Category: Behind the Wheel

ITALIAN DRIVER CHRISTIAN MERLI BROUGHT A BEAST TO THE 2024 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The 102nd Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has become part of race history. Among the top stories was Italy’s Christian Merli, a 51-year-old, European hill climb champion who not only won the Unlimited division in his 2024 Wolf Aurobay BG08 2.0 HP, but was crowned Rookie of the Year.

A STRONG START

Merli’s race week on Pikes Peak got off to a strong start on June 18th where he made two runs in the upper section. His Wolf literally led the pack with the fastest time of the morning.

Wednesday was qualifying day for Merli, and he proved the reliability of the Wolf when he was announced as top qualifier in the Unlimited division, five seconds ahead of Dan Novembre, also behind the wheel of a Wolf.

With poor weather conditions on the mountain on Thursday, practice runs in the middle and upper sections were cancelled.

By Friday, it was announced that Merli was a member of the Fast 15, PPIHC’s top qualifiers, and was, in fact, second-fastest behind overall PPIHC recordholder, Romain Dumas. Both drivers enjoyed meeting fans and signing autographs at the OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 Alley at Fan Fest on Friday night.

Merli was the 17th car off the line on Race Day. He headed up the 12.42 mile course, and never looked back. He won the Unlimited division in 09:04.454 – just 11 seconds behind Romain Dumas, 2024 King of the Mountain.

Asked what made the Wolf so well suited to race on Pikes Peak, Merli explained, “I think that the light weight and great chassis of the car definitely contributed to the result, together with the work that Aurobay’s team did on making sure that the stock production engine we had wouldn’t suffer at altitude and deliver a constant 380 HP.”

Merli is no stranger to hill climb racing, capturing multiple wins in European Mountain Championship events from 2014 through 2019. He was also an Italian Mountain Speed Champion from 2018-2020, and continues to compete at the highest level of hill climbing.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Reflecting on his expectations for PPIHC compared to his race result, Merli shared, “I was, of course, hoping to get on the podium, although I was aware that it wouldn’t have been an easy feat considering the competition! Winning the Unlimited division and becoming Rookie of the Year was a great achievement for me!”

He continued, “Pikes Peak has been an incredible experience. It was the first time for both me and the team, but we pulled through and achieved the results we set out to do. It has been a month of hard work, but all the sacrifices have been replaced by the satisfaction of reaching what we wanted to.”

ACCOLADES AND ADVICE

As winner of the Unlimited division, Merli received the first place trophy along with a custom timepiece presented by Frederic Gasser of B.R.M North America. A second trophy was awarded paying tribute to his Rookie of the Year status. He was joined on the podium by division sponsor, Aiden Ryan of the Colorado Springs Airport, 2nd place finisher, Don Wickstrum, and 3rd place competitor, Duncan Cowper of the UK.

Merli offered advice for other rookies who are sure to follow in his footsteps, “Prepare properly, both physically and mentally. Only if you’ve participated at least once at this race can you understand its complexity. It is essential to learn the track. I spent five days with a normal car driving up and down the mountain before the first sessions ever took place.” Merli was quick to add, “I hope to come back and leverage the experience I got this year!”

GET TO KNOW CHRISTIAN MERLI

Fun Facts:

“As an Italian, I always appreciate a good plate of pasta with any kind of sauce.”

“I have my traditions before the race: I always enter the car from the right side, put on the right glove first – small things that I always do, even though I know they might not mean anything in the end.”

“I am quite lucky to live in Trentino, an Italian region full of beautiful lakes and mountains. When I’m not racing, my favorite hobbies are hiking in the summer, and alpine skiing in the winter. I must say that in Colorado you have some amazing mountains, and when I got here, there was still plenty of snow, so I got a bit envious of all the skiers coming down the slopes and almost wished I brought my skis!”

Any Pikes Peak heroes?

“I don’t have a single hero, however, I must say that I admire all the participants in this incredible race! I can especially recall the videos of drivers racing close to the edge, while countersteering, when the race still had unpaved sections.”

Biggest challenge during Race Week:

“Being a rookie, my main concern was racing the whole track for the first time. I didn’t know exactly how the tires, brakes and engine would behave on the long run; however, now I can say for certain that everything worked perfectly.”

Favorite track?

“In Europe, I’ve raced in plenty of hill climb competitions, so picking one isn’t easy. I usually prefer the faster ones, so if I have to name one, Ecce Homo would be one of my favorites.”

2024 Rookie of the Year and Unlimited Division Winner – Christian Merli

Photos by: Josh Hildenbrand, Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao

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

LAURA HAYES NOW FASTEST WOMAN TO RACE A CAR TO THE 14,115 SUMMIT IN PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – With the conclusion of the 102nd Running of The The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, six records were set; two of those by South Carolina’s Laura Hayes.

Her time in the inaugural Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division, turbo class, established a benchmark – 10:20.487. With that clocking she overtook Kathryn Mead as the fastest woman to race a car on Pikes Peak.

BMW TO TOYOTA

Asked about her 2024 move from racing a BMW in the Time Attack 1 division to the Toyota Supra in the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division, Hayes explained, “We made the move to the Toyota Supra GT4 platform in the endurance racing series we compete in full time. BMW and Toyota’s partnership on this car made for a smooth transition for us as a team, and the car is an absolute blast to drive. We were pleased and excited to hear that the PPIHC had created a new division for GT4 cars and we knew we had to be a part of it.” Since Pikes Peak’s new GT4 division was announced, Hayes had her sights set on returning to the mountain. “We took this car straight from Road America,” Hayes stated, “and with a few adjustments, it was mountain ready.”

WOMEN WITH DRIVE: PIKES PEAK

Just days before the iconic race took place on Pikes Peak, and hours before the popular downtown Colorado Springs event, Fan Fest, Hayes was seated on stage as part of a panel discussing the rise of women in sport. For the first time in race history, six women were entered in the 102nd Running of the Race to the Clouds. Alongside fellow competitor, Loni Unser, as well two US Olympians, Hayes shared how lifelong encouragement from her parents, and unwavering support from her race team, have brought her up through the ranks in motorsport.

“Being a member of the panel at the Women with Drive event was truly inspiring. This is an exciting time in the industry and for all women in sport. For me personally, being able to contribute to this conversation is truly an honor.”

Hayes shared her advice for women looking to enter motorsports, “If you dedicate yourself to something you love, there’s no reason you can’t achieve big things. Outside of the race car, I’m honestly not the most confident human being ever. Inside the race car, you’re not going to stop me. Most of the work happens outside of the car, so that was an area I really had to work on. One day, I decided to take a chance on myself because I knew I could do it, and since then, I’ve become more comfortable putting myself up to a challenge that may be uncomfortable. The more you do it, the easier it gets. So take that chance, because you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Paying it forward, Hayes was quick to include a student who expressed an interest in motorsports to join her Pikes Peak crew this year. “Charlotte is a young engineering student at Purdue and boldly reached out to ask about shadowing us during race week. Not knowing any of us, and fresh from studying abroad, she arrived with an eager smile and was not afraid to get her hands dirty. She worked closely with our team and engineers, and just made a huge impression on all of us. She was a very pleasant addition to our team and we can’t wait to have her back during our normal race season.”

NEW DIVISION – NEW RECORD

“We proved the new Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy division, is one of the best places to race,” explained Hayes. “If you want to be pushed to the limit, not only by the mountain but by your competitors, there is no better platform to test your skills. I’m constantly impressed by our Toyota GR Supra GT4 and the spec tire we all ran, the Yokohama Advan A052. You’re only as fast as your tires and the A052 provides so much confidence and predictability when you’re tackling the road.”

Speaking about her fellow competitors, Hayes shared. “Nuno (Caetano), Robb (Holland) and I were really pushing each other all week and it was so cool to see we were separated by hundredths to tenths, and only seconds on race day. I hope to be back in a GT4 next year.”

FASTEST WOMAN ON FOUR WHEELS

“Being the fastest woman on four wheels is certainly an honor that I’ll cherish for the next year,” Hayes expressed. “Going into the race, the first goal was winning the GT4 division; being the fastest woman would have been a bonus. There were so many talented women drivers on the mountain this year and I’m so proud of every one of them for doing something daring, doing something they love, and proving that women belong on the mountain, too. I have a good feeling that at the 103rd, that time will be lowered. Whether it’s done by myself or someone else, it means women are breaking down barriers and accepting the challenge, and I love a good challenge!”

Read more about Laura Hayes in a June 24 article in Forbes.

GET TO KNOW LAURA HAYES

Fun Facts:

“My hobbies are cycling, dirt bikes, being outdoors, and building Legos!

“I started karting at the age of 8 years old.”

“My daily driver is a Mini Cooper.”

Best racing advice you ever received: “The best racing advice I ever received was from Danny Sullivan. He yelled at me at a go kart competition for taking a shortcut back to the pits after the kart broke. I went the wrong direction for a split second and he was really upset. It stuck with me and taught me the importance of safety, of doing things properly, and not taking shortcuts.”

PPIHC Veteran, Laura Hayes, now the fastest woman to race a car on Pikes Peak

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Larry Chen

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.

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds is held annually near the end of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile (20 km) course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet (1,440 m), and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet (4,302 m) above sea level. The PPIHC’s six race divisions feature a wide variety of vehicles – from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles. The current race record was set in 2018 by Romain Dumas and Volkswagen in the all-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak – 07:57.148.

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

CLINT VAHSHOLTZ HONORED AT 2024 PPIHC Hall of Fame Induction

Leads Winslow BMW Parade of Champions

Colorado Springs, CO – The results of the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, are now part of race history. Competitors from thirteen nations and sixteen states, including 21 from Colorado, traveled to Colorado Springs to challenge the mountain on June 23. One legendary Colorado driver played a big part in this year’s festivities.

HALL OF FAME

Clint Vahsholtz was inducted to the 2024 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame on June 20 along with broadcaster, Beck Bechtelheimer, and local racing hero, the late Ted Foltz.

Clint is the second generation in the Vahsholtz racing dynasty on Pikes Peak. Fans from the 1970s through the 2000s cheered on Leonard Vahsholtz, Clint’s father. Since 2011, Clint’s son, Codie Vahsholtz, third generation, is proving he has what it takes to keep the family legacy going strong.

In the early 1990s, Clint entered the motorcycle division, setting two division records in four years. In 1996, he made the seamless transition from two wheels to four when he entered the Super Stock Car division, garnering a win and Rookie of the Year honors. His amazing career includes 24 division wins, multiple division records, and in 2020 an overall King of the Mountain championship.

To honor Vahsholtz, Winslow BMW chose him to lead the Parade of Champions down from the summit behind the wheel of their all-electric i5 M60 sedan. Ann Winslow, dealership owner shared, “This event is special to us. It’s been a part of the community for a long time. We’re pleased to have Clint Vahsholtz represent the dealership, and more importantly to showcase his contributions to this race.”

The 2024 Parade of Champions car was wrapped in a tribute livery featuring Clint’s race record, his Hall of Fame status, his race number and signature. The white Gran Turismo windshield banner also depicts his membership in the Hall of Fame.

Asked about the car and the partnership, Vahsholtz exclaimed, “This Winslow-prepared electric BMW i5 M60 – WOW!  The car throws you back in the seat and goes! It has great regeneration and the brakes stop instantly. I could always trust the handling and, for that matter, I could really count on all the driver assist features. It’s a cool car for sure.”

Vahsholtz made the final run of the day to the 14,115′ summit to lead the Parade of Champions, and all competitors back down the mountain, post-race.

GET TO KNOW CLINT VAHSHOLTZ

Fun Facts:

“One of my favorite hobbies is working on race cars.”

“I also enjoy riding my Husqvarna TE 300 all over Colorado trails.”

“Whether it’s riding my mountain bike with my dog running alongside, or hunting and fishing, I love the Colorado back country.”

Favorite food: “Any type of wild game.”

Favorite corner: “The start line. It’s go time!”

If you could drive any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “I think it would be Loeb’s Peugeot.”

PPIHC Veteran, Layne Schranz, pays tribute to fellow competitor, Clint Vahsholtz

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Larry Chen, 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.

FROM INDY 500 TO THE PPIHC KATHERINE LEGGE CONTINUES TO INSPIRE

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, draws top competitors from across the USA and around the world. Residing in Georgia, but representing Great Britain, Katherine Legge will make her first appearance on America’s Mountain on June 23.

Of the 65 drivers slated to compete in the 102nd Running of the Race to the Clouds, Legge is one of six women entered. All are ready to challenge the 12.42 miles to the summit on Race Day.

Inspiring Girls and Women

Describing herself as ‘always a bit of an adrenaline junkie,’ Legge began racing go karts at nine years old. She recalls the women in auto racing who served as her inspiration and role models; names like Janet Guthrie and Sarah Fisher who inspired not only Legge, but a generation of young girls.

“That’s what I aspire to do now with e.l.f. cosmetics,” Legge explained. “I partnered with e.l.f. last year and I never imagined it would take off like it has. Women tell me that now they feel they’re being represented in motorsports. I’m honored to be part of it.”

Learn More

A Passion for Racing

A race winner and championship contender in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy series in recent seasons, Katherine Legge holds one of the most diverse resumes in modern motorsports.

Her extensive career includes experience in Indy Car, ChampCar, IMSA, NASCAR, DTM, A1GP, Formula e, Formula 3, Formula Atlantic, Formula Renault and a Formula One test with Minardi. In April of this year, Legge was inducted into the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach “Walk of Fame”.

Moving to America from her native England in 2005, Legge won three Toyota Atlantic Championship races that year, becoming the first woman to win a major open wheel race in North America at the Long Beach season opener.

She moved up to the Champ Car Indycar series in 2006-07 and became the first woman to lead a race in that series before returning to Europe to compete in the DTM touring car series from 2008-2010 where she was an Audi factory driver.

Legge returned to North America and IndyCar Series competition in 2012, making her first two Indianapolis 500 starts in 2012-13. She then returned to the Indianapolis 500 in 2023-24, thrilling crowds with her spectacular qualifying runs in both events.

One of the lead development drivers for the Acura NSX GT3 program from 2017-2019, and again from 2023-24; Legge scored four race wins and another seven podium results from 35 races, finishing a close second in the IMSA GTD championship in 2018.

In 2018-19, as part of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy effort, she became the first woman to win in that series, at Mexico City.

Early in her career, Legge became the first woman to win pole in a Formula Zetec category, in her native England in 2000, and one year later won the British Racing Driver Club’s prestigious “Rising Star” award.

She moved to endurance prototype racing and the Delta Wing sports car program from 2013-2015 – becoming the first woman to lead an American Le Mans Series race at Road America in 2013, and the first woman to lead the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2016. She also competed in two Formula E races with Amlin Aguri in the 2014-15 season.

Currently racing in the NTT IndyCar Series, Legge competed in the Indianapolis 500 in May. Watch her pre-Indy 500 interview!

Arriving with Acura

Legge will compete for the first time on Pikes Peak in the Time Attack 1 division behind the wheel of the #93 Acura Integra. Legge describes the racecar as a custom FWD Integra DE5 Type S with incredible braking capacity and around 360hp. “It’s one of the most fun cars I’ve had the privilege of driving.

Sharing what it means to race in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Legge said, “I’ve wanted to do this since I first heard about it and I’m very lucky that this year HRC Acura have given me the opportunity to live that dream. I wouldn’t be here without Acura.” Legge continued. “As the second longest-standing race in America, it’s iconic across the globe. It is one of the coolest, most interesting races in the world, and I can’t explain the exhilaration and focus this event evokes. I am so grateful to be able to tick this off my bucket list.”

GET TO KNOW KATHERINE LEGGE

Fun Facts:

“I eat avocados most days, but chicken and waffles grosses me out.”

“I’m somewhat scared of the lake I live on.”

“My mum doesn’t know I own a motorcycle!”

Any Pikes Peak heroes? “Paul Dallenbach who is a legend and friend; Robin Shute, who has won it four of the past 5 years; any of the Unsers since the Unser name is synonymous with Pikes Peak; and Parnelli Jones, a true motorsports legend.”

What got you hooked on Pikes Peak? “People telling me about how addictive and awesome it is…then watching their videos!”

Any significance behind your race number? “It’s the #93 which is the year Honda Racing Corp US was founded!”

How are you preparing for Pikes Peak? “Lots of video, talking to veterans and driving up it as many times as possible in the road car! Altitude training too…”

Watch Katherine Legge discuss qualifying and racing at Indy, e.l.f. cosmetics, and women in racing

Photos by: Acura/Honda Racing Development, Josh Hildenbrand, INDYCAR Series

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

A DOZEN YEARS LATER KOUZNETSOV REMEMBERS PPIHC 2012 AND REVEALS 2024 ENTRY

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, draws top competitors from across the USA and around the world. Drivers from 13 nations have been invited to compete in the 102nd Running of the Race to the Clouds on June 23. For the first time since 2017, Yuri Kouznetsov returns to compete in the 2024 event in the Open Wheel division, taking over the Apexocet for Apex Autoworks that finished fourth in division last year.

Getting Into Racing

Born in Russia, Kouznetsov emigrated to the United States when he was nine years old and immediately fell in love with cars. “I don’t know what drove me to it—I don’t have anybody with racing heritage or anything like that in my family, but I’ve always gravitated to cars and to racing,” he says. “I became that kid who would get the magazines with the cool Lamborghinis and Porsches and basically developed all this passion with just magazine cutouts.”

It wasn’t much longer before that passion and patience paid off. “I was on the sidelines supporting my friends, basically watching street racing, but I didn’t have a car to drive. I went off to college and got involved with the Formula SAE group, as well as the Hot Rod Club in Austin, at the University of Texas.”

Kouznetsov put together enough money to buy a 1991 Mazda Miata, and that gave him his start in local autocross and, later, rallycross events.

“When I got my first job, right before I graduated, there was a racetrack I was trying to start at right away, just outside of the city limits,” he explains. “They gave me some of the best advice—I said, ‘hey, I want to go racing. What car should I get?’ Everybody said a Miata. “Starting off as a 22 year old with my first job, that’s reasonably the only thing I could really have.”

“I lucked out on timing. Rallycross gets into all different aspects of performance driving, and I embraced the community. How I met Jeremy Foley, ultimately, was at a rallycross event, where he was driving for the first time. That turned into a friendship. But ultimately, you know, that put us on the map later that year, and the rest is, sort of, history.”

Redemption

Racing fans have likely seen Kouznetsov’s first foray on the mountain, when he served as Foley’s co-driver in 2012. That run ended in spectacular fashion, with their Mitsubishi Evo 8 tumbling off the mountain at Devils Playground, but neither of them was seriously hurt. Undeterred, Kouznetsov returned in 2014—this time in an Evo 9, and now behind the wheel—and finished seventh in the Time Attack 1 class in 11:03.910.

“The only goal was to get back up there and cross the finish line,” Kouznetsov said. “So we built a car that looked similar to the one that went off in 2012, like, yeah, we’re coming back. We’re not giving up. We’re not going to let it define us, we’re going to do it—and we’re going to look the same doing it.”

“The other thing that really meant a lot to me was at the finish line. The flagger was the same gentleman, and it was important to me to go over and give him a hug. The only thing I said to him is, ‘Hey, I’ve been waiting a long time to come over here to meet you. And I need to hug you because it’s important to me.’ We had a little fun, chatted, and he even let me sign one of the white squares on the flag.”

Kouznetsov would make his next run as a driver three years later, this time taking a 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R to sixth in the Open division. However, until this year, that 2017 appearance had been his most recent trip to Pikes Peak behind the wheel. At the foggy finish, Kouznetsov clocked a 12:09:949 for sixth place.

Finding the Apex(ocet)

In his third attempt at conquering the mountain as a driver, Kouznetsov will also compete in his third division, moving to Open Wheel in the Apexocet, an Exomotive chassis upgraded by Apex Autoworks with a 600-horsepower V8 engine. Last year, Andrei Mitrasca finished fourth in class and 20^th overall, posting a time of 10:26.697.

“I saw Andrei do a really good job with the Apexocet last year, and that’s literally how it sparked my interest,” says Kouznetsov. He reached out to Apex’s Richard Tomlin, a friend and collaborator on various projects for more than a decade. It wasn’t long before he was asked to strap into the driver’s seat. “It was just like a lighthearted conversation,” he recalls. “I said, ‘Hey, Richard, you guys did pretty good. Are you going to go back next year?’ He said, ‘Well, you want to drive it?’ It was just built out of the synergy of the relationship and the friendship, and we kind of just hit the ground running.”

What started life ages ago as a Mazda Miata was now a high-powered open-wheel machine—and for Kouznetsov, even with his past Miata experience, that meant getting acclimated in shakedown and test runs coming into this month’s race.

“My first impressions were, holy moly, this thing’s fast, obviously with the power to weight ratio,” Kouznetsov says. “My main concern was about the short wheelbase, but I think because it’s so wide and it’s got enough aero features on it, especially on the rear, it’ll keep the tail planted.”

GET TO KNOW YURI KOUZNETSOV

Fun Facts:

“I was born in Siberia.”

“I like snow—I don’t get four seasons in Texas! Part of the reason I come back to Colorado all the time in the winter is that I like snowboarding.”

“I enjoy all the stuff that’s hard for us to do here in Texas. We don’t necessarily have a lot of good lakes, and I really enjoy wakeboarding, but I always have to go to cable wakeboarding parks.”

What’s your favorite section of the mountain? “I like the bottom section because it is easy to drive. The middle section is like a trap with a series of similar corners.”

What are the biggest challenges at Pikes Peak? “There’s nothing you can count on. There’s nothing you can plan on or guarantee. You literally either have the resources to take on whatever challenge it throws at you, in terms of weather conditions or whatever else, and you’re either prepared or you have to adjust yourself, your mental state and potentially the car settings, to go with whatever the mountain throws at you. Every given year is different!”

What are your must-haves on the mountain? “Friends and family. They really help keep me relaxed. There’s going to be a lot of tense moments. Every single year I’ve gone, my family just absolutely goes above and beyond. I couldn’t do what I do by myself.”

What are your favorite moments during the event? “Fan Fest is an easy answer, because it is fun and it’s different, and because everybody enjoys it. But probably, as weird as it is, load-in on Saturday. It’s a day when hopefully everything’s gone okay. Plus, you’re not racing, so it’s a wonderful time to see the crew and everybody. You’re literally just coming in and setting up, everybody’s more relaxed because there’s no real agenda that day. It’s refreshing to see everybody in that state of mind compared to race day when you’re anxious to get the green flag.”

Other than Pikes Peak, what are your favorite race courses? “With us being Texas-based, Circuit of the Americas—that’s probably my favorite. It’s a great Formula 1 track. Eagle’s Canyon in North Texas is also a really good facility. It’s a newly revamped track with newly revamped facilities.”

Do you have any advice for Pikes Peak rookies? “Main advice is lean on the veterans and the guys that have been there before. Going back to the sense of community, even though they’re rookies, we welcome them, we embrace them. We were there once as well. So we’re trying not to make them feel like outsiders. You should feel like you belong, because you earned your way in here. At the same time, if there’s some advice that’s given, make sure you listen, take it in, and keep an open mind because there’s a lot going on.”

Watch Foley and Kouznetsov Walk Away from their Jaw-Dropping 2012 Crash

Photos by: Scott Paine Photography, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Yuri Kouznetsov, Jason Zindroski

Contributor: Chris Leone

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

ROMAIN DUMAS IS BACK ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH FORD PERFORMANCE FOR 2024 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – The 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, returns on Sunday, June 23. Of the 70 competitors slated to complete, one of the most anticipated entries is the 2024 Ford Performance entry with Romain Dumas behind the wheel.

The King is Back on Pikes Peak

Returning for his second year with Ford Performance in a new build, an all-electric 2024 Ford F150 Lightning SuperTruck, Dumas shared, “I am glad to come back to Pikes Peak. It’s always great to be on the mountain and meet the fans again. It’s obviously nice to continue the journey with Ford Performance and it’s quite exciting to have a new car to continue the development of electric technology.”

In 2023 Dumas raced to the summit in the Pikes Peak Open division behind the wheel of the 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 winning the division, and finishing second overall in a blistering 8:47.682.

Conquering America’s Mountain

As the reigning overall record holder, Dumas continues to define what’s possible, stating, “We always want to do better. Our target is clearly to be fast, but to state a time I expect to run…that is still a bit mysterious because at Pikes Peak you have to expect the unexpected.”

Dumas raced the iconic all-electric Volkswagen ID R to the summit of Pikes Peak in 2018 to capture the existing record of 07:57.148 in 2018. It was his fourth King of the Mountain crown.

In his inaugural run on the mountain in 2012, Dumas won the Pikes Peak Open division in 09:46.181, claiming Rookie of the Year honors.

The 100th Anniversary of the PPIHC welcomed Dumas to the top of the podium for his second King of the Mountain crown.

A repeat overall win in 2017 gained Dumas a third King of the Mountain in his indisputable Norma.

Stay Tuned…

Turn on those post notifications for @FordPerformance and @PikesPeakHillClimb social media channels as Ford gets ready to reveal their newest creation. Here is the latest teaser with flashes of major aero and aggressive styling.

Career Highlights

The racing career of Romain Dumas is impressive. Highlights include:

• Historic Corsica Rallye winner – 2023
• 2-Time Overall Winner 24 Hours of Le Mans – 2010, 2016
• RGT class winner WRC Rallye Monte Carlo – 2017
• RGT class winner WRC Tour de Corse – 2017
• FIA World Endurance Champion – 2016
• RGT class winner WRC Rallye Deutschland – 2015
• Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT – 2013
• 4-Time Overall Winner 24 Hours of Nürburgring – 2007-2009 & 2011
• 2-Time Overall Winner 24 Hours of Spa – 2003, 2010
• Winner 12 Hours of Sebring – 2008
• 2-Time American Le Mans Series Champion – 2007, 2008
• Winner Petit Le Mans, GT – 2002
• 2-Time Overall Winner Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK)
• Mount Tianmen (China) – Electric Record in the Volkswagen I.D. R
• 4 Starts at the Dakar Rally

GET TO KNOW ROMAIN DUMAS

Fun Facts:

“For fitness, I like running.”

“I am passionate about boating/sailing and have acquired a few older boats to repair and restore. I like tinkering.”

“Favorite foods? I like good pasta and fruit.”

Any Pikes Peak Heroes? “Tajima!”

Favorite Corner: “The last one – the finish line!”

Most Challenging Section: “The upper section”

If you could drive a car from any era up the mountain, what would it be? “The Porsche RS Spyder. That was my first idea back in 2012. It’s one of my favorite race cars and it would be awesome to be at Pikes Peak with it. It is such a rocket…light, with strong downforce!”

Advice for PPIHC Rookies: “Work, learn and enjoy. At Pikes Peak, you have to work before and during race week to be prepared as much as you can. Learn, that’s the key word . You have only a limited amount of running time, so use every run. Every km (mile) covered is very important. Enjoy, because it’s an honor to be on the mountain and you have to keep that in mind.”

Watch Romain Dumas in the 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 on Pikes Peak

Photos by: Scott Paine Photography, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Larry Chen Photo, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio, Charles Zhou, 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

CHRIS BECKER TO CHALLENGE PPIHC IN GT4 PIKES PEAK TROPHY BY YOKOHAMA DIVISION

Colorado Springs, CO – The excitement is building for the 102nd Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo with less than a month until the green flag drops. Fans can look forward to seeing something new on the mountain this year. The GT4 Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division features GT models representing three manufacturers – Porsche, Toyota and Ford. Veteran competitor, Chris Becker, returns for his sixth year on Pikes Peak behind the wheel of a 2024 Ford Mustang (S650).

New Division – New Car

Chris Becker, of Englewood, Colorado, is eager to challenge the mountain in the debut of PPIHC’s newest division. “I’m grateful to Ford for providing me with the Mustang GT4,” shared Becker. “Ford has designed the Mustang to be great on the track, and I believe that will translate to being great on the mountain. With Ian Lacy supporting the car this year, and his knowledge about the GT4, I’m feeling very fortunate and optimistic about this year’s race.”

Just Keep Climbing

Becker worked at building his racing resume from his background in SCCA Autocross and karting to include Colorado Hill Climb Association competition and traveling to race in Kansas, Texas and Florida. In 2019, the invitation to compete on Pikes Peak arrived. He entered the Time Attack 1 division in a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3.

The week kicked off with Technical Inspection and four days of early morning practice runs. Unfortunately for Becker, he didn’t summit on his rookie attempt.

Returning in 2020 in the same division and car, he finished in 11:40.323 for 8th place in the division, proving that perseverance pays off.

Beating the Weather

In 2021, all drivers were faced with adverse weather. The finish line was moved down to 16 Mile where Becker finished 10th in the group.

Becker was a competitor in the milestone 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds in 2022, his fourth year on the mountain in the Time Attack 1 division. “I had been running the Mazdaspeed 3, but it wasn’t ready. I was just so blessed that my fellow competitors helped me find a car that year. But, it wasn’t just a car,” explained Becker, “at that time, it was my dream car to run at Pikes Peak.”

From start to finish the mountain was blanketed in fog. Undeterred, Becker raced his Porsche Cayman to the summit in 12:45.378.

In 2023, Becker made a switch to the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division, driving a 2020 Porsche Cayman Clubsport, and clocking a personal best, 11:10.310.

“It still feels like winning the lottery every time I’m up here practicing and racing with this elite group of drivers,” Becker explained. “When I’m racing, it is truly fun, and gives me chills.”

GET TO KNOW CHRIS BECKER

Fun Facts:

“I like to have three things in my trailer during Race Week, in addition to the essentials to support the car: fresh coffee, Eldorado Springs water, and the best sriracha in the world, Racha Sriracha!”

“Favorite Movie – Ford v Ferrari”

“I’m proud that I get to race Karts with my 13-year-old daughter Lexi, 12-year- old daughter Cia, and 10-year-old son Cam who is one of the youngest kids to race formula cars in the US. He competes in the Lucas Oil Racing School.

Favorite Corner: “I enjoy Engineer’s now. I went off there the first year.”

Most Challenging Corner: “I’m more cautious and challenged at the top. I’m working to learn it better so I can push harder.”

Favorite Track: “I enjoyed racing at Daytona in 2020 in the WRL 24 Hours. That steep banking is out of this world!”

Watch Chris Becker make his Personal Best Run:

Pikes Peak in 2023

Photos by: Larry Chen, Louis Yio, Luis Garcia, 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

DON WICKSTRUM BRINGS SPEED AND MESSAGE OF HOPE TO THE RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – The personal stories of each racer are among the highlights of the Race to the Clouds. The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is a storytelling canvas like no other. One of the most inspiring stories is that of Don Wickstrum. From an 8-year old boy with a dream and no obvious means to achieve it, to one of the top drivers in the PPIHC today, Wickstrum eagerly shares his story, and his hope, with race fans.

Pikes Peak – The Dream

Fans may not know that the always smiling, Fastest Pastor, hasn’t always had a reason to smile. He hasn’t let that stop him from fulfilling his dream – to race on Pikes Peak. Don Wickstrum has a story to tell, and it’s one worth hearing. Documented in the 2022 film, Chasing Hope, Wickstrum chronicles the highs and lows he has experienced and how he has overcome some heavy challenges in life. And not just overcome them, but find peace with them.

Bringing Joy to the Mountain

From the first year Wickstrum entered the PPIHC, he embraced the PPIHC family and fit right in. He’s all about making people smile, and he’s good at it. Adding an LED neon underglow to his 2016 Axel Riley Ave LMP3 was a crowd pleaser. It may not have boosted performance, but it made the fans smile.

Fun for the Fans

Wickstrum is, without a doubt, a serious competitor, as evidenced by his 3-year Fast 15 qualifying awards. Mingling with fans, sharing encouragement and hope for anything people may be facing, Wickstrum, along with his sponsor, I Am Second, believe the people are as important as the purpose – to reach the summit on Race Day. “I love the fans,” he shared. “They’ve been such faithful followers. They love what we do with I Am Second. No matter what you’re battling, there is still a purpose and a dream in life.”

A Long Road to the Summit

Wickstrum’s first two attempts on Pikes Peak didn’t work out as he had hoped. Crashes during early morning practices forced him to withdraw from the event in 2019 and 2020. Undeterred, Wickstrum, still a Pikes Peak rookie, was back behind the wheel in a new Pikes Peak racer – a 2016 Riley LMP3 sporting #25 in 2021. “I first flew #25 as a rookie – the very first time I ever raced in my life. I picked it because it was my twin’s favorite number and she didn’t think I would do very well, so I thought if I used her favorite number at least she couldn’t cheer against me. That number started it all.”

With a turnaround in luck, 2021, 2022 and 2023 saw Wickstrum among the Fast 15 qualifiers. Race day weather on Pikes Peak was dismal in 2021 and 2022, shortening the course in 2021 for all competitors, and blanketing itself with fog in 2022. Despite the gloomy weather, spirits were high in the Wickstrum pit. Arriving at the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in 2022 after three long years of effort and dedication was an awe inspiring moment for Wickstrum. He had finally reached the summit, clocking a 12:09.972 in the Unlimited division. The dream had come true.

In 2023, Wickstrum returned in the same race car, lowering his time by nearly two minutes, finishing 4th in the Unlimited division in 10:00.297. He shared, “Every time I cross the finish line, I think of the little 8-year old Don who had that dream.” Wickstrum’s dream for 2024? “Clock a sub-10 minute time and continue to bring the message of hope.”

GET TO KNOW “FASTEST PASTOR” DON WICKSTRUM

Fun Facts:

“I have three pets, a one-eyed dog named Pepper; a fat dog that looks like a Tootsie Roll with legs, named Coco; and an epic cat named Thomas Edison, who we describe as an aggressive cuddler. The kids can torment him and he doesn’t care. Plus, he’s a great mouser!”

“Favorite food has to be steak, medium to medium well.”

“I am from Wisconsin, but the Packers are my second favorite football team, behind the Bears!”

Favorite Corner:“The long right hander after Boulder Park. We call it “LMP3 Corner” because it’s a fast sweeper. It’s a fun corner.”

Most Challenging Corner: “Big Sky, just because you never feel fast enough through it, but you have to realize you are!”

If you could drive a car from any era up the mountain, what would it be? “It would have to be in 1979, on the dirt, in a 1969 Ford Mach 1 with a 428.”

Advice for PPIHC Rookies: “Do your homework. Know the mountain. Don’t underestimate the mountain. No matter what goal you think you can achieve, the first one should be finish. It is extraordinary to finish. Finish, finish, finish.”

Watch Don Wickstrum’s 2023 Race to the Clouds

Photos by: Larry Chen, 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

SCOTT CROUCH RETURNS TO PIKES PEAK IN POPULAR SUBARU WRX FOR 2024 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – The 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is fast approaching and both first-time racers and long-time drivers will challenge the 12.42 mile course.

Returning to the Pikes Peak for his 14th appearance is Boulder, Colorado’s Scott Crouch. Crouch, owner of Flatirons Subaru, grew up in a family who who didn’t race, but did own auto dealerships. Crouch has entered a race-ready WRX every year he has competed on the mountain, including his first year, 2004, as a co-driver with Tanner Foust. Asked about his connection to Foust, Crouch explained, “Tanner and I first met in 1994 when he was working at a Mitsubishi store my family owned in Boulder. I took over management of that store and met Tanner. He started there cleaning cars and arranging the lot, but had been promoted to salesperson. Needless to say, he was a pretty good salesperson!”

Rally Racing

Crouch also shared how he got into rally racing, “I was visiting Tanner at the ice driving school in Steamboat Springs and we ended taking a day to go skiing. On a lift ride up the mountain, he convinced me we needed to get into rally racing. A week later we bought a rally-prepared Subaru WRX and competed that summer at the COG Rally in Steamboat. Although we didn’t finish our first event, and I struggled with the notes, I was immediately hooked.

“We competed together for five years in the Rally America series, and Pikes Peak was part of the schedule in 2004 and 2005, recalled Crouch. In 2005, Rally America ran the event as a stage rally with the actual hill climb being the last stage.”

Rally America came to Pikes Peak in 2005 running a multi-stage event on the mountain. Organizers included all practice and qualifying runs as part of the 100-mile stage, adding the only night stage ever run on the mountain which started at the Gateway and ended at the 16 mile marker. Foust and Crouch won the race day stage in 13:05.43 in the Production GT class.

Co-Driver to Driver

Crouch entered the Pikes Peak Hill Climb for the first time as a driver in 2012 with co-driver, Lea Croteau. The pair finished in 14:01.143 in the Time Attack division.

Racing on Pikes Peak and Beyond

Racing highlights for Crouch include racing as a co-driver for the Subaru factory team in the inaugural running of the X-Games Rally in 2006, second place finishes in 2006 and 2007 at the PGT Rally America National Championships, and nine top-10 division finishes on Pikes Peak.

Crouch has participated in two milestone events on the mountain, the 100th Anniversary in 2016, and 100th Running in 2022, finishing 7th and 8th, respectively. He clocked his personal best time in 2020 in 10:56.016 behind the wheel of his WRX.

Race fans can see Scott Crouch back on the mountain in June in his #429 2014 Subaru WRX in the Time Attack 1 division.

GET TO KNOW SCOTT CROUCH

Fun Facts:

“I grew up ski racing, so I love to ski.”

“We have a 3-year-old Bernedoodle named Greta.”

“My favorite spot for locals is Sushi Zanmai. I’m a big sushi fan.”

Significance of your race number? “It was assigned to my first race rally car by SCCA in 2003, a car that Tanner Foust and I competed in for several years, and won the Rally America National Championship in 2005.”

Any Pikes Peak Heroes? “Jeff Zwart and Rhys Millen. I’m a Porsche fan, so I’ve always been a Zwart fan. I was a Pikes Peak Rod Millen fan too, and that carried over to Rhys. He has driven so many different cars up the mountain and has always been very fast. I’m just super impressed with his knowledge of the mechanical side of the sport.”

Three Things You Need on Pikes Peak: “Patience, preparedness, and calm nerves!”

Favorite Corner: “Bottomless Pit”

Most Challenging Section: “The upper section…the commitment!”

If you could drive a car from any era up the mountain, what would it be? “I’m a Subaru dealer, so I would have to say the Prodrive Subaru that Colin McRae won in at the 1995 WRC Championship.”

Advice for PPIHC Rookies: “Never assume you know every corner. Remember, the goal is to finish.”

Watch Scott Crouch in his 2022 Race to the Clouds

Photos by: Rupert Berrington, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Larry Chen Photo, Louis Yio

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

TOM TANG MAKES DREAM A REALITY IN 2024 PIKES PEAK INT’L HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, will welcome nearly two dozen rookies to the mountain in June. Among these newcomers, traveling to Pikes Peak from eight countries and as many US states, is California’s Tom Tang who has entered his built-for-Pikes Peak 2003 BMW M3 in the Unlimited division.

While Tom Tang will make his first attempt at the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak, he also recalled the first time he came to the mountain, “In 2021. I attended the PPIHC as a spectator and guest of Turn-14 Distribution, Toyo Tires, and Evasive Motorsports when they campaigned a Tesla Model 3 with Dai Yoshihara. Before race day, I got to drive a rental car along several sections of the road. It was a great experience, and that’s when I decided I wanted to race to the clouds myself someday.”

Experience and Skill Building

With a motorsports industry career spanning more than 15 years, Tang has held a variety of roles across drifting, time attack, and road-racing. In 2012, he was an integral part of the Hankook Tire Motorsports team’s victory in the 2012 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race.

He competed behind the wheel from 2013-2015 in Global Time Attack, capturing numerous wins and podium finishes. His wheel-to-wheel racing in the National Auto Sport Association’s (NASA) Super Touring series began in 2016 where he finished his rookie season in 4th place in the NASA Regional (Northern California) Championship series, and clinched a a top ten season at the NASA National Championships. In 2017, Tang finished 8th at Nationals. From 2018-2019, with a brand-new power-plant, once again, he finished in the top 10, nationally.

In 2020-2021, the team focused on endurance racing and, despite travel complications during the COVID pandemic, captured 2nd overall in the E1-class in the NASA WERC (Western Endurance Racing Championships) with podium finishes in every race they entered, across both seasons.

In 2022, Tom led the team to a 3rd place division finish, behind two factory-backed Hondas, and a 9th place overall position at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill.

By 2023, Tang turned his focus to preparing for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Building the Dream

“The 2002 E46 BMW M3 that I’m bringing to the mountain this year lived a previous life as an endurance race car,” explained Tang. “I used to compete with it in the NASA Western Endurance Racing Championship series, in four, six and eight hour endurance races against other touring cars and GT cars. In 2022, I entered it in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. In preparation for PPIHC, we have completely rebuilt the car from the ground up. It now features lightweight carbon fiber bodywork, a high-downforce aero package, a supercharged engine, making 535whp, a sequential gearbox, and 4-way active dampers.”

In a four-part blog series titled Pikes Peak Build, Tang chronicles every aspect of creating and testing his machine to challenge the 156 turns up this 12.42 mile course.

Pursuing the Challenge

Discussing his inspiration for entering in 2024, Tang offered, “It’s about pushing myself farther than I ever thought possible, and becoming a better version of myself.” As he prepares for Pikes Peak, he couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of tackling America’s Mountain. “For me, this is a dream come true,” he explains. “I grew up watching the PPIHC in the 90s, idolizing drivers like Rod Millen in his Toyota Tacoma truck, and later Monster Tajima in his Suzuki Escudo. I have always wanted to do this race myself, but having no loose-surface racing experience meant it remained ‘just a dream’ until the road became fully paved. Ever since then, I got much more serious about planning for my shot at the summit. I’m really excited that in 2024 it is finally going to become a reality.”

GET TO KNOW TOM TANG

Fun Facts:

“I’m actually afraid of heights.”

“I was born in Mainland China but grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

“My favorite food is sushi. My favorite drink is bourbon.”

Significance of your race number? “I decided to go with #178 because it is the same number my Car Chief, Mike Moreno, uses. It’s my way of honoring him and all the hard work he’s put into the build.”

Any Pikes Peak Heroes? “Rod Millen and Monster Tajima, for sure. But also Rhys Millen, Tanner Foust, and Dai Yoshihara because I know them from many years of Formula DRIFT.”

What is your goal for 2024? “While having fun and finishing are my top priorities, I would like to run a respectable time. My goal is to clock a sub-12 minute run for my rookie year. For a car that weighs 3,050 lbs, with me and fuel in it, making 535whp, I think that’s a reasonable goal. But, I’ll be over the moon if that turns into a sub-11!”

Any good luck charms? “I’m Chinese, so I might end up rocking some red boxers for good luck on race day.”

What’s your occupation? “I’m an executive at May Mobility, an autonomous vehicle technology company backed by Toyota Motor Corporation.”

Photos by: Tom Tang, Eibach, Inc.

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