from mastering it, but that’s what makes me want to come back. – both at Lime Rock as a track, and at Pikes Peak, as a hill climb.”

WATCH ONBOARD RUNS BELOW

KENDALL AND MARY SAMUEL RACE TO THE CLOUDS IN 2024

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Payton Smith, 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

DAVID MEYER BACK ON THE MOUNTAIN FOR 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has released the entry list for the 103rd Running of the Race to the Clouds. Among the returning drivers is Colorado Springs’ own David Meyer making his 14th assault on the 14,115′ summit, this year in the Open Wheel division behind the wheel of an O’Maley Special.

BACK IN THE DAY

Meyer began his Pikes Peak career in 2012 in the Exhibition Powersport division aboard his 2007 Can-Am Renegade, finishing in 13:31.277 for sixth place in the division. He returned the following year on a 2012 Polaris RZR XP900 claiming 8th in 13:25.141. He made one more attempt aboard the Polaris, but scored a DNF.

FROM TWO WHEELS TO FOUR

In 2015, Meyer made the switch from two wheels to four entering a Chevy S-10 truck, formerly raced by Jim Keeney, in the Pikes Peak Challenge – Pikes Peak Open division. He race the truck for two years, the first was limited to a shortened course due to weather. In 2016, he returned with the S-10 for the 100th Anniversary of the legendary race, but recorded a DNF.

In 2017 Meyer moved to a Palatov D2TT, continuing to compete in that vehicle through 2023, sharing, “I bought that car from Dennis Palatov. I liked it because it was different and I wanted to elevate my racing. It was a mid-engine, twin turbo, with a sequential 5-speed transmission. I thought it had all the right things for racing on Pikes Peak.”

His 2020 effort placed him on the podium in 2nd place. He participated in the milestone 100th Running in 2022, finishing sixth in the division plagued by dismal weather.

Meyer clocked his best race time to date in the Palatov, a 10:38.795 in 2018.

“Respect the mountain. The moment you don’t, she’s gonna punch you right in the face.” 

David Meyer

OPEN WHEEL ENTRY

“We tried for years to make the Palatov handle better and run faster, but it turned out to be better as a street car,” Meyer shared. “I was breaking too many things, so I changed it back to its stock configuration and made the jump to the open wheeler.

“I bought Dan Novembre’s former open wheel car that the O’Maley’s had built for Pikes Peak in 2016, and we made a lot of changes. Last year I kept blowing out the rear main seals…five, to be exact, including one on Saturday morning before we took the car up to pit on the mountain.”

“On my first run, I got red-flagged and turned around at Devils Playground due to another problem on the course. When I got back to the pits, I didn’t take enough of a break. I should have calmed down. On my restart, I cut a corner approaching Halfway Picnic Grounds and popped a tire, so I watched the rest of the race from there.”

AFTER PIKES PEAK

“I continued to race through the summer, in SCCA events at Pueblo and La Junta, racing in the Unlimited division, and finished on the podium, said Meyer. “It’s really different racing side by side, compared to Pikes Peak.”

“Some of the changes we’ve made for 2025 are a new intercooler and mounts, and a new front wing. We rebuilt the transmission, put in another new rear main seal and a new clutch. I also bought a simulator this year. This car is crazy fast, but I’m still fighting engine temp issues,” Meyer explained. “With these changes, I’m really hoping for a sub-10 run this year.”

Wrapping up his feelings about this race and this mountain, Meyer reflected, “No matter how early you start, it seems like there’s never enough time, but whether my result is good or bad, I just love it. And, living here, almost anywhere you go, you can look west and see that mountain.”

GET TO KNOW DAVID MEYER

Fun Facts:

“I’ve grown up near the mountain. The first time I went up Pikes Peak I was probably three or four years old. My dad worked on the Pikes Peak Highway and during the race would help recover vehicles that had crashed. He later went to work at the old Broadmoor Garage. I’d always wanted to race, but didn’t start until I could afford it.”

“I love riding snowmobiles on Wolf Creek Pass.”

“I got started in racing in the Colorado Hill Climb Association, CHCA. That’s where I met the O’Maleys, two incredible people. They’ll drop everything and give you parts off their own car if you need it. Without Earl and Rodney, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Best Memory: “The first year I raced on Pikes Peak with, and against, a good friend, Garth Butler. We both finished on our Can-Am quads. Our times were six seconds apart.”

Favorite Track: “I enjoy High Plains. It has a long back stretch where you can get up to top speed. It tests your skills, your rights and lefts. That, along with the elevation changes and the off cambers mimics a lot of the stuff you deal with on Pikes Peak.”

Daily Driver: “2022 F250 Tremor”

If you could race any car, from any era, up the mountain: “A Porsche, I’m sure, maybe a 911. But, I like to live in reality, and race what I can afford.”

Advice for a Rookie: “Ask questions. Know the mountain, know the road, memorize it. You can watch videos, but you have to drive it. The sim is not real, so don’t get confidence from your sim results. Until you physically drive it, you just don’t learn it. Learn the road, the speed will come.”

CHECK OUT DAVID MEYER IN HIS PALATOV AS HE CLOCKS PERSONAL BEST TIME IN 2018

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Chris Johnson, SEMA, Red Bull

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

CHRIS JOHNSON FINDS A WAY TO THE TOP OF PIKES PEAK WITH DRAMATIC RESTART ON FINAL CORNER

Colorado Springs, CO – On February 6, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, will announce the field of drivers selected to participate in the 2025 Race to the Clouds. While anticipation builds for the 2025 entry list, let’s meet Chris Johnson, who made his first run through the famous 156 turns last June.

LIFELONG LOVE OF CARS

With roots in the racing community, Johnson explained, “I grew up in a muscle car household. My dad had a 1967 Mustang that he raced in grudge racing in Virginia in the ’60s and ’70s. I was always around cars and loved it. Every car I had was fast! I had a 1970 Bronco with a big motor. I also had a 1970 440 ‘Cuda that was pretty rowdy. I loved doing burnouts in my high school parking lot!”

Recalling time spent with his dad, he further offered, “He always pushed me, but was super supportive. He’d say, ‘Do it, but be sure you understand every aspect.’ Whatever kind of racing came up, karting, dirt track oval racing, anything, if I wanted to do it, dad hooked up the trailer and we went. We were out there getting dirty together. It was true grassroots racing.”

Johnson has also passed along his passion for getting behind the wheel to his son, stating, “My wife and my son love to watch racing. My son helped me prep my car, and he’s got a crazy little Miata that he’d like to get on the track.”

EARLY LOVE OF PIKES PEAK

Johnson shared the first time he heard about Pikes Peak, “It was in the 1980s on television. I’d wake up on the weekends and watch racing with my dad. When I saw it, it really stuck with me.”

Talking about his Nissan build, Johnson shared some history of the lead up to his 2024 Pikes Peak entry, “I originally wanted to build a 1967 Mustang as a tribute to my dad, since he passed away. I also thought about a Nissan R32…my dream car. I wanted to do something in the spirit of building a crazy car, but that also had the essence of a muscle car. It had a big cam motor, so it sounded like a ’67 Mustang, just super obnoxious.”

“This GT-R originally came out of Nissan’s Omori factory, and was owned by a Japanese enthusiast. When I acquired it, I wanted to make it a GT3 car.”

“So, I was watching a documentary film featuring Shawn Bassett, and saw that this was an average dude, and his shop was fairly nearby where I was living in Florida, so I connected with him. I went to Shawn’s for a race alignment. He asked me what I wanted to do with the car, and I said, ‘Pikes Peak.’ He looked at me and said, ‘Well, we’re starting over then! If you’re really serious about Pikes Peak, everything about this car has to change.’ So, we redid the aero, the cooling, and we fabricated a completely different roll cage. We got rid of the GT-R stuff to make it more serviceable. I feel this car was meant to be a race car, and it’s a weapon now.”

With the build finished, Johnson traveled with Bassett to Las Vegas for the SEMA show in 2022.

“We were selected in the Top 40 and then reached Top 12 in the Battle of the Builders with a car that had already been on the track and was far from perfect,” said Johnson.

MENTOR FOR THE MOUNTAIN

“Shawn had a really small shop, we worked closely, and became friends. He invited me to help him crew on his car at Pikes Peak in 2021, and I remember him telling me, “You need to see how to get the car prepped, and experience the stress of race week.”

“At one point, Shawn told me, ‘You need to learn that Pikes Peak is not track racing.’ Since Shawn had crewed for Scott Birdsall, and I was getting ready to crew for Shawn, I just took their knowledge of the mountain and internalized it,” explained Johnson.

“The goal was always for me to race at Pikes Peak. Everything I did from running in Global Time Attack to Gridlife events was great for getting practice time in, and shaking down the car,” offered Johnson.

RACE WEEK HIGHS AND LOWS

Once he arrived in Colorado Springs, Johnson was eager to take part in Fan Fest, a Friday night, pre-race street festival, and fans were just as excited to see the build in person.

On race day, about halfway through the race, Johnson’s Nissan wasn’t performing as he expected. Just two turns below the finish line, the car slow-rolled to a stop. Johnson related the experience, “I started getting low pressure alarms and it was bucking and spitting around Glen Cove. I made a decision to really just back off so I could get to the top. I just kept saying, ‘We’re going to get to the top…it’s going to be a crappy time, but I’m getting us up there.’

“When it stalled at Olympic Corner, I was gutted. I was heartbroken, but I could feel my dad next to me. You know, I have a little prayer I do, I ask for vision, focus, balance and calm, and I felt it.

“I knew there was one more car coming up behind me, and I needed to make a decision. I had faith it was going to start, and I did get it to refire, but it was stuck in neutral. So, I had to kill it, reset the GTU, and then I could get it into first gear, and I babied it up the hill.”

Johnson crossed the line in 15:45.707, clocking his first official race time on Pikes Peak.

“You have these pictures in your head of ripping across the line, flags waving, high fives. I limped across, so didn’t have that moment, but I was just as happy.”

Chris Johnson

REACHING THE TOP

“The day was super long, and race week had been long and emotional. I didn’t have that big explosive moment, but it was quietly satisfying, for sure.

“At the end, Brett Dickie came over, I wasn’t even out of the car, and he said ‘You made it mate!’ He had really encouraged me all week.”

“And beyond the competitors who really supported me, Dan Skokan, PPIHC’s Director of Competition, went above and beyond to be sure I was staying safe, just quietly mentoring me.”

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Johnson offered insight into his plan for 2025 and beyond. “My focus now is getting the car right. Now I have data from Pikes Peak, so I know what the car can do up there. It’s not hypothetical. We had some issues with the transmission not wanting to shift, and we worked on that all week. We also had the fuel delivery problem. I learned that when you’re on the mountain, small things become really big issues.”

“I’m going to sit this year out, and focus on the car. We’ve got changes to make, so I can make sure it’s 110% for next year.”

GET TO KNOW CHRIS JOHNSON

Instagram: @noquartergtr

Fun Facts:

“I married into a horse family, so we recently bought 12 acres and my daily farm chores are cutting grass and mucking stalls.”

“I’m a big saltwater fisherman, and did the salt life thing. I’ve caught blue marlin and done spear fishing. I also love to surf!”

“I have two dogs, Walter and Hazel. They’re a sporting breed, Spinone Italiano.”

Must Have in the Race Trailer: “A tire pressure gauge, jack stands, and a ton of summer-edition Red Bull (the green one)”

Favorite Section: “Glen Cove – it’s halfway, so mentally it’s telling me it’s time to start climbing. It’s a huge confidence booster. You go ripping through there and everybody’s cheering. So, I did have the opportunity to experience that.”

Most Challenging Section: “The top section. Even on the sim, it’s deceptively flowy. But the top is so rough I had a hard time carrying any sort of pace up there. That’s just knowledge you have to gain from driving it. You have to know which side of the road is a smoother line.”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “I loved watching Michèle Mouton. I grew up loving Audis and I had a couple, and I’m kind of an all wheel drive guy. So, what she did on the mountain, as a woman, crushing it, taking everyone to school, and being an Audi driver as well, that was when I really got introduced to Pikes Peak.”

WATCH CHRIS JOHNSON LEAVE THE LINE AT 08:43, PASS O’REILLY HALFWAY PICNIC GROUNDS AT 08:55, AND ROLL TO A STOP AT 08:59…BUT THAT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY!

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia; Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Chris Johnson, SEMA, Red Bull

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

LASZLO KESKENY PAYS HOMAGE TO AUDI LEGENDS ON PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, welcomed more than 20 rookies to its 102nd running in 2024. One of the most unique stories among them belonged to Laszlo Keskeny, who brought the iconic Audi Quattro back to the event with Massachusetts-based Rayteam Motorsport. Keskeny was behind the wheel of the #10 Audi 4000 in the Pikes Peak Open division.

CHASING THE DREAM

Attempting Pikes Peak for the first time was a natural step for the Hungarian-born Keskeny, who had recently been competing in New England-based hill climbs. Prior to that, he had competed in everything from Quattrolegend in 2018 to rallies and rallycross in Germany, Austria, and his native Hungary.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the challenge of Pikes Peak,” Keskeny says. “The history, the difficulty, the legendary drivers who’ve competed there—it’s the ultimate test of both car and driver. After competing in other hill climbs around New England, I felt ready for a bigger challenge. Pikes Peak is iconic, and I wanted to see how I could stack up against some of the best in the world, while pushing myself and my skills to the limit.”

To get there, Keskeny teamed up with Rayteam Automotive, whose Waltham, Massachusetts-based shop is well-known in the area for its work on European performance machines. The newly formed Rayteam Motorsport thus gained the unique distinction of being able to say that its very first race was the Race to the Clouds.

“Rayteam has a fantastic reputation for developing competitive, well-engineered race cars, and when the opportunity came up, I was thrilled to work with them,” he adds. “I’ve always admired their commitment to detail and their professionalism. To be accepted onto their team, especially after putting so much into that build, was an honor. It really felt like a dream come true.”

LIVING UP TO A LEGACY

In the mid-1980s, the Audi Sport Quattro rewrote the PPIHC record books. Michѐle Mouton, Bobby Unser, and Walter Röhrl all won the event with variants of the car, each setting a course record faster than the last.

In 1985, Mouton bested the previous course record of 11:38.300 set in 1983 by Al Unser, Jr. in his Woziwodzki Wells Coyote Chevy.

She also beat John Buffum’s 1982 Audi division-record time of 12:20.52 with her clocking of 11:25.39 in the Rally Open division.

The following year, 1986, Bobby Unser claimed his 10th King of the Mountain crown, and his 8th course record when he recorded a finish time of 11:09.22 in his 1986 Audi Sport Quattro.

Germany’s Walter Röhrl was on the 1987 entry list and, as a rookie, won the division, along with the overall title, with his course record of 10:47.85 in a 1986 Audi.

“Audi Quattro is a name that is synonymous with Pikes Peak, and being able to bring one back in 2024 was incredibly meaningful,” Keskeny explains. “The Quattro’s four-wheel drive system was revolutionary for the mountain, and it’s an honor to drive a piece of that history. To carry on that legacy and try to continue the tradition of success with Audi on the mountain was a huge privilege for me.”

Carrying the classic Audi Sport colors proved especially meaningful for Keskeny—especially in a car he customized himself. The build, a 1986 Audi 4000 elevated to resemble one of Group B’s most legendary machines, proved immensely popular at Friday’s Fan Fest and on race day alike.

“What made this opportunity even more special was that I was actually the one who customized the entire Audi S1 for the team. It was a labor of love, from adjusting the suspension to refining the aerodynamics—every little detail mattered to ensure we had the best possible setup for the mountain.”

ROOKIE SURVIVAL

With both driver and team coming to Pikes Peak for the first time, it was important for Keskeny and Rayteam to learn as much as possible, from the typical growing pains for a first-year team to dealing with weather-impacted practice sessions.

“Pikes Peak is a whole different animal,” Keskeny admits. “The combination of altitude, ever-changing weather, and incredibly challenging terrain makes it unlike anything else.”

“The mountain itself demands respect, and it’s humbling to compete there. It’s not just about speed—it’s about precision, consistency, and managing the car while you’re racing through such an unpredictable environment.”

Laszlo Keskeny

Thanks to their hard work and respect for the mountain, while other competitors might have had less luck on race day, Keskeny and Rayteam persevered. They made it to the summit with a time of 12:57.142, good for 14th in division, and avoiding the DNFs that plagued some of the biggest names on the entry list.

“The team’s support and confidence in me were huge factors in making this possible, and I’m proud to represent them on such a legendary stage,” he continued. “Being part of that journey, not just as a driver but also as someone who shaped the car, made it even more meaningful.”

BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER

After reaching the summit on their first try, the inaugural Pikes Peak experience taught Keskeny and Rayteam plenty about themselves and their machine. As a result, they’ve got a gameplan for the future to get faster and finish even higher in the ranks.

“The biggest challenge for me was the mental aspect,” Keskeny noted. “The altitude affects your focus and physical endurance, and you have to adapt quickly. The weather is another variable—one minute it’s sunny, and the next you’re dealing with fog or rain.

“In hindsight, I’d probably focus even more on managing tire pressure and fine-tuning the car’s balance for those changing conditions. The second run would be about finding that rhythm and maintaining consistency under pressure.”

Just as valuable as a long-term plan for future Pikes Peak runs? The way that his first PPIHC changed how Keskeny works behind the wheel, period—and he and the team brought those new mindsets back to New England as the season carried on.

“Pikes Peak taught me how to really read the road and make fast decisions in the moment,” said Keskeny. “The New England hill climbs have their own charm, but Pikes Peak made me approach every corner with a different mindset—anticipating how the car would behave at high altitude, how the road surface would change, and how to manage the overall race pace. I’ve definitely applied those lessons in how I handle strategy and car setup in other events now.”

GET TO KNOW LASZLO KESKENY

Instagram: @rayteamauto

Fun Facts:

“I’m a bit of a foodie, actually—I love trying new dishes, but I have a soft spot for anything with seafood.”

“When I’m not racing, I enjoy working on cars and tinkering with them, always trying to learn something new.”

“Music-wise, I’m all over the place—everything from rock to electronic music keeps me motivated while I’m training or prepping for races.”

Favorite Section: “There’s something about the final stretch up to the summit that I really enjoy. It’s high-speed and takes a lot of focus, but you’re so close to the top that you can almost taste it. The views are incredible, but the road demands your full attention. Every corner feels like a step closer to the finish, and that’s where all the emotion of the race comes to a head.”

Biggest Challenge: “The biggest challenge is balancing speed with caution. The mountain doesn’t forgive mistakes, so you have to have a perfect balance between pushing hard and staying in control. The conditions can change quickly, and the weather is unpredictable, which makes it even more complicated. It’s also a battle with the elements—altitude affects everything, from the car’s performance to your own endurance as a driver.”

Three Must-Haves in the Trailer: “First and foremost, my helmet and race suit—safety is the most important thing. But besides that, a reliable pit crew is essential. You need a team that can react quickly and help with any adjustments between runs. Personally, I always bring a good energy drink for hydration and snacks to keep my energy up before and after runs. Staying sharp and focused is key.”

Advice for a PPIHC Rookie: “Don’t push too hard in the beginning. Take it one step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by the mountain—respect it, but don’t fear it. Focus on getting comfortable with the car and the track during practice week. Also, listen to your team and your spotters—they have experience, and their guidance will help you avoid unnecessary risks.”

NO STRANGER TO HILL CLIMB RACING, LASZLO KESKENY CONQUERS PIKES PEAK IN 2024

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, 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

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