Behind the Wheel Archives - Page 9 of 9 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

DEREK BOYD AND HIS MITSUBISHI EVO X CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 23, an elite field of 74 drivers will set their sights on conquering the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Among the returning veteran competitors is Derek Boyd, a Colorado native who now makes his home in North Carolina. Boyd, who has raced this 12.42 mile course for 10 years has entered his proven 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X in the Unlimited division in 2024.

A Decade on the Mountain

In 2014, Boyd’s initial appearance on the mountain in the Time Attack 1 division was a success. He clocked an 11:40.786, for a 10th place division finish.

Boyd bettered that time in 2016 when he took place in the milestone 100th Anniversary of this famous hill climb. Despite a car fire during practice, he was able to compete and, remarkably, shaved 43 seconds off his previous time to finish 5th in the Time Attack division.

Storms on the Horizon

In 2017, Boyd was plagued by car issues and couldn’t make his race day run. His 2018 run would be over a weather-shortened course. Returning with high hopes in 2019, Boyd would settle for a disappointing DNF. Before the 2020 event, he shared, “It’s been a rough past few years. I never know what to expect from Pikes Peak – it’s an unpredictable and sometimes hostile force.”

Better Luck in 2020

Despite a global pandemic, Boyd returned to his home state to compete in the 2020 Race to the Clouds. A quiet course and calm atmosphere awaited as spectators were not allowed to attend. He raced to the top in 10:11.446 for second place in the Unlimited division. This was the first year Boyd chose to compete in this high-powered division, moving from his previous Time Attack 1 attempts.

Weather Ruled in 2021

For the second time in the history of this race, all competitors would run a shortened course. After a sunny and warm week of practice, temperatures plummeted as the pits were being set up on Saturday. By morning, a thick layer of ice coated the last several miles of the course and the decision was made to move the finish line down the mountain. Boyd finished 4th among the Unlimited competitors.

Another Celebration

As 2022’s 100th Running of the iconic hill climb approached, Boyd was eager to make his mark in the history books as he strapped in behind the wheel. Once again, the mountain had other plans and although drivers would be able to race to the summit, the foggy, cold, wet conditions made it even more treacherous. Boyd’s performance would earn him second place in the Unlimited division with a 10:43.511.

Clocking a Personal Best

Redemption came for Boyd in the 101st Running in 2023. He clocked a personal best time of 10:03.367 for a fifth place finish in the Unlimited division. Boyd remarked after completing his run, “I felt pretty good about most of it. It was denying downshift, so I kinda had to roll through in a higher gear than I wanted to in some spots, but we had nitrous to help us out today.”

At the Mercy of the Mountain

Boyd’s preparations for the 2024 race are well under way. He explained, “Overall, the Evo X is going to be the same, just more refined. We are replacing the front splitter and are confident that by refining our air shifting system and suspension settings we will finally display the Evo’s full potential and break into the 9-minute realm. All of this, of course, is dependent upon the mercy of the mountain.

GET TO KNOW DEREK BOYD

Fun Facts:

“I absolutely love playing golf!”

“Cooking is one of my favorite activities – preparing a meal, pork green chili or baking cookies. Outside of cookies, I don’t bake much, but I am most proud of the wedding cake I baked in 2020 for my own wedding. That was the first, and likely the last, 3-tiered cake I will bake. It was especially difficult to complete in a one bedroom apartment!”

“I work in our family business, Halona Farms, as an indoor gourmet mushroom farmer.”

Favorite memory? “It was a very rainy test morning with rain at the start and snow at Double Cut and my first time racing on rain tires. Driving on the rainy, snowy road in the early morning was such an experience! I was even more adrenaline-fueled by my very foggy windshield. Anti-fog did not work, and the car has no defrost, so the visibility degraded rapidly on each run with my heavy breathing fogging up the windshield. The adrenaline, fear and isolation in the driver’s seat made for a unique peace and clarity. Driving nearly blind in very slippery conditions helped bolster my confidence by having the mountain dedicated to memory. The mountain was so peaceful, yet terrifying at the same time.”

Any superstitions or good luck charms? “If I forget to turn on my GoPro, usually something bad or interesting happens!”

Favorite Track: “Road Atlanta will always be very special because of the elevation changes and rhythm. It is an absolute blast to drive.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “If cost and logistics were not an issue, I’d love to drive any Formula 1 car up the mountain.”

CHECK OUT DEREK BOYD’S PPIHC 2023 SUMMIT INTERVIEW AND ON-BOARD FOOTAGE

Photos by: Rob Miskowitch, Revvolution,com, Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Luis Garcia, Leif Bergerson, Louis Yio

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Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

COLORADO’S JIMMY FORD ENTERS FORD MUSTANG ON PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO – A field of 74 drivers has been announced for the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, and the talent pool from Colorado which includes veteran competitor, Jimmy Ford, runs deep.

Jimmy will make his third run toward the 14,115′ summit on June 23, 2024 in the Pikes Peak Open division behind the wheel of a new entry, a 2017 Ford Mustang.

Jimmy’s first racing endeavors began at the age of seven racing dirt bikes and quarter midgets. He was eventually named Quarter Midget Rookie of the Year and had a Top 3 Grand National finish.

He has raced in Track Attack events at Pikes Peak International Raceway, and traveled to the Leadfoot Festival in New Zealand where he was awarded a Top 10 Best of Show. Since 2006, he has been a regular in the Colorado Hill Climb Association series where he won the Sportsman Class Championship in 2023.

Generations of Grassroots Racing

Jimmy has many ties to the history of this famous race. In his rookie assault on the mountain in 2022, at the milestone 100th Running, Jimmy brought his Ford Bronco with its Hall of Fame heritage. Originally built by John Wells for Leonard Vahsholtz, both men PPIHC Hall of Famers, the Bronco won on Pikes Peak in the mid-1990s. Not only that, Jimmy’s father, Jim, who heads up his crew, also raced on Pikes Peak in the early 1990s. Pair that with support and expertise from veteran PPIHC stock car winner, Joel Newcomer, and the depth of experience on Jimmy’s team is impressive.

Jimmy’s father, Jim Ford, Sr, (pictured) raced on Pikes Peak in 1993 in the Stock Car division, finishing 10th in his #7 Pontiac in 13:33.25. That same year, Leonard Vahsholtz claimed the win in the Stock Car division, setting a division record of 11:47.28 in his 1990 Ford Probe.

Joel Newcomer has known the Ford family for many years. As a PPIHC rookie in 1976, Newcomer embraced the Stock Car division and competed for more than a decade. He notched a division win in 1980 in his Chevy Monza 355, setting a division record of 12:57.33. The #84 race car (pictured in 1994), was John Day’s Buick Skylark which both Newcomer and Ralph Bruning raced in the Stock Car division in the 1990s.

When asked what’s changed on Pikes Peak since he was a competitor, Newcomer thoughtfully replied, “The course itself has changed. Everything is a lot faster now with the course paved. You need better brakes, more aero, and quicker steering than we had back in the day.” He continued, “But, the thing that hasn’t changed is how the people work together. All the drivers, including the top drivers, are willing to help anyone and offer their advice.”

Fords with their Fords

Presenting their Ford Bronco “Bronczilla” for the first time at 2022’s Technical Inspection, Jim Ford (pictured below) maneuvers the vehicle into line with son, Jimmy, behind the wheel for the pre-race examination.

Jimmy later shared, “My rookie year on Pikes Peak started really fast. I leaned on veterans of the mountain to help prepare the team. We entered with hopes of reaching the top on race day, but being from Colorado Springs, I knew anything could happen.”

“Testing sessions and practice week exceeded our expectations with favorable weather except on the crucial day – race day. Visibility was low due to fog at the Start Line, then somewhat clear in the middle section, but sleet was coming down on the top section. Despite the challenging conditions, we lined up confidently.”

“A fellow driver believed my dirt racing background and the loose conditions favored me for a top-three finish in my class. The road conditions were loose, but I enjoyed it, pushing through Halfway Picnic Grounds. As I approached the 11-mile water station, the engine’s pitch changed, and suddenly, everything went silent except for the rear diff turning. I quickly shifted to neutral, realizing the engine had seized. Coasting out of the race line, I knew our chances of reaching the top were gone with a broken connecting rod.”

Returning in 2023, the sun was shining, the crowds were cheering and the new engine, built by Leonard Vahsholtz, was performing well as Jimmy raced toward the summit.

Jimmy crossed the finishing line for the first time in 2023, finishing 4th in the Pikes Peak Open division with a time of 10:07.261 what he described as “an unparalleled feeling.”

As one of the Fast 15 Qualifiers in 2023, Jimmy was recognized at the post-race awards ceremony for his achievement by PPIHC’s event manager, Alex Urban.

Taking it to the Next Level

Veteran racer and car owner, Joel Newcomer, described the 2024 entry and what makes the Mustang well suited to race on Pikes Peak, “This car was built at Mosport in Canada. It’s raced at Sebring and Daytona. It was designed for high speed road racing with aero built into the car that’s adjustable for the rough section at the top of the mountain. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Roush Yates Engine performs, too. It’s already done really well in early test sessions.”

GET TO KNOW JIMMY FORD

Fun Facts:

“The first car I ever bought was a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am T-top. I’ve made a few minor modifications, but mostly it’s stock.”

“I love Mexican food. I can eat it for every meal. And, my favorite restaurant is 511 Rose in Georgetown, Colorado. The ambiance and the owners are amazing, with some of the best food!”

“I have a pair of infamous bright orange socks I wear on Race Day as my lucky socks.”

What do you most look forward to during Race Week? “Throughout the week new challenges and issues arise. Fixing them and putting them behind you or dealing with what you have to and moving forward as a small race team is something you look back on and feel proud of accomplishing.

Fan Fest is another amazing part of the week, where you see tons of people who share the same passion for motorsports as you do, and it’s unmatched. This event brings in family and friends from all over the country to support our team’s efforts.

Overall, race day is my favorite, getting up early in the morning, prepping the car, knowing that anything can happen and change your hopes for the event.”

Best advice from your dad: “Smooth is fast, keep it on the road, and remember, good sportsmanship goes a long way.”

Favorite section? “11-Mile water station is my favorite part of the course. As you approach the first of its three corners, it seems tighter than it is. Holding through the initial turn is crucial for maintaining momentum. There’s a bit of tension, but as it tightens, you carry that momentum through the next two lefts. I enjoy the force and challenge of nailing the apex to seamlessly connect them all, aiming for a smooth corner and a powerful exit.”

Most challenging section? “ The most challenging action on the course is through Boulder Park on up to Cog Cut. It is very bumpy and high speed which takes commitment when the bumps are throwing you all around. Even though it is my least favorite I can certainly say I look forward to clearing this section on race day.”

Advice for a rookie on Pikes Peak? “Connect with seasoned racers who’ve tackled it for years. Their deep familiarity with the terrain allows them to guide you on optimal racing lines and ensure your car’s performance on race day. The mountain community is welcoming, eager to share advice and support newcomers, as they’ve navigated the challenges as rookies themselves.

Additionally, invest time in watching in-car videos, yours and others. This not only exposes you to diverse driving techniques but also helps you understand the car’s feedback throughout the entire journey, enhancing your preparation.”

CHECK OUT JIMMY FORD’S SUMMIT INTERVIEW IN 2023 AS HE RECAPS HIS RUN

Photos by: Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, Joel Newcomer, Jimmy Ford, PPIHC Archives

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

HALL OF FAME EDITION

RANDY SCHRANZ CHALLENGED THE MOUNTAIN FOR 40 YEARS

Colorado Springs, CO – As The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo gears up for the 102nd Running of the second oldest auto race in America, it is an opportune time to reflect on drivers who have made significant contributions to the success of the event. Race fans who have followed PPIHC drivers for years need look no further than the name Randy Schranz, a member of the PPIHC Hall of Fame.

Schranz, a Colorado Springs local, has challenged the mountain more times than anyone else – 40 years. Schranz may not be a King of the Mountain, but is certainly a friend of the mountain. They’ve spent a lot of time together. Schranz knows the mountain, the road, the weather, and the wildlife. He’s seen the course change from the dusty, gravel-slinging, rooster tail days, to a fully paved course with sections of guard rail. He’s familiar with the blinding early morning glare in the upper section on practice days. He knows the 156 turns like the back of his hand.

As a Spectator

Randy Schranz has been a fixture on Pikes Peak annually since he witnessed his first race in 1960, the year after he arrived in Colorado. He loved watching it and dreamed of racing through the 156 turns. Whether viewing the race, working on cars, showing cars or driving them, Schranz had found his passion. A car enthusiast from an early age, he joined a local car club, Stockers, in 1965 and is currently its oldest active member.

Schranz is seated, second from the left, with club members in a 1970 photo.

As a Crew Chief

Following his years as a spectator, Schranz would be asked to serve as crew chief for Marv Youngman in 1966. “He was my boss, the sales manager at Doenges-Long Ford. He had raced Pikes Peak in 1963 so he had a little experience but wanted to do it again,” explained Schranz. “He talked the dealership into giving him a brand new 1966 Ford Fairlane. We put a new 427 motor in it and took third place.”

As a Driver

When asked about his earliest days on Pikes Peak, Schranz recalled, “They had just started offering a Production Truck class, and I had been doing some offroad racing, so I thought I’d try it.” Schranz shared a little of the backstory of his first attempt on the mountain. “I had rolled the Bronco at Las Animas earlier that year. Then, I entered the Hill Climb and rolled it on Pikes Peak the first day of practice at Elk Park. It wasn’t a good start! The problem wasn’t a flat tire or a mechanical issue, it was just me over driving it. Well, that settled me down pretty quick!” Despite a rough beginning, Schranz conquered the mountain, claiming his first win in his rookie year with a time of 14:33.40.

Schranz began his stock car days in the mid-1970s in a Dodge Challenger, the inspiration behind the teams moniker, Challenger Racing. This car is near and dear to Schranz’s heart as he has completely restored it and still enjoys getting behind the wheel.

He continued to compete in the Stock Car division through 1997. His race cars included Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet. Schranz drove this Chevrolet Lumina in 1991 to an 8th place finish in 13:24.53.

In 1996, a clocking of 12:36.25 landed Schranz on the podium in third place behind Clint Vahsholtz and Roger Warden in the Stock Car division.

The following year, another Schranz would take on the division. Randy’s son, Layne, would carve out his own legacy on Pikes Peak as a competitor and race chaplain.

Randy hadn’t planned to race in 1998. He was at Tech Inspection helping Layne with his entry when Ray Robinson approached him and asked if he wanted to drive his 1998 Chevy S-10 in the Super Stock Truck division. Randy quickly changed gears and did compete in the #34 truck, a rare departure from his iconic #17.

As an Innovator

In 1999, Schranz broke the long-standing record for a propane powered vehicle, driving his Chevy Lumina stock car to the summit in 12:48.23 but, his era of advancing propane technology on Pikes Peak had just begun.

The following year, Challenger Racing built a 1966 Cobra kit car, once again, powered by propane, to compete in the Exhibition division. Schranz would go on to set a fuel record that still stands, and compete in the car for over 10 years in its propane configuration. During his last decade of competition on America’s Mountain, Schranz demonstrated consistent performance, set standards and exhibited the strength of propane as a power source.

As a Father and Mentor

In 2013, Randy and Layne celebrated together, taking first and second, respectively, in the Pikes Peak Open division. The elder Schranz clocked an 11:21.41 for the win, while Layne’s time in the Chevy Monte Carlo was 11:29.245.

Well-Deserved Honors

In his 40-year racing career on Pikes Peak, Schranz captured ten class wins and stood on the podium 19 times. He championed the use of propane as a racing fuel. He shared his love of the mountain, his knowledge of the course and his remarkable memory of race history with so many. As an event sponsor, providing towing services for well over a decade, Schranz was also known for his generosity. These achievements created a legacy worthy of his Hall of Fame status. Schranz was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame in June, 2018, and the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in October, 2018.

GET TO KNOW HALL OF FAMER – RANDY SCHRANZ

Fun Facts:

“They used to give the pace car away to a ticket holder after the race…and tickets were only $2.00! My dad worked for Doenges-Long Ford (now Phil Long Ford) who provided the pace car in 1962. Well, the guy who won it had six kids, so a convertible wasn’t practical. He asked the dealership for a station wagon instead, so my dad bought the convertible! We still have and drive that ’62 Ford Galaxie.”

“We were asked to drive that pace car in a parade for Peggy Fleming when she won the Olympic gold medal in 1968. Although she didn’t ride in the car, we did have three of our Stockers car club beauty queens in the back, including my wife, Pati.”

“We always loved going to the Pancake Breakfast in Manitou Springs after qualifying. We’d all drive our race cars down Ute Pass.”

Favorite section? “For some reason, I always enjoyed driving the Ws, but I never thought I was very good at it!”

Most challenging section? “The top. It’s so fast up there.”

If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be? “I always wanted to drive a sprint car – an old, front-engine sprinter.”

Advice for a rookie on Pikes Peak? “No matter how good you are at oval track or road racing, even though Pikes Peak is now paved, it can still bite you when you’re not expecting it. You’ve got to respect it.”

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Rob Miskowitch, Paul Kolinski, Schranz Family

ABOUT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

LUCY BLOCK IN SIERRA ECHO HONORS LATE HUSBAND KEN IN PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo welcomed the family, friends and fans of the late Ken Block, the driving force behind the Hoonigan brand, a rally racer, and marketing genius.

Ken made his rookie run on Pikes Peak in 2005 racing in the Rally Group N class alongside co-driver Alex Gelsomino. The duo finished 5th in class.

Ken returned in 2022 for the 100th Running of the iconic hill climb presenting the Hoonipigasus, a BBi-built Porsche 911, 1400hp, twin turbo, all wheel drive beast. Despite an engine failure during practice and no race day run, Block planned to return in 2023 in the pink-liveried Porsche. Sadly, he was killed in a snowmobile accident in Utah in January, 2023.

While Ken’s passing left a giant hole in the motorsports world, it wasn’t long before plans were being put in motion to honor his remarkable life and career, and add to the family’s success, including a 2023 PPIHC race entry.

Ken’s wife, Lucy Block, a first-time racer on Pikes Peak, teamed up with PPIHC veteran Cole Powelson to drive an electric-powered 2024 SIERRA ECHO Block Edition by Hypercraft in the Unlimited division. Her number #430 was a nod to Ken’s own #43.

Rally Passion

Lucy made her rally racing debut at the Middle Cog Rally in Colorado in 2009. She has raced more than 30 rallies thus far in her career. In 2022 she raced her first full American Rally Association season.

She continued to run in the ARA series in 2023 with a familiar face on board as her co-driver, Alex Gelsomino.

Prepping and Practicing

Technical Inspection kicked off race week where early morning practice sessions on different sections of the mountain help drivers memorize the course and experience current conditions. Lucy’s effort, with advise from Powelson, improved daily.

43 Institute

Established in memory of Ken Block, 43 Institute was created to carry on his greatest legacy: creating paths of opportunity for the exceptionally driven who may lack the proper support system for growth and success. Whether it’s brand-building, pursuing action sports or a motorsports career, it was part of Ken’s DNA to support those who chased their passion with their whole heart and soul. The Institute provides grants and support to make dreams come true.

Support for the Block family was prevalent all of Race Week and especially at Fan Fest, the pre-race street festival in downtown Colorado Springs. Hundreds of fans lined up to meet Lucy and Lia, get an autograph and purchase their merch to benefit the Institute. On top of massive fan support, Mobil 1 showed great commitment by donating more than $68,000 to Ken’s foundation.

Mobil 1 Presentation

Autograph signing at Fan Fest

Racing and Remembering

As Lucy awaited the green flag, a steady stream of well-wishers shared memories of Ken and encouraging words, including her daughter Lia.

Lucy put in a solid run up the 12.42 mile course clocking a finish time of 11:25.315, a 10th place division finish. The only thing remaining on her mind was 16-year old Lia and her tribute run in Ken’s #43 Hoonipigasus, who was making her way through the 156 turns as the last car on the course.

When asked how she felt when she and Lia were reunited at the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak, Lucy shared, “Definitely a feeling of relief and then, of course, sadness that we were missing the person we were there for.”

It’s safe to say Ken Block was in the heart of every competitor on race day. The support shown, love spoken and tears shed following the race were all part of the remarkable celebration honoring him.

“It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey and how you get there.” Ken Block

Q & A WITH LUCY BLOCK

What was it like crossing the finish line? “A complete relief. Pikes Peak is a very difficult race.”

What would you hope to see the racing community come away with after watching the Block family conquer Pikes Peak? “Most of the racing community would do exactly what we did if they were in our situation…press on, regardless. Keep your head up and do what you love.”

Thoughts about returning to Pikes Peak: “If I ever race Pikes Peak again, I’d like more time to prep…time to feel more comfortable on the mountain. I don’t know what I’d drive, but all wheel drive would be nice.”

A film documenting Lucy’s experience on Pikes Peak in 2023 was released in December, 2023. Watch the story unfold behind the scenes in 43 Fortitude, A Continuing Legacy.

LUCY BLOCK RACES TO THE 14,115′ PIKES PEAK SUMMIT