Colorado Springs, CO – Race fans from around the world will converge on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain on Sunday, June 23 for the iconic Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.Tickets for race day, practice/qualifying days and overnight camping are available now.
To celebrate, we’re holding a fun giveaway for the eager ticket buyers. Anyone purchasing tickets within the first 24 hours (Dec 1, 12:01am – 11:59pm) is entered for a chance to win a $100 credit at our merch store! Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, December 4th. Terms and Conditions apply.
Anyone purchasing a Camping Permit must also buy the corresponding Race Day Family Pack Ticket for that area and the number of people per vehicle.
With tickets selling out in advance the past two years, be sure to purchase yours early and don’t miss out on catching the action in person. And remember, race tickets make an ideal holiday gift!
NEW for 2024!
AREA-SPECIFIC TICKETING – Some exciting changes are in store for spectators. For the first time, all tickets will be sold by spectator area. For example, those who want to watch the race from Devils Playground will be able to purchase a ticket specific to that area. Whether you’re purchasing a single ticket or a carpooling/money saving Family Pack, you are guaranteed a parking spot in the area of your purchased ticket* which should decrease the need to arrive as early and will lessen traffic below the Gateway. A limited number of parking spaces at each area will be sold on a first come first serve basis.SKI AREA IS NOW CAMPING ONLY – No additional Race Day parking is available.*Turn 1/Pit Area are general admission parking. Ticket holders will be directed where to park below this viewing area. Shuttles will be running from roadside parking and designated lots to the Pit Area.TICKET PRICESPractice Day Ticket Prices:
COLORADO-BASED KINGSLEY PROVES RACING IS A LIFESTYLE
Colorado Springs, CO – From top names in motorsports with factory-backed efforts to drivers who got their start with garage builds in local grassroots series, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has welcomed them all. These homegrown teams have been the heart and soul of the race since its earliest days.
Andy Kingsley was like many kids around the world who grew up playing Gran Turismo driving the game favorite Escudo Pikes Peak made popular by Monster Tajima. He loved it and could beat any car in the game.
When he was young, Kingsley enjoyed watching the Hill Climb and going to local races with his father. “My father wasn’t a racecar driver but he was a professional hot air balloon pilot setting records flying over the Continental Divide and competing for over 30 years at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,” shared Kingsley. “He also had a passion for mechanics, automobiles and engines which seemed to trickle down. Growing up, he would tell me the stories of the Unsers and Dallenbachs and their success in racing. These stories inspired me to create the drive and courage to compete alongside some of the greatest names in motorsports at Pikes Peak.” Kingsley eagerly explained, “What attracted me to Pikes Peak was the big wings and loud exhausts of these 600-800hp racecars, shooting massive fireballs and rooster tails all the way up the dirt road to the summit of a 14er right here in Colorado!”
Rude Awakening
Kingsley, who makes his home in Buena Vista, Colorado has been racing among his heroes on Pikes Peak for seven years. He made his rookie appearance on America’s Mountain in 2014 behind the wheel of his #300 Subaru Impreza STi in the Time Attack 1 division. He shared, “I have been a fanatic of Pikes Peak since my father taught me to turn a wrench as a 15-year-old. Ever since, I have had the need for speed! I first raced Pikes Peak in 2014 driving an overstressed Subaru. The mountain chewed me up and spit me out that first year, but ever since, my passion for racing has become a lifestyle.”
Despite a DNF on his first attempt at the 14,115′ summit, Kingsley continued to challenge the mountain through 2017 in his Subaru, then moved to a 2002 Porsche 911 which he has run in the Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak Open and Unlimited divisions.
Gaining Ground
After a one year hiatus, Kingsley was back on the mountain in 2016 for the 100th Anniversary of the iconic race. He finished his run in 11:55.849, claiming 12th in the Time Attack 1 division.
The Best is Yet to Come
Racing on Pikes Peak is made of ups and downs, and Kingsley’s return to the mountain in 2017 ended on a down note, but despite a DNF, he was undeterred. For two years he worked tirelessly on building a new race car, and his efforts paid off in 2020 when he captured a 4th place finish in the Time Attack 1 division.
A finish is a finish and Kingsley did just that in the 2021 Race to the Clouds despite a shortened course finish line at 16 Mile.Back on top in 2022, Kingsley finished in the fog in the Unlimited division capturing 6th place.
Alcon Brakes – No Holding Back Award Winner 2022
Following the milestone 100th Running, Alcon Brakes presented the No Holding Back Award to Kingsley in recognition of a competitor who overcame challenges and persevered to reach the checkered flag on race day. Jonathan Edwards of Alcon Brakes shared, “It’s remarkable to see these local racers competing against factory teams. We chose Andy to receive this $10,000 product award since we see his dedication to coming back year after year, basically as a one-man show, with grease under his fingernails, as crew and driver. He’s making this happen and Alcon wants to help elevate his vehicle to the next level.”
Kingsley’s 2023 entry, outfitted with an Alcon Brakes package clocked an 11:12.021 for a ninth place finish in the Unlimited division.
“Learn automotive trades, mechanics, welding, engineering, or engine software tuning. These are all quality trades you can apply to your career. In the midst of your career path find a vehicle you enjoy, and a racing environment you can afford, and get out there. Go meet people, have fun and see where the racing world can take you.” Advice from Andy Kingsley to those aspiring to race cars.
GET TO KNOW ANDY KINGSLEY
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I love Las Vegas!”
“Sometimes I enjoy driving to a destination more than the destination itself.”
“I lost both my parents to cancer, so it’s important to me to raise awareness of how families are affected by cancer. I want it to be known that you are not alone in this world. Cherish the moments you have, keep fighting, and live every day to the best you can.”
Pikes Peak heroes?“Paul Dallenbach. My late father had told me if I ever wanted to race, talk to Wally Dallenbach. I met Wally in 2012 as a spectator and just so happens I now race with Wally’s son, Paul.”
Mentors on Pikes Peak: “Tim Hardy – he’s like a member of my family.”
Favorite Pikes Peak memory: “2020 was the most impactful year – competing in a self-built Porsche 911 and clocking my best time to the top. It was a goal I wasn’t sure was possible, but somehow it happened. Being on the summit of the mountain I never felt closer to my parents than I did that day. It was years of hard work coming together in that moment. I reflected on that the entire drive back down. Each year I make it to the summit is equally powerful, but 2020 was a long time coming.”
Favorite section: “I thoroughly enjoy the W’s. I also make up names for the turns I like. I have nicknamed the section two turns past the Sump ‘Andy’s Straight’.”
Most challenging section: “My favorite is also my most challenging – The W’s – many corners appear to be the same.”
What’s different about racing on Pikes Peak?“The Mountain. This place provides the rarest environment with technical driving, low air density, and high speeds all in one package.”
Favorite Food: “In-N-Out for sure! No team meeting is successful without it!”
Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is an automotive proving ground like no other. Almost from the beginning, manufacturers have sought to test their best on the 12.42 mile course. In 2023, BMW presented the XM Label to the world by showcasing what it could do on the mountain.
North Carolina’s Matt Mullins, a two time Parade of Champions driver, brought his best to compete in the 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.
The Backstory
Mullins grew up going to races at Rockingham Speedway and loved drag racing. After college he answered an ad in On Track magazine that said, “Learn to race in our series for free”. Traveling cross country from North Carolina to California, he entered a mechanic’s training program at the Jim Russell School where he fondly recalls, “I got to work for a year, for no pay, at Laguna Seca…but I also got to drive the cars!”
Mullins first recalls learning about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb when he was teaching at the same driving school and racing in NASCAR. “I remember seeing Michele Mouton and Bobby Unser in the Audis. That was when the mountain was a dirt course. It just looked amazing! Then, about thirty years ago I worked on a program with Ride and Drive where people could take a new model car out on the track. Paul Dallenbach, David Donner, and Johnny Unser were on the team and they all kept talking about Pikes Peak.”
His driving career expanded to stunt driving. He has performed as a SAG/AFTRA driver for more than 25 years, including notable work in Talladega Nights, Herbie: Fully Loaded and Ford vs Ferrari.
For the last 12 years, Mullins has been the Chief Driving Instructor at BMW Performance Driving Schools in Thermal, California; Greer, South Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Parade of Champions Lead Driver
BMW North America through Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs has provided top competition models to lead the drivers back down the mountain at the conclusion of the race in the Parade of Champions.
Mullins represented BMW in 2021 and 2022 as the lead driver in the procession back to the Start Line.
After two years in that role, Rhys Millen asked Mullins, “When are you going to run it for real?” Mullins shared, “Fortunately, the right opportunity lined up with the new XM Label. We all talked about trying the hybrid technology on Pikes Peak. You know, you get a taste of it, and whatever weird kind of pull that mountain has on you, it just draws you back.”
The Build
With the help of two-time King of the Mountain, Rhys Millen, the production XM was prepped for Pikes Peak. Specs for the electric hybrid XM Label included All Wheel Drive, a 122″ wheelbase on a stock frame, weight of 6,000 pounds, and a BMW 4.4L Turbo.
Safety modifications:
Removed all interior seats, panels and trim
Added a custom racing seat and harnesses
Built a full 6-point roll cage
Installed on-board fire suppression system
Fun Fact: Race #738 is a nod to the BMW’s horsepower
Proving the XM Label
Originally the plan was to obtain a closed-course Certified Course Time during a private testing session. After successful testing at Willow Springs, the team felt the hybrid XM would be up to the task and began looking at testing days in May and June. But the best laid plans were set aside when late spring snow, day after day, made the upper part of the course far from optimal.
Despite canceling the initial private course testing, BMW entered the XM in the 101st Running of the Race to the Clouds with their eye on the Official PPIHC Production SUV record of 10:49.902 set by Rhys Millen in 2018 in the Bentley Bentayga.
“We wanted to know how the car would perform. BMW has never done anything like this with a hybrid. We tried to get a run up the mountain before race week, but couldn’t. We were comfortable with the runs we had in at Willow so we felt good about it making a full run up the hill,” Mullins explained.
Down, but Not Out
Race day dawned with clear skies and warm temps. Behind the wheel, Mullins was ready. The XM Label looked and sounded strong as Mullins took the green flag from Neil Moreno, XM Campaign Manager for BMW North America.
However, just moments into his run, hopes for a race record were cut short when Mullins carried too much speed into a corner and couldn’t bring the 6,000 lb. beast back under control. The XM struck a tree and rolled, landing on its wheels. Though the car was damaged, Mullins returned to the pits unscathed.
“When you go to Pikes Peak and see it, you just want to come back. I don’t know what it is, but to anybody who goes up there and does it, I give them a thumbs up!” – Matt Mullins
Redemption
Mullins and BMW knew they had unfinished business on the mountain. Once they sourced a new XM Label, a private test day was scheduled. On September 21, 2023, Mullins strapped in behind the wheel and roared to the summit in 10:48.60, achieving their goal. While Rhys Millen still holds the race record of 10:49.902, the XM Certified Course Time showcases BMW precision engineering and proves they have what it takes to challenge the mountain and come out on top.
GET TO KNOW MATT MULLINS
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I’m an Eagle Scout.”
“I hold two Guiness World Records, one for the longest continuous drift, and the other, along with Johan Schwartz, also a past PPIHC competitor, for the longest tandem drift.”
“The first car I had was one that my dad won in a drawing. It was a 1984 Ford Escort Station Wagon. It had fake wood paneling and a 4-speed transmission. So, I got a brand new car when I turned 16 because my mom couldn’t drive a manual shift.”
Any mentors on Pikes Peak? “A couple actually. Rhys Millen who is a legend there. Paul Dallenbach and David Donner. Rhys really talked to me about the build from a safety perspective, shared his course knowledge, advised me on tire selection, and guided me through the process.”
What was your favorite section?“I’m still learning, so it changes a bit. I took to the middle section pretty quickly.”
What section challenged you most?“The top, for a couple of reasons – there are some really fast corners, plus few reference points since you’re up above the tree line. And some of the top section is so bumpy.”
Favorite track? “Oval – Charlotte Motor Speedway; Road Course – Laguna Seca. I spent a lot of time racing both of those tracks.”
What’s different about racing on Pikes Peak?“Everything! First, all practice happens before most people are up in the morning. You’re up at 3:00am, roll right out, make runs in your section and you’re back down and done by 9:30 or 10:00am. You never get to see the entire course until race day. Second, the weather and how quicky it all changes. Third, and this is the amazing part, everyone is so supportive of each other. Since the cars go one at a time, everybody genuinely wants all the other competitors to do absolutely the best they can do. Plus, the variety of cars is so crazy. Then there was the year we had the mama bear and cubs in the pits, up in the tree…it’ s just completely different from any other motorsports event. There’s nothing at all like it.”
Choose any BMW model you’d like to race on the mountain: “The first one that comes to mind is the M3 that James Clay has. It’s amazing. Or, maybe a future M car…we’ll see.”
BMW presents Peak Power, a two-part documentary taking you behind the scenes of the fastest Hybrid SUV on Pikes Peak.
Photos by: Larry Chen, Leif Bergerson, Charles Zhao, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, Matt Mullins, Rupert Berrington
Colorado Springs, CO – Passion: An intense desire or enthusiasm for something – in this case, racing a car to the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Returning racer, Brett Dickie, traveled from Melbourne, Australia to do just that. Dickie made his second appearance in the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo in June in the Unlimited division driving the Project Import Honda S2000.
It’s a big effort for each of the 70 invited competitors, but even more so when it involves traveling more than 8700 miles to do so. Dickie, along with Project Import, car owner Kiet Le, engineer Amir Bentatou, and the entire team spent months testing, tuning, and arranging logistics in preparation for the 101st Running.
How It Started
Dickie’s racing career began when he was eight years old. He’s missed only one year of racing since. Years of diligence and skill-building paid dividends as he began collecting championships.
In 2018 he claimed 1st place in the Clubsprint World Champion class at the World Time Attack Challenge and 1st in the Rear-Wheel-Drive Open class at the Victorian Time Attack. In 2019 he was crowned Australian Champion in the Australian Honda Nationals.
Dickie has competed at Sydney Motorsports Park in the World Time Attack Challenge; the Sandown International Raceway in Melbourne; Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX; the Winton Motor Raceway in Australia; the Phillip Island Grand Prix; and Global Time Attack at Road America in Atlanta, GA.
First Time Around
Dickie recalled, “I met the amazing crew from Project Import back in 2018 when I won World Time Attack in the Clubsprint class. After a few trips to the USA we were out for dinner one night in 2020 when Pikes Peak came up in conversation. The owner mentioned it was a dream to do it. I said, “‘Don’t dream! Let’s do!’ and we decided to rebuild the team’s Honda S2000 Time Attack car.
We added a custom Honda F24C engine, a 6-speed sequential gear box, Emtron KV8 ECU, Garrett Turbo, RS Future Areo, and lots more in our initial bid to tame the mountain.
In the lead up to my rookie run in 2021, I relocated to California from Australia for two months before the event due to COVID restrictions at the time and started a ground up rebuild on the car,” shared Dickie. “In Australia, I race a family owned Honda S2000 powered tube chassis car and the car owner, Kiet, and I decided that we would copy the drive line out of that car to help speed up the process so we could head to the mountain with a proven package…well, proven in Australia anyway.”
While dismal weather on race day would hamper a full course run for every competitor, Dickie reached the shortened course finish line at the 16 Mile marker with a respectable time of 07:58.078.
Recalling his 2021 effort, Dickie said, “Myself and Will (Au Yeung) have been mates since 2018, and he was one of the first to congratulate me. This picture means a lot to us both since we are both supported by Emtron ECUs in Australia. It doesn’t matter who is faster, we are always there to support each other.”
Encore Performance
“The car we ran this year was not too far from our 2021 car,” Dickie pointed out. “We changed back to a 2.0 liter engine to try and coax some more rpm out of the car, and we changed our Garrett Turbo package to suit.”
Reflecting on the day, Dickie shared, “The mountain turned the weather on and was playing kind, compared to a shortened 2021 event! The car was having some other ideas. As I set off on my race run the car just didn’t feel 100% and as I pressed on through the lower and middle sections, the brake pedal in the car strangely went soft at Glen Cove before going rock hard at Double Cut. I managed to push on not letting the summit slip through my fingertips. When I reached the summit I was surprised when I was told our time was a 10.52.636.”
GET TO KNOW BRETT DICKIE
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“My first time driving in America, I drove on the I-5 in California on the wrong side of the road for three miles until I noticed!”
“Yes, I live in Australia. No, I don’t ride a kangaroo to work or have one as a pet.”
“I once got a tattoo on my right foot that says, “Never Lift”
Any Pikes Peak Heroes? “Sebastien Loeb and Rhys Millen”
What makes racing on Pikes Peak different?“The atmosphere, the fans and the competitors, once you arrive at the mountain you are all family.”
Favorite corner?“Olympic!”
What challenged you most?“Cog Cut is always challenging, but this year, we also had braking issues on race day.”
Any superstitions or good luck charms? “Not so much a superstition or good luck charm but, my grandparents helped me become who I am today, so in tribute they have been on the back of my helmet for many years and I can take them along on this amazing ride with me.”
“MAD MIKE” WHIDDETT BRINGS NEW BRAND OF MADNESS TO AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN
Colorado Springs, CO – Some say it’s madness to race a car up a 14,115′ mountain at speeds of over 100 miles per hour, through 156 turns – many without guardrails – in pursuit of glory. For New Zealand’s Red Bull Athlete “Mad Mike” Whiddett, a world champion Formula Drift superstar, controlling speed and pushing limits is the name of his racing game. The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed Whiddett, to the Race to the Clouds in June where he entered his #123 2022 Mazda 3 in the Exhibition division.
Whiddett’s impressive car-control skills coupled with his radical driving style and over-the-top personality have launched him to the pinnacle of motorsport drifting competitions around the world. He stepped to the top of the podium in 2009 in the Formula Drift Asia Pacific Championship and the New Zealand Drift Championship. By 2013, Whiddett won the World Powerslide Championship, Gatebil, in Norway. He followed that with a win at the 2014 Red Bull DrifterShifters. Throughout 2017 and 2018, Mad Mike captured drifting championships across Japan. In a bit of a divergence, he also claimed first place in the 2018 New Zealand Super Truck Off-Road Racing Championship.
The BULLET Build
With his eyes fixed on Pikes Peak, Whiddett began the year long build of the Mazda 3 coined “BULLET” he planned to use on his mountain assault. Asked about the Mazda-backed machine and what made it well suited for Pikes Peak, Whiddett explained, “The car was wild! We built this car within a year. It was a huge task to convert it to rear-wheel drive and right-hand drive to left-hand to fit the 4-rotor twin-turbo engine.”
“Mazda really wanted to showcase the Model 3, and what’s crazy is the wide-body kit was also designed by Mazda…so it’s not as wild as some of the other cars you see on Pikes Peak with the massive aero, but we still added the diffuser and the Rocket Bunny wing. As far as the engine, a lot of the parts are genuine parts. The only part not genuine is the crank, which we build in New Zealand.”
Using his prior drifting knowledge, Whiddett and his team built this racecar to Formula Drift rules and specs. “The key is to stick to what you’re comfortable with,” offered Whiddett. “The car did not include any traction or stability control. The hand-brake is my stability control.”
Fan Favorite
As an ambassador of the sport, Whiddett not only showcases his skills but brings his charismatic and down-to-earth persona to fans at every appearance. “I had so many amazing fan moments throughout the entire week. All the gifts and fan art creations I received at Fan Fest were mind-blowing,” shared Whiddett.
A Mountain of Surprises
Discussing expectations versus the actual Race Week experience, Whiddett was quick to point out some things that took him by surprise, “First of all, the lack of oxygen, little sleep and no real realization of how intense the event is. Plus, you can practice on the simulator all day long, but none of it gives you the sense of the mountain until you are there. I was also very surprised by the grassroots atmosphere at the PPIHC, for being an international event. And, I loved the camaraderie and the countless competitors willing to help me and provide advice. I felt insane nerves, like I’d never felt before, but once I took my first qualifying run, I was completely focused.”
Whiddett continued, “After that first attempt, I was surprised to learn we had the third fastest time in the lower section.” By the end of the qualifying session, he had qualified fifth in the Exhibition division.
Setting Goals
“We were all about building a car that people would talk about,” said Whiddett. “Personally, I wanted to have fun and get to the top with a wild build that no one had seen before.”
The team had their sights set on a time of 11:24 but shattered that on Race Day with Whiddett’s clocking of 10:34.980, for 5th in division.
Risk vs. Reward
Whiddett recalled a special experience in Japan following this year’s race, “While one of the best moments was crossing the finish line and setting two world records for Mazda, I was amazed at how proud the Mazda HQ Hiroshima staff was of our team result. We showed the Pikes Peak clip and the whole room broke down with emotion. Then, a Mazda Motorsports executive told us, ‘Never stop challenging. Motorsport is our treasure and we must never lose our treasure.’ “
Repeat Performance?
“Not in 2024,” shared Whiddett, “but when the time comes I’d love to build a proper hill climb monster! I’d stay true to Mazda’s brand and use a 4-rotor engine, but we’d build it from scratch with a tube frame, more cooling and ducting. As far as traction control…to be determined.”
GET TO KNOW “MAD MIKE”
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“After three years as a pro Freestyle Motocross athlete with a lot of broken bones and concussions, I earned the nickname “Mad Mike.”
“I’ve participated in drifting events from my home country New Zealand to Australia, United States of America, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, South Africa, New Caledonia and Canada.”
“My favorite food is chocolate.”
Any mentors on Pikes Peak? “Rhys Millen convinced me to change tires. I’d been practicing on rain tires since I felt I had more control. On the last day of testing Rhys told me to be on slicks or I was going to run out of tire over the entirety of the course.”
Best advice? “Get oxygen set up in the car!”
What challenged you most?“Cooling the car.”
What was your favorite corner?“I really enjoyed the fast sweeping left hander up into Devils Playground – full noise, sideways and hundreds of fans down the fence line!
Choose any car you’d like to get behind the wheel on Pikes Peak? “I would have loved to drive Rod Millen’s Tacoma truck; to take it back to the 1980s and drive it in the dirt!”
How quickly could you make it to the top if you drifted every “driftable” section?“Well, I would definitely need a couple of pit stops to change tires, however I’m up for this challenge!”
Colorado Springs, CO – Competitors from coast to coast converged on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain for the 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo in June. Robert Robles of La Habra, CA brought his 2020 Toyota Supra to gauge how it would perform in the Time Attack 1 division. An experienced racer, Robles was eager to begin memorizing the 156 turns on the 12.42 mile course, recalling, “The first time I heard about Pikes Peak was when I was 12 years old playing the original Gran Turismo game on my PlayStation 1.”
Racing Highlights
Robles described some of his career achievements prior to Pikes Peak, “We were the first to win BimmerChallenge 2022, TRD Series 2022, and the Global Time Attack Finals 2022 in the same year, with the same car and driver.” He also holds the A90 Supra lap record at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Race Week Prep
“Since the day we picked up our 2020 Supra from the Toyota dealership, I said we would modify and upgrade it to still be daily-drivable and handle well on track days. Never would I have thought we would be turning it into a Pikes Peak car. While competing and winning various Time Attack events which led to our car’s evolution from V1 to V3 over the past three years, turning it into what we call V4, for Pikes Peak, was not that hard. The MK5 Supra overall is a great platform for beginners, but has incredible potential to be turned into a competitive vehicle for racing,” shared Robles.
First Time at Fan Fest
Showcasing the #87 Supra at Fan Fest to 35,000 fans was all part of the PPIHC experience. Robles offered advice for other first-time drivers, “Just cross the line, and as much as you’re anticipating the actual driving, remember to enjoy every second of it both in the car and out of it as well.”
Pleasantly Surprised
“You know the old saying, ‘Never meet your heroes,” exclaimed Robles, “well, that definitely doesn’t apply to our experience of the event. I was surprised at how helpful and supportive the PPIHC staff, the other competitors, and teams were.”
Robles wrapped up his rookie run with a 6th place finish in the Time Attack 1 division, a strong showing in the field of 11 drivers. His time was also impressive, 10:59.725. When asked what makes racing on Pikes Peak different than racing anywhere else, he replied, “Besides the course itself, there is no other event I can think of where competitors from any background or level of support can compete against each other. Whether a team built their car in their driveway, garage or a low-budget shop, or they have an unlimited budget and corporate manufacturer support, we all come together and try to conquer this mountain.”
Future Plans
With a great run in the books in 2023, Robles is already looking to the 102nd Running in 2024, and shared, “If we can get the same love and support from our partners and sponsors, we’ll 100% be there to run the sub-10 minute run we know we can do.”
GET TO KNOW ROBERT ROBLES
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I moved to the United States from the Philippines when I was 4 years old, and I didn’t know how to speak English.”
“I was on the cover of Model Aviation magazine when I was 9 years old for flying an RC turbine jet at Florida Jets.”
“If I’m not racing or going to car events on the weekend, I’ll be playing 18-36 holes of golf – both Saturday and Sunday.”
Any Pikes Peak Heroes: “I would have to say Millen for the Pikes Peak Celica, and Paul Dallenbach for his Dallenbach Specials.”
Any mentors this year? “Our good friend Larry Chen was an invaluable advisor with tips and pointers in preparation and during the week.”
Any pre-race rituals? “I recently started a new pre-race ritual of playing a game of catch with one of the guys just to stay loose, relaxed, and get the nerves firing.”
What is your favorite corner?“There are so many good turns to choose from, but if I had to choose one, it would have to be 16 Mile. Seeing all the spectators lined up against the mountain as I approached that corner was such a nice feeling. It gave me a burst of energy after completing all the switchbacks and got me pumped up for Devils Playground and the rest of the top section.”
What corner challenged you most?“The steep double apex and decreasing radius of Tin Barn. Not only is it mostly blind, it’s one of those turns which has that look to it that makes you want to push it faster, but then it suddenly gets very tight. Once it tightens up if you slow down too much the steepness of the turn punishes you by losing more speed than what you probably were thinking, and trying to accelerate up and out of it is even harder.”
Favorite track? “For track layout, it has to be Sonoma Raceway. For memories and nostalgia, it has to be Buttonwillow Raceway which is what I consider our home track.”
Daily driver? “The Supra used to be my daily driver, but now I’m driving a souped up BMW G82 M4.”
Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has been welcoming competitors from around the world for decades. For the third time, Andrei Mitrasca traveled from Oradea, Romania to Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, a journey which took him nearly halfway around the globe.
Making his rookie debut in the Time Attack 2 division in 2014 behind the wheel of his diesel-powered 2005 SEAT Ibiza Cupra TDI, Mitrasca finished in 7th place with a time of 16:16.014, far short of the diesel record at that time of 14:03.320 set in 2007 by John Hamilton in a 2000 Volkswagen Golf TDi.
He pointed out, “Pikes Peak is the most important hill climb race in the world, and being the first Romanian to ever race here is very special. Someday I want to be on a Pikes Peak podium or break a record.”
Recalling his first year on the mountain, Mitrasca said, “It is simply amazing how much support I received from people like Steve Goeglein who welcomed me into his house like I was his friend from the first time he met me.”
Hoping to better his time the following year, he returned in a 2013 SEAT Ibiza to run in the Time Attack 1 division, however, as often happens on the mountain, the weather was uncooperative and 44 competitors, including Mitrasca, were forced to run a shortened course.
Since 2015, Mitrasca has been busy building driving skills and stepping up to the podium at races in many countries including the 2015 championship in the Romanian Logan Cup, a 2017 front-wheel-drive record at Mt. Washington, and 1st place in A class in Mexico’s 2018 San Pedro Martir Hill Climb.
Prepping for the Big Day
Mitrasca was back on the mountain in 2023 with a 2014 Apexocet – a Chevrolet-powered V8, rear wheel drive, 1750 pound machine entered in the Open Wheel division. He shared, “Richard Tomlin trusted me with his car, no contracts, no pressure, only moral and very good technical support.”
After nearly a week of practice sessions beginning at dawn, and his qualifying time set, Mitrasca named his goals for the race. “I just want to reach the finish line and put in a competitive time. I’m targeting a sub-11-minute run.”
Reaching the Top
Surpassing his goal, finishing fourth in the Open Wheel division, and placing 20th overall, with a time of 10:26.697, Mitrasca was thrilled, “It was amazing to reach the summit in a competitive car! I knew I had the car to go below 10 minutes, but it was way too important to reach the finish line to risk anything.”
Mitrasca elaborated, “I know I can be faster but, for the moment, I am just happy to prove I deserve to be among the drivers accepted to race this year.”
Asked about sponsorship this year, Mitrasca exclaimed, “How unlikely is it to receive sponsorships from a few people in Romania without asking? I thought I was going to pay almost everything myself by going into debt, but Ralph from Dosco Petroservices, and my good friend, Bogdan Toma, among others, really stepped in and made me look like a professional racing driver. I don’t know when, but I will be back!”
GET TO KNOW ANDREI MITRASCA
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“Pikes Peak gave me the chance to know how the authentic Americans are. Passionate, curious, hardworking, generous.”
“Racing saved my life. It gave me the chance to be proud and taught me how to deal with sacrifice, patience, fulfilment, and disappointment. It is the most important thing I’ve done in my life.”
“My favorite music is blues. Especially if there is a slide guitar involved.”
Any Pikes Peak heroes? “Steve Goeglein, Jeff Zwart, Sebastien Loeb”
Favorite Corner: “Elk Park. It is flat out and you see only the sky in front of you.”
What makes the PPIHC different than racing anywhere else? “A lot of things. The fact that you race only once on the entire course, and the change in the weather – multiple times between start and finish and between practice runs, the variety of divisions, the length of the course, almost 20km (12.42 miles), and of course the altitude.”
What keeps you coming back? “When I will be 70 or maybe 80 years old I will look back and I will be able to say ‘I did a few things in my life that I can be proud of.’ I don’t think there is anybody who raced at Pikes Peak and thought he wasted his/her life.”
Favorite Track:“Mt. Washington where I still hold the FWD record.”
Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, Andrei Mitrasca, PPIHC Archives
Colorado Springs, CO – When the names Unser and Pikes Peak are mentioned in the same sentence, the story is bound to be good. Since the earliest days of this iconic motorsports race, the Unser family has brought their talent, grit and character to compete. In June, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed Loni Unser back to Colorado for her second appearance in the Race to the Clouds.
Loni’s Legacy
Three generations preceded her, her great grandfather, Jerry; her grandfather, Jerry Jr., and her father, Johnny – as well as her famous relatives, Al and Bobby Unser. In fact, a dozen members of the Unser family have raced on Pikes Peak. Loni is the second woman from the clan to tackle the 14,115′ summit. Jeri Unser, daughter of the late Bobby Unser, challenged the mountain for the first time in 1998 in the Mini Sprint division in a Wells Coyote finishing in 14:44.52. She returned in 2003 and set a record in an Electric Modified entry.
Loni shared, “I asked my Dad if he could drive me up the mountain after one of my races in Colorado Springs. I wanted to hear all about his experience on the mountain, and I was eager to pick his brain about our family’s history. I can remember looking over the drop-offs and asking him, “Dad how were you not terrified of these drop-offs?” I distinctly remember him looking at me saying, “Your only focus is the road and your next mark, the drop-offs don’t even cross your mind.” I hesitantly accepted his comment, but that day was very special to me because I knew that one day I would be following in his footsteps up that mountain.”
Deep Roots
Beginning in 1929, Jerry Unser, one of three brothers making up the first generation to race up the mountain, began to make his mark. In his rookie year he drove in the Open Wheel division in a Coleman 4WD and completed the 12.42 mile course in 20:42.40. Competing for six more years, Jerry Unser would clock his best time in 1936 in the Jerry Unser Special in 17:14.40. His driving days on Pikes Peak ended, but his legacy as a car builder was just beginning.
Second Generation
In 1955 Jerry Unser, Jr. would make his first appearance on America’s Mountain in the Open Wheel division driving the Coniff Special, #9, finishing in 14:50.60. The following year he returned, this time racing a ’56 Chevy in the Stock Car division, not only clinching the win, but setting a division record of 16:08.00. It was a repeat in 1957 when Jerry Jr., brought his ’57 Unser Ford to Pikes Peak, lowering the Stock Car division record to 15:39.20.
Jerry was the first of the legendary Unser family to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in 1958. Sadly, he died in a practice session crash at the Speedway in 1959. His brothers, Bobby and Al, claimed three and four Indy 500 wins, respectively, where Al was one of only four drivers to earn four wins on the world renowned course.
Third Generation
In 1991, Jerry Jr’s son, Loni’s dad Johnny, made his debut in the one-make Pikes Peak Production class in 1991. Three drivers competed in 1991 Eagle Talons. Johnny, a Pikes Peak rookie, finished second in 14:11.21, just six seconds behind the winner, John Crawford. Johnny returned in a stock car in 1993, a natural gas powered Chevrolet, finishing 7th in his #92 in 12:52.94.
Loni’s Generation
Fourth generation racer, Loni arrived as a rookie competitor in 2022 sporting the Unser #92, in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division, finishing second with a time of 12:55.774. She may have been new to Pikes Peak, but she wasn’t new to racing.
In 2016, Loni completed both the BMW Performance Driving School at Thermal Raceway in Thermal, California and the Acura 3-Day High Performance Course on the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, Ohio.
She continued building her skills in 2017 completing the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association driver development program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, doing spec Miata testing with a variety of coaches including Johnny and Robby Unser, and earning a NASA competition license. The following year she grabbed her first win in WRL endurance racing.
In 2019 she raced in two MX-5 Cup events, as well as a variety of other endurance and spec Miata races. She competed in WRL races in 2020 in a Porsche Boxster with Round3Racing, finishing seven of 11 races on the podium to secure the Eastern Championship.
Loni continued entering and winning WRL events in a Porsche Cayman in 2021. She also competed in the Mazda MX-5 Cup becoming the first woman to finish in the top in 10 back-to-back races at St. Petersburg.
In 2023, Loni drove for Acura in their 2023 Acura Integra, again in her #92. The stylish racecar was wrapped in the livery mirroring Acura’s anime series, Chaiki’s Journey II, which featured a racing family legacy on Pikes Peak, including a daughter who championed the mountain.
When asked what records she may have her eye on, Loni smiled and commented, “My sights are set on becoming the second Queen of the Mountain – behind Michѐle Mouton, and continuing my family’s winning legacy on the mountain.”
GET TO KNOW LONI UNSER
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I think the most important thing I want fans to know is that 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.”
“I think one of the reasons I love Pikes Peak so much is because I grew up in the mountains of Idaho. As a kid, I spent my time exploring the backcountry so racing up Pikes Peak feels like the perfect combination of the two things I love the most. I’d also really like to mountain bike down the side of Pikes Peak at some point!”
“The first time I ever tested on the top section there were marmots lining the road on the first corner as if they were watching a show. It was the funniest thing I’d ever seen.”
Favorite Corner: “The left-hander leading into the Picnic Grounds, because it’s a lot faster than you think it is.”
Favorite Section:“My favorite section is the top. Not a lot of things in this world can compare to driving the top section at full speed.”
If you could drive any vehicle from your family’s history on Pikes Peak, what would it be? “I’d love to drive the Audi Sport Quattro SL. Watching videos of my Uncle Bobby drive it up Pikes Peak in the dirt and win King of the Mountain is so cool to me.”
Good luck charms or superstitions? “For my 19th birthday, I received one of the coolest gifts from my Dad. He handed me a coin necklace. The coin itself doesn’t hold very much actual value, but sentimentally it is worth the whole world to me. When my Dad was racing the Indianapolis 500 twenty-some years ago, he had a fan come up to him and hand him this 1918 quarter and said, ‘I would like for you to have this, I found it in the corner your father was killed. Take it as good luck.’ From that day forward my Dad carried this quarter in his pocket every single race he ran. Ever since he gave it to me as a necklace I have worn it every single race I have run in as well. If you see me on the mountain, ask to see it! I will surely be wearing it.”
Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, PPIHC Archives
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, brings together a host of elite drivers, each with a story to tell. Meet Kendall Samuel and Mary Barker owners of Mechanical Advantage Racing in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. However, their story begins a bit further west.
A Colorado native, Samuel attended the Colorado School of Mines earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering where a class visit from veteran PPIHC racer, Dan Novembre and a racecar wing design project, set Samuel on the winding road to Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. “I began racing cars at High Plains Raceway in college in SCCA events,” stated Samuel, “and I always wanted to do Pikes Peak.”
With his first taste of racing action as a spectator from Devils Playground in 2014, Samuel was hooked, recalling, “One of the racers, I believe it was Mark Rennison, unfortunately broke the gearbox in his white Ford RS200 and had to park in our spectator area. I talked to him for a while explaining that I wanted to do this as well. He pushed me to work hard and pursue it…and here we are.”
Samuel’s racing highlights include 3rd overall in the 2018 Gridlife season Unlimited Class; 4th overall in the 2023 Gridlife season Track Modified Class; and an impressive 1st in the 2021 SCCA Time Trials Unlimited Class CMP, to name a few. His work experience at Honda of America, and in turbo charger development for BorgWarner Turbo Systems, when he relocated to North Carolina, enhanced his automotive knowledge allowing him to partner his passion for racing with his expertise in engineering. He spent 10 years developing and testing prototype systems for his Subaru Impreza to find the optimal combination.
An Asheville, NC native, Mary Barker shared, “We met through the shop. I bought a Subaru, but I’d always run trucks. When I had a problem with the car I posted on Facebook and he messaged me. That was it. He’s taught me all about racing and Subarus. I quit my job and joined him at the shop. We’ve been together three years.”
The Build
Samuel designed and built the car, a 2000 Subaru Impreza with Barker’s help, pointing out, “Pikes Peak was the first race for this car. We applied to race and were notified at the end of January that we had been accepted. We had a nearly identical car that we’d been racing, but wanted to improve on it for our Pikes Peak debut.
It was a bare shell on April 3. No roll cage. No fuel cell. So, we finished up our customer projects, closed the shop and worked on the car until June. It’s just Mary and I who operate the shop, so while our expenses went way up, our income went way down!
We finished the car and left North Carolina the first week of June to arrive for the second weekend of testing on the mountain. Then we spent some time testing at High Plains. Having grown up in Longmont, I knew the dyno shops and were able to get the engine tuned right for the elevation.”
Tech Ready
o All Wheel Drive
o 99in Wheelbase
o 3100lbs
o Subaru 2.3L Turbo
o Fueled by E85
o 500 hp
o Overhead Cam
Samuel further shared, “We have painted the car an incredibly beautiful color, ‘Blue Ridge Pearl’ an OEM Subaru color. This was a perfect choice for us since we constructed the car while living in the Blue Ridge mountains.”
Qualifying Nemesis: Engineers Corner
When asked about his favorite corner on Pikes Peak, Samuel was quick to describe his least favorite, explaining, “We’d put a new pedal box into the car that I’d never used. Approaching Engineers, my front wheels locked up and I ended up roasting my clutch to save it.
I was towed to Halfway and thought I might be done for the week, but I asked the tow truck driver if he had some tools I could borrow. He did and I worked on the car right there in the trees and got it repaired. I had no aero since we had to ditch the splitter for easier loading in case we had to have it towed on a flatbed. I was cleared to return to the pits and made my qualifying run.”
A Wealth of Mentors
When asked who mentored the first-time team on Pikes Peak, Samuel was quick to reply, “Who didn’t! Everybody was so good. Almost everyone on the mountain was coming up to us and offering advice. Derek Boyd who lives close to us in North Carolina was also really helpful with the upper section. Matus Huska, Dan and Trevor Aweida, and David Hackl – that group was just there for us the whole time. David Hackl stopped on the side of the road after Friday’s practice and helped us change the wheel bearing on the trailer so we could make it to Fan Fest. He took so much time, showed us how to do it – it was just ridiculously kind. He deserves some kind of medal for that.”
Rookie Run
Samuel strapped in behind the wheel for his Sunday run, but despite being plagued by overheating he was able to coax enough out of the car to cross the finish line in 11:40.859 in the highly competitive Unlimited division. He used an analogy to describe the race, “It’s like going from high school to college.”
She Said Yes!
Samuel shared his idea to propose to Barker during the race, a plan he began crafting as soon as he found out he would be competing. “Before we started the build, I had the ring. She was selflessly helping me achieve this dream of mine. That’s a quality everyone wants in a lifelong partner.
Barker pointed out, “I didn’t know Kendall asked my dad for permission to marry me at the Start Line – three cars before he ran. When he got back down to the pits after the race, the car was smoking. I instantly threw up the hood to check it out and didn’t know he was standing behind me with a ring.”
“Though pretty much everyone in my life was cheering me on from the sidelines, Mary was in the garage helping knock out the massive to do list to make sure we were ready and made it to the race,” shared Samuel. “Without her help there would be no race.”
A Much Tougher Mountain to Climb
For all the excitement of race preparation, planning for the month of June, the successful finish on Race Day, and the unexpected marriage proposal on the mountain, there has been a shadow over their lives since last fall. Barker began experiencing health symptoms that pointed to something serious and doctors began running tests. “When we drove out to Colorado in June we were fully prepared to return home if a doctor told us that needed to happen,” Barker recalled. “I just got a definitive diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma and will begin chemotherapy soon which is scheduled to last through February.” Samuel says he’s moving the simulator from the shop to the house so Mary can practice on it during her treatment.
Sights Set on the Summit
Undeterred, Barker is gaining experience behind the wheel herself, racing the Pikes Peak car in Gridlife’s Track Battle event at Lime Rock Park in August. She’s also planning to attack some regional Appalachian HillClimb events, and hopes someday soon to match Kendall’s feat of conquering the mountain at Pikes Peak. The pair hope to become regular competitors in the PPIHC in the years to come, but first Mary has her own mountain to climb. As she begins cancer treatment and battles the disease, the racing community will be behind her every step of the way.
GET TO KNOW KENDALL SAMUEL
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I love mountain biking and travelling almost as much as racing!”
“I didn’t come from racing or get into the sport with any guidance. It’s been a long haul and a learning process to get where I am, but its been worth it. I hope everyone who has the desire to pursue motorsport in any capacity takes that to heart and just gives it their best shot. Worst case you’ll learn something, and likely meet great people along the way!”
“I always want to do everything myself. It’s rare I purchase things or pay for labor. I have to do everything myself!”
The Zoolander “Blue Steel” character on your car:“We have several race cars – our first was named Slum Dog – when we got this car, which is almost identical, we used Blue Steel since the car was blue. – ‘Everyone knows me by ‘one look’, but I’ve got several.'”
Biggest Race Day Challenge: “The Upper Section”
Favorite Section:“For me, the lower section. It’s weirdly flowing and technical. I felt like I could push pretty hard there since it wasn’t overly scary. It was similar to the simulator. The upper section was not even close. The bumps in the road were impossible to duplicate.”
Good luck charms or superstitions? “Not really. I tend to trust my gut.”
Advice for PPIHC Rookies? “Focus on safety equipment. It’s a no brainer and it’s so critical. Scope the mountain as much as you can. This event is so different. Typically races are so ego-driven, but here, everyone is so helpful and we made friends. No one is competing with each other, they’re competing with the mountain. Take advantage of the fact that everyone is willing to help out. Ask for help. Ask questions. Get to know people. We made some lasting friendships.”
Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao, Matt Barker, Mary Barker, Kendall Samuel
ROAD SCHOLAR’S CAM INGRAM SHOWCASES PORSCHE ON PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has hosted drivers from around the world, and from coast to coast. Cam Ingram has traveled from Durham, NC to Colorado Springs, Colorado for the past three years to take part in the annual Race to the Clouds.
As the owner of Road Scholars, Ingram’s expertise lies in restoring and servicing investment grade and concours-winning Porsches, returning them to precise historical authenticity. In 2011, Ingram restored a 1950 Porsche Gmund Coupe to showcase at Pebble Beach, where it was awarded Best in Class. Ingram shared that one of his favorite driving experiences was a 72 mile cruise up the coast from Pebble Beach, with his mother, in his 1960 Porsche Carrera Abarth in 2019.
While some may feel more comfortable with one-of-a-kind collectible cars safely parked in the garage, Ingram feels they are tools that are meant to do a job and should be driven.
Rookie Run
Ingram’s first year on the mountain ended with a weather-shortened run to the 16 Mile marker. He finished second in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy division in his 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
In 2022, Ingram was back on the mountain behind the wheel of his Clubsport clocking an 11:22.691 in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy division.
Despite a second year of clouds, fog and uncooperative weather, Ingram finished a full course run to the summit in 2022 earning the division win.
Spec-Division to Pikes Peak Open
After two years in the one-make Porsche division, Ingram jumped to Pikes Peak Open and the Emotion Porsche, explaining, “I had an incredible experience racing in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division in 2021 and 2022.”
“Racing the Porsche GT4 Clubsport taught me how to drive the mountain in a momentum car and fully understand all the subtle complexities of the different sections of the course. It was also a challenging division because everyone is racing the same spec GT4 with Yokohama Advan A052 tires and no one has a performance edge over the other competitors. Jeff Zwart, who coached the division since its inception, was a difference-maker.”
“I made the decision to graduate to the Pikes Peak Open division and race the Emotion Porsche GT3R TT this year after my successful run in 2022. Going from a Cayman CS with 425hp and DOT approved race tires to a 911 GT3R Twin Turbo with 1,000hp on Yokohama race slicks was like going from riding a bicycle to a motorcycle. I had to adapt my racing line with a big horsepower car, much more mechanical grip, and everything happening at a much faster pace. It was a serious learning curve for me and a testament to Joey Seely and his Emotion Engineering team of how good the GT3R TT is to drive. Rhys Millen was very helpful with his feedback on the GT3R TT that he won with last year, and, his knowledge of the mountain.”
Race Prep ’23
“It was a tough year to adapt to a new car. We had limited practice time because of the inclement weather during the month of June. I had to be methodical and hyper conservative in practice sessions. It was my first time on slicks on the mountain and most of the time we were dealing with frozen temperatures.”
Personal Best
After the move to the highly competitive Pikes Peak Open division for his third appearance on the mountain, Ingram practiced and qualified well. On race day he clocked his best finish time, a 10:43.476, claiming sixth in the fifteen driver field.
Asked what draws him back to competition in the Race to the Clouds, Ingram shared, “I love the history of Hill Climb events in Europe and Porsche’s success story with those events. Pikes Peak is one of the last and truly-grueling hill climb events left in the world. It’s a challenge in every way,” he continued, “and, as we all know, the mountain decides.”
Look for Ingram and Road Scholars this weekend at Rennsport Reunion 7 at WeatherTech Raceway in Laguna Seca, CA, along with other PPIHC race cars and drivers.
GET TO KNOW CAM INGRAM
Three Things For Fans To Know:
“My French Bulldog, Major, is my mascot and always present on my race cars. He’s a tough, lovable, and resilient little guy. He reminds me to not take life too seriously and enjoy the ride.”
“The first car I ever drove was a 1976 Lincoln Continental Mk IV Cartier Edition when I was three years old. My parents left me alone in the car and I pulled down on the column shifter and ran into the closed garage door of our home. From a young age, I wanted to drive.”
“My daily driver is a 1994 BMW 328i with a lot of upgraded M3 parts. I affectionately call it my Faux Three.”
Why do you race #9?“Growing up, I was a big fan of Ted Williams and always admired his work ethic in baseball. He also had great messages about compassion and the human condition. Number #9 is dedicated to his example and is my lucky number.”
Favorite Corner: “Cog Cut”
Most Challenging:“The Upper Section”
Advice for PPIHC Rookies?“Watch countless hours of YouTube videos of past races from different eras. I like to watch Rhys Millen, Jeff Zwart, David Donner, David Donohue, and Raphaël Astier. I recommend living in Colorado for the entire month of June and driving the mountain every day in a rental car. I still get out of the car to walk many of the corners and do a lot of mental visualization exercises.”
If you could race any car up the mountain, what would it be?
“It would definitely be the Peugeot 208 T16 that Sebastien Loeb drove in 2013. Everything about that program, car, and driver was unbelievable!”
Favorite Track:“Virginia International Raceway or Mid-Ohio”
Photos by: Larry Chen, Louis Yio, Luis Garcia, Leif Bergerson, Cam Ingram
Colorado Springs, CO – Race fans from around the world will converge on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain on Sunday, June 23 for the iconic Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.Tickets for race day, practice/qualifying days and overnight camping are available now.
To celebrate, we’re holding a fun giveaway for the eager ticket buyers. Anyone purchasing tickets within the first 24 hours (Dec 1, 12:01am – 11:59pm) is entered for a chance to win a $100 credit at our merch store! Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, December 4th. Terms and Conditions apply.
Anyone purchasing a Camping Permit must also buy the corresponding Race Day Family Pack Ticket for that area and the number of people per vehicle.
With tickets selling out in advance the past two years, be sure to purchase yours early and don’t miss out on catching the action in person. And remember, race tickets make an ideal holiday gift!
