Category: Behind the Wheel

DENVER’S SPENCER STEELE TO CELEBRATE TWO DECADES IN THE RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – With just over two months until an elite field of 70 drivers challenge the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, Spencer Steele is prepping his entry and looking forward to his 20th attempt. Steele shares not only a passion for racing on Pikes Peak, but also shares a first name with the founder of this iconic race, Spencer Penrose.

Reflecting on the first time he drove to the summit of Pikes Peak, Steele, PPIHC veteran racer recalled, “I was a 16-year-old teenager, and I took my dad up the mountain. I couldn’t believe he let me drive!” It would be nearly 25 years before Steele began racing up the famed highway.

Taming the Coyote

Steele returned to the mountain in 2000 for his first competitive assault on the 12.42 mile course in his 1994 Wells Coyote. The Wells Coyote, a purpose-built car for Pikes Peak, was designed, built and raced by PPIHC Hall of Famer John Wells of Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. These sought-after race cars took the mountain by storm, chalking up wins and setting records.

Despite a DNF during his first attempt, Steele was back in 2001, finishing sixth in the Open Wheel division. His first podium finish came in 2005, when he claimed second place in the same division in the popular Coyote in 11:36.11.

In 2010, Steele’s finish time dipped below 11 minutes for the first time. He would win the Open Wheel division in 2010, 2011, and the wildfire-postponed race in 2012.

When asked why he preferred to race open wheel cars for so many years, Steele replied, “They were the fastest and were my favorite cars when I was a spectator.”

Steele was back again in 2013 behind the wheel of a new racecar, the #88 PVA Special and joined the 9-Minute Club with a clocking of 09:57.513. His time earned him a 5th place Unlimited division finish. The course was now fully paved and competition was fierce. France’s Sébastien Loeb would not only win the division, but crush the existing course record with his time of 08:13.878.

In the 2015 race, Steele ran the PVA Special in the Pikes Peak Challenge – Open Wheel division, taking second with his best time to date, 09:53.494.

Steele entered the 100th Anniversary race in 2016, but a practice day brake failure put him into the guardrail and he was sidelined on race day.

Vintage Record

In 2017, Steele entered the Open Wheel division pursuing the Vintage Record for vehicles previously raced on the mountain. In his 1995 PVA 2, he set a record of 10:25.989. Steele would compete three times between 2017 and 2022, collecting two third place trophies.

Steele is scheduled to compete once again in the 2024 Open Wheel division in the methanol-fueled, 1800 lb., 2.1L PVA Peak Special. It will be his 20th year on America’s Mountain.

CHCA Shout Out

Steele, like so many PPIHC competitors, enjoys racing in the Colorado Hill Climb Association series. He’s captured the CHCA Open Wheel points championship eleven times. While the series may change from time to time, every locale offers something spectacular, from the Monarch Hill Climb in the mountains above Salida, to the Rangely Hill Climb (Steele’s favorite race course), the Temple Canyon road near Canon City, and the popular Land’s End race just east of Grand Junction, the twisting gravel roads mimic the once-gravel surface of Pikes Peak. For local fans, there’s also a hill climb on the grounds of Pikes Peak International Raceway in September.

According to Steele, “CHCA is like a close knit family, a little squabbley at times, but very welcoming! When there’s a problem with your car, it’s not hard to find help whether it be tools or parts, advice or whatever.”

GET TO KNOW SPENCER STEELE

Fun Facts:

“I competed in the inaugural North American F.A.T. Ice Race in Aspen, Colorado this year and ended up winning my class.”

“When I first started racing, I picked my race #40, based on my age at the time.”

“My daily driver is a Jeep SRT8, or my GT500 if I’m steppin’ out.”

Any Pikes Peak Heroes? “Yes. Louie Unser. Love the old-time photo with the marks on his face from the hail!”

Favorite Corner: “Just below Double Cut, but back when it was dirt.”

Advice for rookie drivers on the mountain? “Relax. Don’t take this too seriously…which is impossible.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “The electric Volkswagen I.D. R.”

What keeps you coming back to Pikes Peak? “The people who make this race happen. They value the local competitors too.”

What makes racing on Pikes Peak different than racing anywhere else? “Awesome views and no air!”

Watch Steele’s 2015 Post-Race Interview and Personal Best Run

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, Louis Yio, Revvolution.com, Rob Miskowitch, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Rupert Berrington, Joel Yust

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

COLORADO SPRINGS BROTHERS CHALLENGE PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – For more than a century, drivers have been drawn to Pikes Peak to test their skills and their racecars against every challenge the mountain offers. Husbands and wives, fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, three and four generations from the same family, and brothers. From the earliest days when the Unser brothers, Joe, Jerry and Louis established their legacy to the present day where brothers, Rodney and Earl O’Maley of Colorado Springs are chasing their dreams at O’Maley Racing.

Rodney O’Maley

Rodney O’Maley entered the Open Wheel/Mini Sprint division in 2005 at 16 years old, following in the footsteps of his late father, David O’Maley. The senior O’Maley raced a Chevy Monte Carlo in the Stock Car division in 1994, and a quad in 1997. Like father, like son, Rodney’s 2005 finish time of 14:49.89 was within 10 seconds of his father’s 1997 run, 14:40.23.

In 2011, Rodney (pictured above) returned to Pikes Peak where he competed in various iterations of the O’Maley Special until 2017.

Taking a year to improve and build his new 2018 O’Maley Special, Rodney entered the 2019 event with high hopes.

After a successful week of practice and qualifying, Rodney was faced with an additional challenge to race on slick, wet pavement the mountain is accustomed to seeing in the afternoon on race day. He managed to navigate the 12.42 mile course and crossed the finish line until the very last 50 feet took him by surprise ending in a collision with a race barrier.

He has continued to test, modify and adapt the car annually and those efforts paid off in 2023 when he set a personal best time of 10:42.070.

Earl O’Maley

Earl’s entry as a driver came in 2021 in the 2015 O’Maley Special Spec E II, a car formerly raced on the mountain by Rodney. He has raced for two years on the mountain, finishing 6th in the Open Wheel division both times. Behind the wheel of his 2015 O’Maley Special Spec IV, Earl will make his third attempt on the mountain in June. Earl is pictured below making his way to the top in 2023.

Brotherly Bonds

A special synergy exists between these two. They have built and raced cars together on Pikes Peak and throughout the Colorado Hill Climb Association series for many years. They have built and prepped cars for other racers and, in the spirit of competition on Pikes Peak agree, “We would rather beat them on the track than beat them because they are still on the trailer! One thing about Pikes Peak is that it’s like a huge family, and if someone needs help and we can…we will!”

The pair has been fortunate to have a remarkable mother, mentor and strong race supporter in Christine O’Maley. She not only champions the efforts of both of her sons, but has volunteered as a PPIHC official course observer, for more than a decade.

When asked who is the better driver, the brothers’ reply reveals a lot about the bond between these two, “If you ask us separately, we will always say the other one.”

GET TO KNOW RODNEY O’MALEY

Fun Facts:

“When I was building a pinewood derby car at the age of 12, I picked #65 and since then I’ve used it whenever I can.”

“My absolute favorite meal is Chicken Marsala from Carrabba’s.”

“Love Denver Bronco football so I try to go to at least one game every year when I can.”

Who has been your PPIHC hero? “Paul Dallenbach who I’ve always admired because he started by racing open wheel cars, too. I love all forms of racing, but I have a bias for open wheel cars. Also, because of his determination to always come back and compete even if he had a bad year the year before. That’s helped me overcome the disappointment that Pikes Peak has brought to me over the years. Plus, throughout the year he has been a huge help whenever I’ve had a question or needed help with anything, not only on Pikes Peak but also in Colorado Hill Climb Association events!”

Best advice you received about racing on Pikes Peak: “‘You can’t win unless you finish!’ Both of my third place finishes came after making some mistakes that should have ruined my race run, but I just put my head down and kept pushing.”

Advice for rookie drivers on the mountain? “Learn, learn, learn the road. A few places can look the same and will ruin your day if you get them wrong.”

Favorite section: “Bottomless Pit and I have a love/hate relationship. In 2019, it was the first year of upgrading to a car with more than 700 hp, and in one of the first practice runs in the top section going into Bottomless Pit, I achieved a speed of 135 mph which, at that time, was the fastest I’d been on the mountain. Since then, I’ve been chasing that speed. I don’t know if it’s nerves or car setup, but I’ve been trying to achieve that every year since. Hoping it will happen in 2024!”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “I would like to drive an AWD car like the Peugeot that Sébastien Loeb drove, just to feel what it’s like to have the extra traction when you exit the corners.” 

RODNEY O’MALEY’S PERSONAL BEST 2023 RUN

GET TO KNOW EARL O’MALEY

Fun Facts:

“I enjoy researching things to learn new skills.”

“Love taking my dogs to scent class every week.”

“Favorite food…chicken tenders are the BEST!”

Who has been your PPIHC hero? “I have two. First, Ted Foltz. Whenever I’d see him, which at times was weekly because our family business did yard work for him, he would always talk to me about racing, and life, and how much fun he had racing on Pikes Peak. The conversations we had fueled my desire to race on that mountain. I only wish I could tell him about the last few years of racing I’ve had on Pikes Peak.”

“Second, Gary Lee Kanawyer. Watching him race as I grew up, I admired his smoothness and finesse with the steering brake! He has always inspired me to practice and achieve his level of precision and grace behind the wheel.”

Best advice Rodney gave you? “After many years of watching the mountain give and take from Rodney on race day…good runs, bad runs and some bad luck, the main thing Rodney always said is, ‘Even though the mountain can be very intimidating, the rewarding feeling you get from beating the mountain and finishing is oh, so sweet!'”

Favorite section: “The section from the right corner of Sump to the left corner of Tin Barn. Because Sump is a decreasing radius making it a very hard corner to master the braking, because you can’t really brake in a straight line.” 

Most challenging section: “The section above Boulder Park to the top because of the bumps and how they are ever-changing…not only from year to year, but from day to day.”

EARL O’MALEY 2023 FULL RACE DAY RUN

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Larry Chen Photo, Luis Garcia, Leif Bergerson, 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

PAUL GERRARD BRINGS WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – For the past 101 years, every driver has sought to meld their unique skills with the best machine to conquer America’s Mountain. Paul Gerrard’s background and path to Pikes Peak are impressive. Gerrard is preparing to race in the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo in June.

Many are familiar with his work on Top Gear as “The Stig”, a role he enjoyed for eight years. Others may know him as an author. Race fans have seen him challenge Pikes Peak six times. He’s done all that, and more, in his pursuit of all things racing.

The Road to Pikes Peak

In 1989, with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of West Virginia, and a scholarship to France’s Winfield Racing School, Gerrard set out on his racing career.

For ten years he was Director of Global Training for the Jim Russell Racing School. During the same span, he trained drivers in the Audi Sports Car Experience, the Audi Driving Experience, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Experience and taught teen and highway survival courses. He also worked as Chief Instructor for the Skip Barber Racing School’s special projects division.

His driving prowess led to work with the Bill Scott Racing School and NEK in teaching anti-terrorist driving techniques for more than 5 years.

Rookie Year on the Mountain

Gerrard entered his first Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 2002 behind the wheel of the popular Wells Coyote, a racecar purpose-built for the gravel course. Although he notched a DNF, racing on Pikes Peak had struck a chord with Gerrard, “It had always been a dream since I was a child, one of those events that grabs your imagination. The Race to the Clouds…it sounds improbable, impossible. I grew up in Virginia and the idea of a car racing at that altitude seemed so extreme. Out of all the racing I did and dreamed of doing, Pikes Peak was the ultimate challenge.”

It would be 15 years before he returned to compete on the mountain. In the interim, he not only had a long and successful career on Top Gear as the mysterious “Stig” but he authored a book, Optimum Drive – The Roadmap to Driving Greatness.

The book is a guide to maximizing human performance in any endeavor and focuses on attaining peak performance, building mental toughness, and learning how to stay in the zone.

Back on the Mountain

In 2017 Gerrard returned to Pikes Peak in the Unlimited division where he geared up for early morning practice sessions. The Enviate Hypercar finished second in division and 13th overall 10:19.312. In an episode of PPIHC’s YouTube series, Mastering the Mountain, Gerrard analyzes his 2017 run.

Another unique entry for Gerrard came about in 2019 when he brought a SIERRA Alpha but was unable to prove the full capability of the car since he had to settle for running on a shortened course.

In 2021, Gerrard brought the Enviate Hypercar Evolution and ran well during the week, but lost a wheel a half mile above the Start Line when it came to race day.

Milestone 100th Running

All eyes were on Pikes Peak in 2022 for the celebration of the 100^th Running. Gerrard and the Enviate returned. As one of the Fast 15 qualifiers, Gerrard was ready to see what the car would do under race conditions. But, when the race day dawned cold, wet and extremely foggy, every competitor was just happy to reach the summit. Gerrard finished 8th in the Unlimited division.

Switching it Up

Gerrard returned in 2023 in the former Dan Novembre Open Wheel entry, the 2016 Novembre KMHRAL Special, but a mechanical issue nixed his hopes for reaching the summit on race day.

Asked about the differences between racing the Hypercar and the open wheeler, Gerrard shared, “The Enviate will always be the ultimate car, with all the potential in the world but with a good solid run seemingly always just out of reach. Everyone loves the idea of the “scrappy underdog” shocking the world, but the reality is you need budget to get the car to the level that it sits on the Start Line 100% tested and ready with no variable left unsolved (except for the famously variable weather).

“The Open Wheel car is a much simpler thing, much less downforce and power, you can therefore drive it like a traditional car, throw it around a bit more with everything happening a bit slower and a bit easier.”

Gerrard continued, “This year I will be in an Open Class Lancer Evolution. It will be somewhere in between the two. Based on a road car, but with a lot of aerodynamic downforce, it will be an interesting comparison.”

GET TO KNOW PAUL GERRARD

Fun Facts:

“My favorite foods are Sushi, Texas BBQ, and Lebanese (what else is there!?)

“My daily driver is a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and I’m racing one this year.”

“I was part of the driving team with Tanner Foust that broke the world record for jumping distance in a vehicle (Indy 500 in 2011 for Hot Wheels) 332ft.”

What is the hardest part about Race Week? “The hours, adjusting to the schedule with the early call times. You have to be realistic with time management and make sure the team is functioning efficiently. The better prepared you are (testing, practice procedures, roles, responsibilities, etc.) the more you can stay ahead of things and manage the pace of the week.”

Advice for rookie drivers on the mountain? “Don’t treat it like a race, just focus on a clean, tidy run. To make that happen it doesn’t take “luck” it takes preparation and humility. Lean on people who have experience on the mountain because it is singularly unique as a motorsports event, so you need to treat the mountain with the respect it deserves (it probably isn’t how you imagine it). Only people who have been through race week (preferably multiple times) really understand how to get to the top on race day so they are your best resource, come to the mountain humble. It really doesn’t care what you’ve done.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “I think right now, like many other drivers, I would love to have a run in the McMurtry Speirling, the current Goodwood Hillclimb record holder. In the past, back on the dirt, I would love to try a sprint car, a Group B car, or anything Rod or Monster brought to the mountain…so many amazing cars!”

PAUL GERRARD BREAKS DOWN HIS 2017 PPIHC RUN

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

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

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

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

HALL OF FAME EDITION

PAYING TRIBUTE TO FIRST WOMAN TO RACE TO THE CLOUDS JOYCE THOMPSON FORD

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, will welcome 70 competitors to the mountain on June 23rd, each adding their own story to the history of this iconic event.

Since 1916, fearless racers have faced the challenge of racing to the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. As Women’s History Month draws to a close it is fitting to reflect on the very first woman who entered the Race to the Clouds, Joyce Thompson, later Thompson Ford.

First to Enter

Joyce Thompson’s racing career began in the late 1950s and lasted for six years. She raced at Colorado’s Continental Divide Raceway and throughout the South and Midwest regions in her Alfa Romeo and Lancia di Garda.

Residing in Denver, Colorado and working at a graphic design firm, Joyce would make the commute to the mountain every morning for the early practice sessions and then head back to Denver to go to work. She was mostly self-sponsored and had to work to make her racing dreams happen.

A Pioneer

Despite being a woman, and a rookie on Pikes Peak, Thompson remembered no special media attention and didn’t believe she received any special treatment, sharing, “It was certainly not a Danica Patrick-type of situation. I was just another racer.”

Another noteworthy moment on the mountain is that Thompson’s sister, Gerry, made up her pit crew. However, Gerry was unable to go up on the mountain due to the fact that she was pregnant at the time. That didn’t stop Thompson. In fact, she received help with car set up, carburetion adjustments and getting the right tires from none other than Al and Bobby Unser.

Early Press Coverage

Thompson did receive some media coverage, written in the language of the time. A 1960 Colorado Springs Free Press article, stated, “Joyce Thompson, pretty Denver stenographer, Monday became the first woman to enter the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Miss Thompson is the only woman to challenge the masculine monopoly on Pikes Peak…Most of the male contingent were pleasantly surprised.” Lloyd Faddis, president of the Hill Climb Association at that time said he hoped this entry would “encourage more feminine participation in the future.”

Faddis would likely be pleased at the number of women competing in 2023, as well as the women who serve in leadership for the PPIHC, those who manage teams, work on pit crews, provide media coverage and serve as race officials and volunteers on the mountain.

Weather on the Mountain

Thompson entered the Sports Car division – Group 3: 0-1500cc in her Austin Healey Sprite nicknamed “The Termite” for the bright yellow bug her sister, Gerry, painted on the hood of the green car. Thompson laughed as she recalled how the design slowly began to wash off as the rain, hail and snow came down on race day.

Thompson shared her thoughts about the difference between racing at a track and competing on Pikes Peak in a 2014 interview with the Colorado Springs Gazette, “It was such a different kind of race because it was just singular,” she said. “You were racing the Peak and the weather. I was ducking down behind the windshield the whole time, it was hellacious.”

She described reaching the summit, “It was magnificent. There were an awful lot of cars that didn’t make it that year due to the weather. It was very slick, and the conditions changed so dramatically. I was glad to get up on top.” Her time was 22:40.2 in the 45 horsepower Sprite.

Thompson raced only once on Pikes Peak, in 1960, but continued to compete locally and once at the Daytona Speedway.

Leaving the Legacy to Others

“I loved racing. It just broke my heart to give it up, but I was an amateur racer, owned my own cars, rarely had sponsors and I just ran out of money,” recalled Thompson in a 2010 interview with PPIHC Historian, Lisa Haight.

Joyce Thompson passed away in 2021 and was honored in 2022 during the milestone 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds.

Hall of Fame Induction

Joyce’s nephew, Cascade, Colorado resident, Kevin Holt, proudly accepted his late aunt’s PPIHC Hall of Fame induction medal at a special ceremony during 2022’s Road to 100 celebration. He was pleased his aunt and his mother were receiving recognition for their pioneering efforts on the mountain. He shared that his mother, Gerry, was expecting him at the time Joyce raced on the mountain.

Watch Joyce Thompson Ford’s – Hall of Fame Induction Video

Photos by: The Henry Ford, Joyce Thompson; The Gazette. All photos used with permission.

Excerpts from Tall Tales, “Pikes Peak Pioneer” by Lisa Haight reprinted with permission.

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

LONI UNSER BRINGS FAMILY LEGACY BACK TO PIKES PEAK IN 2024

Colorado Springs, CO – For nearly a century, a member of the famed Unser family has taken part in the Race to the Clouds. That legacy continues this year when fourth-generation driver, Loni Unser, competes for the third time in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.

A Shift in Perspective

Unser describes an experience on Pikes Peak with her father in 2018, “I was living in Boulder, Colorado and racing Spec Miatas in the Rocky Mountain Region. After a race in Colorado Springs, I asked my dad if he would drive up the mountain with me and show me what Pikes Peak was all about. As we were slowly driving up the mountain as tourists I kept thinking, there is no way I ever want to race Pikes Peak…the people who do this are insane. When we got to the W’s I looked over the side of the mountain and asked my Dad, ‘How are you not terrified the entire way up?’ and he said something that stuck with me, ‘Loni, you just focus on the road.’ I remember sitting there shrugging him off thinking he was absolutely full of it.”

“In retrospect, he was one thousand percent right. It is so true, you really just focus on the road. When we left the mountain that day there would have been no convincing me to race the Hill Climb. However, something kept drawing me back. In 2021 I decided to attend as a spectator. That day changed everything for me. There was something so special about the race that was different from anything else I had ever experienced. From that day forward I became obsessed with the Race to the Clouds.”

Challenge Accepted

In 2022, Loni Unser made her driving debut on Pikes Peak in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division for the 100th Running of the PPIHC. She finished second in the division in a 2019 Porsche GT4 Clubsport with a time of 12:55.774, despite dismal weather conditions.

Representing Team Acura

In 2023, Unser was selected by Acura to drive their Chiaki’s Journey-themed, anime liveried, 2023 Acura Integra in the Exhibition division. She finished in 11:34.709. She shared, “Getting to drive for Acura last year was incredible. Not many people get to say they have driven for a manufacturer so, for me, that was a dream come true really. It was encouraging to see not only the professionalism that went into the program, but also the passion.”

A Racing Dynasty

Jerry Unser, Sr., great-grandfather to Loni Unser, competed in the PPIHC for years, (pictured left in 1933). Father of Jerry Jr., Louis, Bobby and Al Unser, he, along with his two brothers, Louie and Joe, would build a dynasty on America’s Mountain. During the first century of racing on Pikes Peak, an Unser would be crowned King of the Mountain twenty-six times.

In 1956, the Stock Car division was reintroduced. Jerry Unser, Jr won the division in his 1956 Chevy in 16:08.00.

Sadly, the 26-year-old, USAC Stock Car Champion’s promising racing career was cut short after a qualifying session crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, 1959.

Jerry’s son, Johnny Unser, would grow up surrounded by uncles and cousins who were racing on Pikes Peak. In 1991, he drove an Eagle Talon in the Pikes Peak Production division, finishing second to John Crawford.

Representing the Legacy

Through the generosity of the Unser Racing Museum, an impressive Unser Legacy King of the Mountain Ring was created by Jostens. Loni Unser was on hand to award the first ring to 2023 King of the Mountain, Robin Shute.

Embracing New Challenges

“This year is truly a dream come true with all of the exciting driving I have planned,” explained Unser. “Outside of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, I am racing full-time in the Porsche Sprint Challenge with KellyMoss in a Porsche GT4 Cayman RS. I am also dipping my toes into the world of off road racing for the first time! I raced the Mint 400 a couple of weeks ago, (pictured driving vehicle on the right) and at the end of the year I will be competing in The Baja 1000 in a Can Am Maverick R. None of this would be possible without incredible partners like Mobil 1, Speedway Motors, TruStage, Hagerty, Kelly Moss, and BBI.”

Horsepower Upgrade for 2024

Earlier this month, the livery was revealed on the #92 BBI built, Mobil 1 sponsored 2015 Porsche GT3 Turbo Cup that Loni Unser will race in the Pikes Peak Open division in June. The high HP machine nicknamed “Lucy” has already proven great success on the mountain, placing 2nd and 5th overall in 2019 and 2021 respectively, both for division wins.

When she settles in behind the wheel for this summer’s 102nd Running, she will certainly be thinking about the best advice she received from her father, Johnny, “Analyze and think about EVERYTHING. He says racing up Pikes Peak is a thinking person’s game. During my last two years on the mountain, I have seen that play out time and time again. I am so thankful I can ask dad and other family members to share their advice on racing up this mountain, because it is so unique, so different than any other race in the world.”

GET TO KNOW LONI UNSER

Fun Facts:

“My dad and I have a tradition of going to Mexican restaurants anytime we are at the race track, and Colorado Springs has some awesome spots!”

“I drive a Mazda 3. It was so cool to see the twin turbo rotary engine Mazda 3 driven by Mad Mike make its run up Pikes Peak last year!”

“I do not take this for granted. I feel so lucky to be in the position I am in, and I will do everything I can to honor myself and my family.”

Do you remember the first time you were asked for your autograph? The first time I was asked for an autograph must’ve been in 2019 when I did my first Mazda MX-5 Cup race at the Circuit of the Americas. Since then, when kids ask for my autograph I always like to sign it, “Dream Big.” Someone did that for me when I was a kid. It always stuck with me and I took it to heart. I hope I can make that same difference in a young person’s life.

Advice for rookie drivers on the mountain? “DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Make sure you leave no stone unturned when you show up on the mountain. You better be able to run the mountain in your head from start to finish. If you can’t do that, you haven’t done enough. It takes a lot of work but, trust me, it will make the biggest difference.”

What advice would you have for women hoping to become involved in motorsports? “Believe in yourself. There are going to be times in your career where it feels like the world is against you. If you can believe in yourself, you can get through anything the sport throws at you. It’s not an easy journey, but if you can persevere, I guarantee you’ll be better and stronger for it.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “I’d love to drive the Audi Sport Quattro SL. My Uncle Bobby won in that car, so to me that would be pretty special.”

LONI UNSER AT THE SUMMIT IN 2023

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo, Leif Bergerson, Louis Yio, Charles Naboy, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski; The Mint 400

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

FASTEST WOMAN DRIVER KATHRYN MEAD SET TO RETURN TO PPIHC IN JUNE

Colorado Springs, CO – For over a century, the challenge of racing to the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, has beckoned competitors from around the world. In June, drivers will once again convene on the mountain for the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Among the elite field will be Kathryn Mead, a retired astrophysicist who also holds the distinction of being the fastest woman ever to race a car in this iconic event. Mead will return in the Time Attack 1 division behind the wheel of her 2022 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

Kathryn Mead began auto racing at the age of 51. Asked if anything about her professional career in academics led her to motorsports, she stated it did not, but added, “Having what my mother called a “lead foot” led me to racing. However, my professional background has been an asset in racing.” Mead’s Pikes Peak career began in 2020, however the first time she heard of the mountain itself was when, as an active runner, she learned of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.

When she began auto racing and discovered the opportunity to run the mountain on four tires, instead of her own two feet, it seemed totally crazy and not something she would do. But, when the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division was created, and her car fit the profile, she knew she had to go for it. Her original plan to visit Pikes Peak in early April to check out the course and the mountain had to be scrapped due to the pandemic. She had practiced in a driving simulator and spent hours watching onboard videos at home, but it wasn’t until early August of 2020 that she actually drove on the mountain.

First Challenge: COVID in 2020

In 2020, Kathryn Mead, a newcomer to Pikes Peak brought her 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, along with her thoughtful and purposeful approach, to the 12.42 mile course.

Despite a two-month postponement, no spectators on the mountain, socially-distanced pit spaces, and a mask mandate, Kathryn Mead persevered. On Race Day she stood at the summit, on the podium, celebrating third place in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division and earning Rookie of the Year honors. Although she was the only woman entered in the event in 2020, Mead was faster than all other first-time racers on the mountain. Blake “Bilko” Williams won the division, George Hess III took second. Mead’s third place time was 11:36.345.

Mead says the best advice she received that first year was from Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame driver, Jeff Zwart, “He coached me in practice and told me to always leave time on the table in each practice run so I could learn and get faster each session. He also emphasized that you race the mountain, not the other competitors.”

Second Challenge: Weather

Even the most carefully constructed plans must yield to the mountain, and in 2021, the mountain decided no one would race to the top. Competitors finished at 16 Mile after navigating the shortened course in cold, wet conditions. Mead again finished third in the one-make Porsche division behind Tanner Foust and rookie, Cam Ingram.

Mead returned in 2022 for the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds moving from Porsche division to Time Attack 1. She finished at the summit, but course conditions were far from ideal with fog, rain and snow shrouding the mountain.

Challenges Answered

In 2023, the sun was shining on the course, as Mead waited for the green flag to drop from behind the wheel of her 2020 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport RS. She was again competing in the Time Attack 1 division.

Mead’s race day time of 10:53.074, besting Vanina Ickx’s time of 10:54.901 set in 2018 in the same division. Thus, Mead was recognized as the fastest woman ever to race a car to the summit. Only Germany’s Lucy Glöckner, aboard her 2019 BMW S1000R motorcycle in 2019, winner of the Powersport division, has clocked a faster time, 09:58.878, making her the fastest woman on a motorcycle and the first woman to break 10 minutes on the mountain.

Mead shared her advice for women looking to enter the motorsport area, “This advice is for people like me, who come to the race track with zero background in motorsports, and knowing no one in motorsports. If you can’t find anyone to help you, do it anyway. A lot of people sound like they know what they are talking about, but they really don’t. Trust your instincts on this.”

She elaborated, “Racing is a team sport and is about people, not machines. Finding helpful people is much like finding a good contractor to remodel your kitchen. I think my biggest accomplishment has been putting together and maintaining a team, not steering the car. So, keep in mind that while the glamour is in the race videos, the nitty gritty happens outside the car. Even if you decide to move on from motorsport, doing what you want matters to you. You won’t have to think, ‘I wonder what would have happened….’ because you’ll know the answer.”

Back for Fifth Race in #50

Asked what draws her back to Pikes Peak, Mead lists simply, “It’s the people and it’s the pictures. It’s because this race is so hard. Yet, I get to drive up a mountain road closed just for me. It’s transcendent, even meditative.”

Reflections on Pikes Peak

“Racing on Pikes Peak is the coolest thing I have ever done,” Mead shared. “The challenge is immense and the gratification is commensurate. The first year was especially significant because (like many/most/all) people, I had experienced a lot of adversity in the preceding years. So, the (double!) checker flag felt like a checker on that part of my life – good job! – which was incomparably harder than racing Pikes Peak.”

Mead continued, “In subsequent years, it has been rewarding to apply the skills from my professional background, as well as skills developed through managing personal adversity, to doing incrementally more at Pikes Peak each year. No one (maybe including me) wants to talk about personal adversity, but a lot of people (definitely including me) want to talk about Pikes Peak!”

GET TO KNOW KATHRYN MEAD

Fun Facts:

“With so many things outside my control in 2020, the one thing I could control was how my car looked. So, I designed the wrap for my racecar. I think it looks happy, and every time I get behind the wheel, I know it makes me happy!”

“Something I enjoyed listening to recently was Grace Slick’s audio biography. I really like her voice.”

“I like video games and have a Switch and an XBOX.”

Favorite Section: “The lower section because it’s not visually intimidating. And the upper section because it is.”

Biggest Challenges: “The biggest continuing challenges are the elevation and sleep. Then there’s the whole ‘one chance’ thing. Race day is one chance, of course, but testing and practice days yield 3-4 runs, so each run is precious. I just have to accept that my car won’t be optimal and I will be even less optimal. But, that is also why I love this race so much. It challenges my ‘head space.'”

Must-Haves on the Mountain: “Oxygen, oxygen, oxygen. Warm clothes, and a headlamp.”

Favorite PPIHC Moments: “Driving back down after the race, the scenery above the tree line is just so overwhelming. It’s cognitive overload. Fortunately there’s someone to follow.”

“I also have lasting memories of a race volunteer and a fellow driver who introduced me to their daughters. I was deeply honored by that.”

WATCH KATHRYN MEAD’S 2023 POST-RACE INTERVIEW AND RUN TO THE SUMMIT

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo, Larry Chen, Leif Bergerson, Louis Yio, Charles Naboy, Luis Garcia.

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 SET TO COMPETE IN NEW PIKES PEAK GT4 TROPHY BY YOKOHAMA DIVISION

Colorado Springs, CO – Competitors from around the world and across the nation will converge on Pikes Peak in June for the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. South Carolina’s Laura Hayes will compete for the third time on America’s Mountain as one of 71 elite competitors, including four other women. Hayes has entered the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division in her 2022 Toyota Supra GT4.

Asked what draws her back to competition on Pikes Peak, Hayes eagerly shared, “I love absolutely everything about this race. You’re pushed mentally and physically in ways you don’t get to experience in other forms of racing. It’s an ever-evolving challenge from year to year. Since I’ve been competing, Mother Nature hasn’t fully cooperated, so I haven’t been able to show our true capabilities.” She continues, “Colorado Springs has become one of my favorite places to visit, the scenery and beauty of Pikes Peak is unmatched and so are the people. I can’t wait for June!”

First Look at the Mountain

In 2020, Hayes was invited to drive the Parade of Champions car, presented by Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs. This role required her to make a trip to the summit behind the wheel of the BMW M8 Competition to lead the drivers back to the Start Line, post-race. By the end of the day, Hayes was hooked on Pikes Peak. But, that wasn’t her first time driving up the mountain. Hayes shared, “I drove up Pikes Peak in 2010 during a work trip with SRT in the new Challenger at the time. Part of the road was still dirt and I remember thinking who would actually race up this?”

Returning to Compete

The following year, when Hayes entered the race, fans had their first opportunity to see her compete behind the wheel of her 2021 BMW M2CSR. The bright purple livery made her easy to spot as she arrived at Technical Inspection, made an appearance at PPIHC’s Gold Hill Mesa concert event, practiced on the mountain in early morning runs, and raced up the mountain through foggy conditions.

When race day arrived, she would have to settle for racing on a shortened course due to icy conditions on the upper section. All drivers would finish at the 16 Mile marker where flagman, Derek Jordan, had been relocated from the Summit. Hayes finished 5th in the Time Attack 1 division.

Hayes was back for the milestone 100th Running in 2022 and eager to finally race to the summit as she and Thunder Bunny Racing arrived for Technical Inspection with the fan-favorite BMW.

Following a week of practice runs over three sections of the mountain, Hayes was ready to stitch it all together and make a full-course run on Race Day.

The car was ready and Hayes was ready. However, in a near repeat performance of 2021, the 156 turns were obscured by fog. Drivers were able to race to the summit, but no records were set.

Hayes finished 12th in the Time Attack 1 division in 12:07.951.

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.”

GET TO KNOW LAURA HAYES

Fun Facts:
“My daily driver is a 2013 Mini Cooper S.”

“My dad raced stock cars with the #21, so when I started racing, I added one and now I race #22.”

“My Pikes Peak hero has to be Michèle Mouton.”

Do you remember the first time you were asked for your autograph?
“I don’t remember the first time, but I do remember giving a speech at my former elementary school years ago and the kids went nuts! One girl was like, “Sign my forehead!” It was so funny.”

Favorite Section: “The lower section. It has a great rhythm, fast sections, hairpins, a little bit of everything.”

Most Challenging Section? “Probably the middle section. Things are serious all the time on Pikes Peak, but this is when you really can’t afford to mess up.”

Advice for rookie drivers on the mountain? “Believe in yourself, respect the mountain and enjoy the moment. Seeing the sunrise at 14,000′ from behind the wheel of your race car…there’s no other feeling as special and beautiful as that!”

Favorite Track: “Road America. “I remember my first time at Road America and it really got my attention. It’s old school, fast, and mistakes are costly, making it a challenge. When I get to the end of a lap at a race track and I’m not satisfied with the way I drove, those are the tracks I enjoy the most. I guess it’s similar to Pikes Peak – you can always be better. But, at Pikes Peak you’ve only got one chance, then you have to wait until the next year rolls around.”

What has been your biggest accomplishment during the past year? “Winning the WRL GTO National Championship in our new Supra.”

What advice would you have for women looking to become involved in motorsports? “Whether you want to be a driver, an engineer, a photographer or something in between, no one’s stopping you from doing what you love, except maybe yourself. Get comfortable being uncomfortable and take that risk. All of this only happens once.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “Probably Michèle Mouton’s Audi Sport Quattro. The car is rad. She’s rad. That was a cool era in motorsports history.”

WATCH LAURA HAYES MAKE HER 2022 RUN TO THE SUMMIT

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo, Leif Bergerson, Louis Yio, Charles Naboy, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, Courtesy of Laura Hayes

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

HALL OF FAME EDITION

LAKEWOOD MANUFACTURING’S FRANK AND KAYE PETERSON

68 YEARS AT PPIHC

Colorado Springs, CO – Drivers have traveled to Colorado to challenge the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak since 1916, as they will again this summer for The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Many have made one attempt, others, maybe a dozen. Finding a competitor who, along with his wife, have spent more than 65 years together on Pikes Peak is rare. Meet Frank and Kaye Peterson, Hall of Famers and part of the PPIHC family.

The Early Years

Frank and Kaye Peterson began dating while attending Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado where Frank ran track and played basketball, and Kaye was a cheerleader. One of those dates was to watch the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1955 at 16 Mile where, due to her enthusiasm for the event, Kaye fainted in the thin air. Despite the rough beginning, they were hooked on Pikes Peak and have been a part of almost every race since.

In 1956, Frank raced his Ford on local drag strips, and in 1958 built their first sports car, which ran in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races at Denver’s Lowry Field. From the mid-1950s on, they fielded cars that Frank drove over road courses, raced in hill climbs and blazed down drag strips.

In 1959, the couple decided to enter the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, and they never looked back. Kaye was expecting their first child and, in her ninth month of pregnancy, attended the race in early July. Their son was born on July 24. It was a family affair from the beginning.

The Sports Car division was in its second year of competition on the mountain and Frank entered a Bocar, (pictured above). He finished in 8th place in the Group 1 class behind the wheel of his family-sponsored Peterson Turkey Farms entry. He continued to compete in the division for the next five years, transitioning from the Bocar to a Corvette. He would notch his best finish in the division in 1962 when he claimed second place with a time of 14:57.00. Ak Miller would take the win.

Asked about her roles on Pikes Peak, Kaye recalled, “We always went up together. I stocked the truck and repacked it so I knew where stuff was and could hand it to them in a hurry. There were times when I’d tow him i

f we didn’t have a trailer, or drive the truck with parts. Sometimes he’d be in the race car and I’d tow him all the way back to Denver.”

Taking Stock

When the Sports Car division was discontinued, Frank transitioned to the Stock Car division. He would compete for the next 20 years in his eye-catching Oldsmobile racecars.

After a 1-2-3 finish for the Oldsmobile Toronados in 1968, with Nick Sanborn, Frank Peterson and Bob Fling topping the division, Frank continued to race Oldsmobile. His Lakewood Manufacturing precision-crafted cars from the Toronado, to the Olds Omega and Cutlass were always popular with the fans.

In 1970 he won the Stock Car division in his red, white and blue, #62 Toronado with a time of 14:46.80, and by the early 1970s, the Stock Cars were what everyone came to see. A whopping 42 division entries were listed in 1973.

By the mid-1980s the Rally division was a sensation, drawing top European champions to compete in the Race to the Clouds. Frank entered the Rally division, but didn’t enjoy the same success he did in stock cars.

Frank would clock his best time on America’s Mountain in 1985, the final year he raced in the Stock Car division, when he recorded a 13:09.54, finishing in 8th place. It was a remarkable year. Roger Mears set a Stock Car division record of 12:21.54, and France’s Michele Mouton was crowned overall winner for her remarkable performance on the mountain – 11:25.39, behind the wheel of her Audi Sport Quattro.

Three Drivers – Three Cars

In 1987, there were two more Petersons on the entry list, sons Rob and Brett. It is believed to be the first time a father and two sons all raced cars in the PPIHC in the same year. That continued for two more years and then Frank and Kaye focused on supporting and building race vehicles for their sons.

Asked if she worried during those years when she had three men on the mountain in race cars, Kaye explained, “I thought about it, but Frank builds a good, safe car. All three of them had crashes up there, and I was on the mountain for those. But you know, none of them were ever badly hurt. They were always in cars that Frank built.”

Honors Bestowed

Frank and Kaye Peterson have been inducted as a racing duo both in the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2008, and in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame in 2014. Unless Frank was in a race car on the course, you rarely saw one without the other, including at Tech Inspection, on early practice mornings, or on race day. Their relationship speaks of total support and total commitment, both to each other, and to the PPIHC where they continue to volunteer at Tech Inspection. The Petersons and their family are pictured below with their 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado at their 2014 PPIHC Hall of Fame induction during the grand opening of Penrose Heritage Museum.

Restoring The Broadmoor Special “Yellow Devil”

During the Hall of Fame celebration, a momentous conversation would further the Peterson’s legacy on Pikes Peak. “The Yellow Devil story, with us, started in 2014, when Kaye and I were inducted into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame,” shared Frank. “Tom Osborne, Chairman of the PPIHC Board of Directors, wanted to have my 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado, winner of the Stock Car Division in 1970, at the museum, and have me start it just as the curtain went down for the opening. He liked it because it had a very loud Olds 455 engine, especially inside the building!”

Peterson explained, “Later in the day, Tom and I were standing by the Yellow Devil on the ramp. Just joking I said, “You should let me take the Devil home and I will rebuild it and drive it up the road for the 100th Anniversary.” He said, “That’s a great idea, let me see what I can do.” A couple of weeks later he called and said, “Bring your trailer, you can have it as long as it takes just so we have it, for sure, for the 100th Anniversary celebration.”

Peterson remarked, “There were some pretty strong limitations as to what we could do with the car. They didn’t want the engine taken apart or the car painted. We kept the car as true to the original as possible and it was ready for the 100th Anniversary in 2016.”

“During Race Week we also took it to the Half Mile runs at the Airstrip Attack at the Colorado Springs Airport and raced a Nissan NSX down the runway. Colorado Springs Mayor, Steve Back was riding with me. They gave me a huge head start and I almost won! The Yellow Devil reached 62mph which I thought was a safe speed on 100-year-old wooden wheels!”

On Race Day, 2016, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Race to the Clouds, Bill Hybl, president of the El Pomar Foundation, rode along with Frank from the Start Line to Halfway Picnic Grounds and back to the Start Line in an exhibition run. Frank recalled, “We wore mechanic’s coveralls that looked vintage with old helmets and goggles, courtesy of El Pomar Foundation.”

Frank reflected on the Yellow Devil’s restoration, “To have Spencer Penrose’s personal car in our shop was a great experience. To restore it, bring it back to life and then drive it up the road that Penrose built was something special. We will love that car forever.”

The Yellow Devil is traveling to Florida this week for the 29th annual Amelia Concours d’Elegance as the star of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Class and one of 275 historically significant vehicles on display for the 4-day event.

Those attending will also see Pikes Peak race cars driven by Michele Mouton, Ray Evernham, Peter Cunningham, Layne Schranz, Bobby and Robby Unser, and more.

For race fans and history buffs the #16 Broadmoor Special will be back on display at Penrose Heritage Museum after the Amelia Concours.

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, John Davis, Mitch Snow, Frank and Kaye Peterson

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.

HALL OF FAME EDITION

NOBUHIRO “MONSTER” TAJIMA CHALLENGED AND CONQUERED PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – Competitors in the annual Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo travel to America’s Mountain from around the world to challenge the 12.42 mile course and its twisting 156 turns. Japanese drivers and riders have set their sights on the 14,115′ summit since the late 1980s, and the greatest of these elite drivers is seven-time Pikes Peak King of the Mountain, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima.

The Early Years

Describing the first time he heard about Pikes Peak, Tajima recalls, “When I was about 15 years old, I saw a photo in a magazine introducing the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and I always wanted to participate in it someday. I’d heard that many famous drivers from Indy racing were participating. When I came to Seattle to participate in the World Rally Championship, I participated in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the first time after finishing the rally.”

In 1988, Tajima entered the Rally – Production GT division in a 1988 Mazda, and finished third in 14:11.97. The following two years were difficult when he faced issues with the car. In 1991 he presented a 1991 Suzuki in the Pikes Peak Open division and claimed 4th place in 12:34.51. Tajima gained momentum during the 1990s, finishing on the podium every time – three 1st, four 2nd, one 3rd. In 1995, when all competitors ran a weather-shortened course, Tajima won his first King of the Mountain crown.

The Glory Years

The new millennium started off slowly for Tajima with two DNFs in 2000 and 2001. But he quickly regained traction and claimed his second King of the Mountain title in 2006, once again over a shortened course. His momentum only accelerated from there. Entering the Unlimited division once again in 2007 in his Suzuki XL8 (pictured below), he notched his first full-course King of the Mountain win, blazing to the summit in 10:01.408. This bested the previous mark set by New Zealand’s Rod Millen of 10:04.060 set in 1994. Of course, sections of the road had been paved since Millen’s remarkable run over the gravel course, so road surface and conditions were not the same, but they rarely are on Pikes Peak.

Tajima would continue to collect King of the Mountain titles without fail from 2006 through 2011. Pictured above, is Tajima’s 2008 King of the Mountain moment as he crossed the finish line atop America’s Mountain.

In 2011, behind the wheel of his Suzuki SX5, Tajima blazed to the summit in a jaw-dropping 9:51.278, despite a spewing radiator. The elusive 10-minute barrier had not only been broken, but smashed. Asked how he felt to beat this mark, Tajima exclaimed, “The most rewarding moment in my life was when I was able to break 10 minutes. That hasn’t changed. Thank you to my family, everyone involved, and the beautiful Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.”

That year, the 12.42-mile racecourse had gradually been transformed from a gravel track to an almost entirely paved road, with just three miles of unpaved surfaces remaining. During the final half mile of his attempt, Tajima had to contend with a radiator spewing water, as his 850-horsepower Suzuki began to boil over. The engine did not overheat completely, however, and he managed to finish.

Tajima last raced on Pikes Peak in the 100th Anniversary event in 2016 in the Electric Modified division in his 2016 Tajima Rimac E-Runner Concept One. He clocked a time of 9:51.978 for third place.

Proving and Promoting EV Technology

Following his success in 2011, Tajima turned to electric powered vehicles to prove not only what they could do on the mountain, but what they could do for the planet. He set an Electric Modified record in 2013 in his 2013 E-Runner Pikes Peak Special (shown below), the first electric-powered entry to break 10 minutes. He continued to compete in E-Runner concept vehicles through the milestone 100th Anniversary in 2016, finishing on the podium each time.

His Tajima Motors’ “E-runner mini sport” was the first step to plan, develop and market EV series vehicles including an EV conversion, next generation EV commuter vehicles and e-runner electric motorbikes. Tajima Motors continues to research and develop to create new options for transportation based on clean energy.

A True Fan Favorite

Tajima’s fans spanned the globe and his popularity grew with every win. Whether he was signing autographs at Fan Fest or waiting for his run at the Start Line, he had a big smile on his face and welcomed them all. “For me, motorsport is my life,” said Tajima. “I always hope to share the charm and fun of it with as many people as possible. I am very grateful to the fans who support me. That feeling hasn’t changed. I’m still signing autographs and taking pictures with them.”

Honoring Excellence

In his 25-year racing career on Pikes Peak, Tajima has become a racing icon. Beyond his achievements on the mountain, he earned nine All Japan Dirt Trial Championship titles, four WRC class wins, two class wins in the Asia-Pacific Rally championship, and eight overall Race to the Sky victories in New Zealand from 1998 to 2007.

“Monster” Tajima was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame during the 100th Anniversary celebration in 2016. In 2018 he was inducted to the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame.

GET TO KNOW HALL OF FAMER – NOBUHIRO TAJIMA

Fun Facts:

“I loved racing on the dirt! Racing on Pikes Peak were the happiest days of my life!”

“I usually drive a Toyota Alphard for business, but Porsche is a fun way to go for a drive!”

“My favorite things to eat are watermelon, strawberries and apples.”

The name “Monster”: “Of course I love it! For me, the nickname MONSTER represents an image of an athlete who goes beyond, in the common view of the Japanese people, and is active globally.”

Who welcomed your team when you arrived in Colorado Springs? Thanks to the support of many local people, I was able to participate in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for a long time. I appreciate it very much. I am especially grateful to Mr. and Mrs. McCloskey at McCloskey Motors. We still have a good relationship.”

Favorite corner or section on Pikes Peak: “The corners in the bottom section, but I like all the corners!”

Favorite race course (other than Pikes Peak): “Although it has ended, it was the Race to the Sky in Wanaka, New Zealand.”

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Scott Paine, Rob Miskowitch, Jeff Glucker – Autoblog

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

NUNO CAETANO TRAVELS FROM PORTUGAL TO COMPETE IN NEW DIVISION PIKES PEAK GT4 TROPHY BY YOKOHAMA

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 11 nations have been invited to compete in the 102nd Running of the Race to the Clouds on June 23. Among the European competitors is returning driver, Nuno Caetano of Portugal who strapped in behind the wheel for the first time in 2023 in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division.

Plenty of Racing Experience

Caetano is a very accomplished motorcycle road racer competing multiple times at the Isle of Man TT, the Macau Grand Prix and other international venues. In 2016, he announced his retirement from motorcycle road racing and made a transition to auto racing. Since then, his racing highlights include:

2022 Portuguese National Rally Championship – Winner, Rally de Portugal

2021 Portuguese National Rally Championship – Winner, Rali Vinho Madeira

2019 Portuguese Hill Climbing Championship – 3rd place

Caetano shared, “I’m proud of the fact that I could transition to car racing later in life, and become proficient at sprint and endurance circuit racing, rallying and hill climbing.”

Portugal to the Peak

“It’s not easy to come across the ocean to do this,” Caetano stated, talking about what it takes to tackle Pikes Peak from across the globe. He credited his sponsors and partners with helping him make the journey. “If it weren’t for Jason Newcombe, Travis Smith from Pinnacle, Branden Peterson and Cory, I wouldn’t have been at Pikes Peak in ’23.”

Porsche Performance

Sharing expectations from his rookie year versus his actual result, Caetano pointed out, “It vastly exceeded my expectations to be honest. I just went in literally to get up to the top in one piece. Things just started falling into place which was great.” He continued, “I was not meant to be in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama group, but the original car I was supposed to run had some issues. Travis at Pinnacle Motorsports was great to quickly change to the Porsche Cayman that we eventually ran which was absolutely faultless. Having Jeff Zwart as a coach helped immensely and the sector times started to gradually come down. I would be lying, though, if I said that come race day I was expecting to place!”

While Caetano described the atmosphere at the Start Line in 2023 as, “A lot of people, a lot of tension, a lot of emotion, and a lot of expectation,” he was able to call on years of racing experience to settle into his racing rhythm. Caetano finished second in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division in his 2020 Porsche Cayman Clubsport with a time of 10:50.741.

2024

As Caetano and his team prepare for this summer’s race on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, he explains what he’s most looking forward to, “Just building up experience really. I’m staying with Pinnacle Motorsports with a Porsche Cayman GT4 RS which feels like the natural progression to consolidate and build on last year’s experience.”

GET TO KNOW NUNO CAETANO

Fun Facts:

“I commute to work from Lisbon to London every week where I work as a fund and money manager.”

“I love diving, golfing, tennis and, more recently, I’ve added tow-in surfing along with boat and jet-ski racing.”

“I love most Portuguese cuisine. If I had to point to a specific dish I would say a simple ‘Pasteis de bacalhau com arroz de tomate’ (Salt Cod Fritters with Tomato Rice).”

Any Pikes Peak heroes? “Ari Vatanen. I mean, that video! Absolutely crazy, slipping and sliding everywhere, using one hand to block the sun while on full opposite lock. I got to meet him a couple years back. He’s an extremely cool person overall and one of the best hands at any wheel that I’ve ever seen.”

Advice for PPIHC Rookies: My best advice is to take small steps forward. Practice as much as you can through the testing days, and don’t rush. Run a reliable package that you can just turn around and take back up. Get a season pass for the Peak and go up every day you can to soak up all the intricacies and visuals of the course. Not knowing exactly where you are on the track, or what’s coming up ahead, that’s what can get you in real trouble.”

Favorite Track? “The two that immediately spring to mind are the Mountain course in the Isle of Man, and the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The first because many moons ago I was an accomplished bike racer and ran in the Isle of Man TT for a good number of years. I’ll just say the lap is 37.7 miles long and average speed exceed 125mph.

The Nordschleife was an equally intense (albeit brief) passion. I got to the point of taking residency in Germany for a while to practice there as much as I could. Ultimately it got a bit wild on public days, and expensive on private ones, so it gradually faded on me.”

WATCH CAETANO’S 2024 POST-RACE SUMMIT INTERVIEW AND ONBOARD FOOTAGE

Photos by: Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Luis Garcia, Nuno Caetano

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