Category: Race News

FIVE FEMALE PHENOMS SET SIGHTS ON THE 14,115′ FINISH LINE IN 2024 PPIHC

Colorado Springs, CO — In anticipation of the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, and in celebration of International Women’s Day, meet the five women challenging Pikes Peak in June. Three experienced PPIHC drivers will be joined by two first-timers on America’s Mountain this summer.

Melissa Eickhoff, PPIHC Executive Director, appreciates all roles women play in the motorsports arena, including the PPIHC administrative offices. “Our staff of five is comprised of three women, Alex Urban, our event manager and competitor liaison, Lisa Haight, our communication manager and historian, and myself. Beyond that, we are pleased to have Marla Wiseman, our event registrar in that role as she brings more than 30 years of experience. We are also fortunate to have many competent and knowledgeable women on the mountain during race activities, like Alyssa Bush in race control. We truly celebrate every role women play, from our safety workers and race officials, to our Board members and volunteers.”

Meet the Veterans

Kathryn Mead

Kathryn Mead of Santa Fe, NM, has raced on America’s Mountain for the past four years, and is slated to make her fifth appearance in June. Mead initially entered the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division in 2020 in her 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport wrapped with a bold livery she designed. She finished third in the one-make division and was awarded 2020 Rookie of the Year honors. In 2020, she was the sole woman entered in the race. She returned to the same division in 2021 and again, claimed third place.

Mead moved to the Time Attack 1 division in 2022 and 2023 and set a personal best time in 2023 of 10:53.074. She is currently the fastest woman on four wheels to ever race on Pikes Peak, edging out the 2018 time set by Belgium’s Vanina Ickx of 10:54.901.

In 2024, Mead returns to the Time Attack 1 division in her eye-catching #50 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

Laura Hayes

Laura Hayes of Greenville, SC returns for her third year of competition on Pikes Peak. She first experienced the 156 turns in 2020 when she was asked by BMW to drive their M8 Competition Coupe, leading the post-race Parade of Champions from the summit back to the Start Line. She returned to race a BMW M2 Competition in the Time Attack 1 division in 2021 and 2022. In both events, all competitors’ efforts were hampered by adverse weather, leaving many, including Hayes, with unfinished business on the mountain.

Hayes has entered a 2022 Toyota Supra GT4 (pictured below) in the inaugural Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division and looks forward to clear skies and a strong performance. Hayes offered words of encouragement to other women interested in building a career in motorsports, “My life has changed since racing Pikes Peak and it’s all because I took a chance on myself. Do it. You won’t regret it.”

Loni Unser

Sun Valley, Idaho’s Loni Unser, of the famed Unser racing family, first raced on Pikes Peak in 2022 in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division finishing in second place. She returned in 2023 driving for Acura in their 2023 Integra. The unique livery, a nod to their “Chiaki’s Journey” anime film series caught the attention of fans around the world. Unser recorded her personal best time of 11:34.709 in the Acura model in the Exhibition division.

She is scheduled to race the BBI-built and prepped 2015 Porsche GT3 Turbo Cup (pictured below at the 2024 Amelia Concours) in the Pikes Peak Open division in 2024. Unser shared advice for women interested in pursing a career in motorsports, “Work hard, and don’t be afraid of being uncomfortable. Nothing good comes from staying in your comfort zone.”

Welcome the Rookies

Mary Barker

Mary Barker of Hendersonville, NC will take her first run up the mountain in 2024 in her 2000 Subaru Impreza GC8 in the Unlimited division. Barker has battled cancer for the past year and looks forward to getting back to Colorado and taking on the 14,115′ summit.

In 2023, Barker experienced the race as a crew member for her fiancé, Kendall Samuel, and will compete in the car he drove (pictured below). Samuel is also returning to Pikes Peak this year in his like-model Subaru GC8.

Ryan Cheek

Ryan Cheek also hails from North Carolina and has entered a 2021 American X Kart in the Open Wheel division. She has competed in NASA, SCCA and hill climb events. The X Kart was last raced on Pikes Peak by Johan Schwartz in 2021 in the Exhibition division (pictured below).

Cheek and her team raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, by Racing for ALS in honor of her father. Look for her to make her mark on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in June.

102nd Running of the Race to the Clouds

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Tickets On Sale Now!

Lisa Haight, Communications Manager / Historian

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

YELLOW DEVIL CAPTIVATES JUDGES AND ENTHUSIASTS AT 2024 AMELIA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Colorado Springs, CO — The storied history of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, was on display recently at the Amelia Concours d’Elegance, known in concours circles simply as The Amelia. One of the most spectacular and crowd pleasing entries was the #16 Broadmoor Special, known since its early racing days on Pikes Peak as “The Yellow Devil”.

The 1918 Pierce Arrow, one of several models owned by Spencer Penrose, founder of the PPIHC, was converted to a race car to challenge the 156 turns and driven by Harry McMillin in 1922 and 1926, and by Angelo Cimino from 1927 through 1932. The best time for the Yellow Devil was in 1932 when it finished in 19:59.9. It’s remarkable that this race car reached the summit every year it raced on Pikes Peak.

The color, “Coach Yellow” was a special mix made for Mr. Penrose. Other notable features of the car include it’s 4,300lb weight, and the fact that it was entirely stock when it raced, with the exception of three carburetors. It made 150 horsepower and rode on wooden wheels.

Former competitor and PPIHC Hall of Famer, Frank Peterson, along with his wife, Kaye and two generations of his family restored the car to running condition in his Lakewood Manufacturing machine shop near Denver. The project was completed in time for the car to be part of the 100th Anniversary celebration in 2016 – the race Mr. Penrose launched a century before.

The award-winning car is on exhibit in Colorado Springs at Penrose Heritage Museum.

The Amelia, based in Amelia Island, Florida was created by the public relations team at the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton and Bill Warner, a Jacksonville, FL native and successful automotive photographer, journalist and driver. Hagerty acquired the prestigious brand in 2021. The March event marked the 29th year of this premier automotive showcase.

Matt Ordendac, Vice Chairman for the Hagerty Concours, shared, “To host this Pikes Peak Class was a labor of love and a dream come true. The all-star cast, including Jeff Zwart, Fred Veitch and David Donohue who shared their personal experiences made it so special and relatable.”

For the first time, a Cars of Pikes Peak class was featured at The Amelia, preceded by a well-attended panel discussion and film night moderated by PPIHC competitor, Ray Evernham. Jeff Zwart, PPIHC Hall of Famer, screened several short films that creatively told the unique story of racing on America’s Mountain, including the classic Climb Dance with Ari Vatanen behind the wheel of a Peugeot, Ken Block’s Climbkhana, which Zwart co-directed, and the teaser for the Race to the Clouds – 100 Years in the Making documentary film.

Seven-time PPIHC competitor, David Donohue, and competitor and PPIHC Board Chairman, Fred Veitch, rounded out the panel sharing stories and insight into what has drawn competitors from around the world to race to the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak year after year.

The Yellow Devil was awarded the Hagerty Drivers Foundation Automotive Heritage Award. PPIHC Race Director, Randy Ruyle and Board Chairman, Fred Veitch, dressed in vintage attire, accepted the trophy. “Amelia was a rare opportunity to present the Yellow Devil and a handful of winning Pikes Peak cars to a vast and diverse group of automotive enthusiasts,” explained Fred Veitch. “Many were surprised and delighted to learn not only does Penrose’s car still exist, but that it runs and was at The Amelia.”

The Best in Class award was bestowed on the Speedway Chevrolet, courtesy of the Museum of American Speed. Robby Unser drove the car to an Open Wheel division record of 10:05.85 in 1994. “Everyone here at the Museum of American Speed was ecstatic to learn that our record-setting ‘Winged Wonder’ was chosen as Best in Class at The Amelia. The 1994 Robbie Unser Pikes Peak Open Wheel Racer signifies an important era in our history when racing on Sunday really equated to selling parts on Monday,” explained Tim Matthews, Museum Curator. “Setting the record in 1994 not only signifies a great triumph for racing endeavors, it highlights a relationship we have had with the Unser family dating back nearly 40 years. The Unser family is one of the legendary families in automotive racing history and are excited about our recent merger with the Unser Racing Museum so we can continue telling their story of winning for generations to come, like we did at Amelia.”

From 2017 through 2019, Peter Cunningham raced the Acura TLX GT on Pikes Peak and won the Pikes Peak Open division every time. His best time was in 2019 when he clocked a 09:24.433 for a division record. The Acura was honored with this Amelia Class Award.

Ray Evernham’s 1936 Chevrolet Sedan “The Ghost” also received an Amelia Class Award. Evernham entered his first PPIHC in 2019 easily capturing a win in the Exhibition division in 10:11.334.

The #59 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport, in this Brumos Racing livery, won the Time Attack 1 division on Pikes Peak for the past two years.

Driver, David Donohue explained, “This was my first time at Amelia and it was great to see so many Pikes Peak friends before June. Seeing the Broadmoor Special alongside Robby Unser’s open wheel car and our Brumos Porsche really highlighted the diversity and creativity found at the Peak.”

The immediately recognizable Audi Sport Quattro driven to victory on Pikes Peak in 1985 was also among the entries. France’s Michele Mouton set a course record of 11:25.39 on Pikes Peak in the Rally division, making her the overall winner and only Queen of the Mountain.

Layne Schranz presented his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Schranz, a second-generation racer on Pikes Peak competed for 29 years, first on a quad, and later in the Stock Car and Pikes Peak Open divisions. Schranz captured multiple division titles. His best time on the mountain was a 09:40.630 set in this car in 2019 in the Pikes Peak Open division.

Mobil 1 and BBI gave a sneak peak of the #92 Porsche that fourth-generation Loni Unser will drive in the 2024 PPIHC. Unser is set to compete in the Pikes Peak Open division in this 2015 Porsche GT3 Turbo Cup.

Lisa Haight, Communications Manager / Historian

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

2024 CONTINGENCY PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR PPIHC

We are shifting into high gear in preparation for the 2024 Race to the Clouds as we eagerly wait to welcome sponsors, fans and race teams and media from around the world.

As part of our effort to shine the spotlight on our brand partners, we offer a contingency program. Contingency is a great way to place your brand with competitors, showcase your logo to race fans, and/or support an award with cash and product. And we’re here to help customize a program that best meets your objectives.

Let us hear from you about how you’d like to be a part of this exciting opportunity for the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. We’d like to have all programs in place by April 1.

From the snowy summit of America’s Mountain at 14,115’,

Melissa Eickhoff, Executive Director

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

melissa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

VISIT PIKES PEAK

RACING IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

Colorado Springs, CO – Race fans will flock to Colorado Springs in June to witness the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Motorsport competition on Pikes Peak dates back to 1916 and its popularity has increased annually.

The Pikes Peak Region has been a tourist destination from its early days. The mild climate, blue skies and natural beauty draw visitors looking for adventure and relaxation. If you’re planning to visit Colorado Springs for the Race to the Clouds, be sure to check out some of our favorite spots!

VISIT DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS FOR FAN FEST

Fan Fest presented by Toyo Tires is the largest and most popular street festival in Downtown Colorado Springs. This free, family-friendly street party is packed with Pikes Peak International Hill Climb drivers and their racecars, including the Fast 15 qualifiers, presented by OPTIMA Batteries. It’s the best place ever to get autographs from and pictures with your favorites.

Take time to explore the shops, find great Colorado souvenirs, grab a bite or a brew, and enjoy all the outdoor artwork. A stop at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a must!

Check out all the events in Colorado Springs.

PENROSE HERITAGE MUSEUM

Immerse yourself in over a century of racing on Pikes Peak at Penrose Heritage Museum. A tribute to Spencer and Julie Penrose, this free museum showcases not only racing history, but vintage carriages and more. Mr. Penrose built the Pikes Peak Highway, created the famous race and owned The Broadmoor Hotel. As a philanthropist, Penrose left a legacy through El Pomar Foundation that has enhanced, encouraged and promoted the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.

PIKES PEAK – AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

Want to drive the same road that racers have been climbing for more than 100 years? Visit Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and drive the 20 miles to the Summit. Along the way, you’ll pass the race Start Line, just 7 miles past the entry Gateway. Look for the long straightaway at Halfway Picnic Grounds where race day speeds easily exceed 100 mph. (Remember, these speeds are for racers only…others must drive at the posted speed limit.) Stop in at historic Glen Cove Inn and then get ready to travel above the treetops as you come to Devils Playground. The view from the Summit Visitor Center will take your breath away…or maybe it’s the 14,115′ elevation…or a combination of both.

PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the most unique way to view the grandeur of Pikes Peak. Established in 1891, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been a visitor favorite for more than 100 years. Visitors will experience an 8,000′ elevation gain through four climate zones on new state-of-the art trains. Learn how this engineering marvel pulls itself up the mountain on the rack rail. Watch for wildlife including moose, bear, bighorn sheep and the comical yellow-bellied marmot. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the highest cog railway in the world. (P.S. Don’t forget your camera!)

OVERDRIVE RACEWAY

Enjoy some time behind the wheel at Overdrive Raceway, a two-story, two track, indoor karting venue. Grab a bite, watch the latest sports, join a racing league or schedule a corporate or team-building event.

MANITOU SPRINGS

Take some time to discover Manitou Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak. Dozens of shops, great restaurants, and fun for the whole family! Everyone will love the Penny Arcade and the famous Patsy’s Candies. Ready to conquer the mountain? Start with the Manitou Incline and then conquer Barr Trail, (not for beginners), which leads to the Summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.

WOODLAND PARK

Travel a bit further west to the city of Woodland Park, gateway to the mountains and explore the great outdoors by hiking, mountain biking and fishing at Rampart Reservoir. It may seem unlikely to find dinosaurs in the mountain, but they’re on display at The Dinosaur Resource Center. Visit Cripple Creek and the historic gold mining district. Museums, dining and casino action await you.

You’ve got to get to Colorado Springs to start enjoying all it has to offer. Travel with ease via the Colorado Springs Airport and experience the speed and convenience of a small airport, making your journey memorable from start to finish. Your adventure begins here at the Colorado Springs Airport. For more information visit FlyCOS.com.

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

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

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

HALL OF FAME EDITION

LOUIS UNSER FIRST DRIVER INDUCTED TO PPIHC HALL OF FAME

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has a long and storied history dating back to the early days of the twentieth century. Drivers and riders, race organizers, promoters, officials and ambassadors who have left their indelible mark on this iconic race have been enshrined in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame beginning with the inaugural group of six members in 1997.

The first driver to be inducted, notably with a racing history dating back to 1926, was Louis Unser, also known by “Uncle Louie” as he was referred to by his four nephews, Jerry, Louis J., Bobby and Al Unser, and “The Old Man of the Mountain” as it was rumored that after being told he was too old to race, at age 71, he claimed to have paid his entry fee with his Social Security check.

Unser competed for decades capturing nine King of the Mountain crowns and notching six overall course records. His accomplishments on Pikes Peak made him a legend and paved the way for the next generation in this racing family.

Before the Race Began

Full of adventure, the Unser brothers, Jerry, Louis and Joe took the first motorcycle sidecar to the summit of Pikes Peak in 2 hours, 15 minutes on September 12, 1915. At the time, the existing carriage road to the top of the mountain was being improved by Colorado Springs businessman and creator of the race, Spencer Penrose. The inaugural race would be contested the following year, during three days in August, 1916.

Roaring into the ’20s

Unser first entered a Studebaker in the Open Wheel division in 1926, but would score a DNF on his rookie run. His brother, Joe, also entered, and claimed second place. The following year, behind the wheel of a Paige, Louis would finish 4th with a time of 20:37.00. Again, Joe finished second. In 1928, Unser would drive the Graham Paige Special (pictured below) to a 5th place finish. His brother Joe bested him again, claiming second.

Joe and Louis were back in 1929, along with brother, Jerry, when Joe captured his familiar second place spot. Louis finished 5th, followed by Jerry in 6th. By the end of the 1920s, Louis Unser would shave more than a minute from his finish times, clocking a 19:34.00 in 1929. All three brothers drove cars backed by the Coleman Truck Company that year.

Thriving in the ’30s

Unser would race in the Open Wheel division every year during the 1930s with the exception of 1935 when Spencer Penrose relinquished the lease on the highway. Chevrolet took that opportunity to use the road as a proving ground for their heavy-duty trucks.

Louis would claim the overall win five times and set three course records during this decade, the first in 1934 with a time of 16:01.80.

In 1938 and 1939, Unser proved he was a force to be reckoned with when he earned back-to-back course records in 15:49.90 and 15:39.40, respectively. Unser was the first to record a time under 16 minutes.

More Success in the ’40s

In 1940, Unser entered the Indianapolis 500, but failed to qualify. Back on Pikes Peak, he would take second that same year behind rival, Al Rogers. In 1941, driving the #42 Burd Special Miller, he claimed another win and overall course record of 15:35.20.

The race was suspended from 1942 through 1945 as World War II made headlines. When auto racing returned to Pikes Peak in 1946, Unser picked up where he left off by clocking a new course record of 15:28.70. This was the first of four consecutive years that Unser would compete in a Maserati 8. Perhaps his most spectacular finish of the decade came in 1949 when he spun out just before the checkered flag, and backed across the finish line. He finished second, just 12 seconds behind Al Rogers.

Federal Engineering in the ’50s

Unser would race for Federal Engineering for seven years during the 1950s. They felt strongly about his talent and built a $32,000 race car (approximately $370,000 today) designed specifically for Pikes Peak. He raced the open wheeler for three years with podium finishes second and third before doing what most thought impossible in 1953. At the age of 57, Unser smashed his own course record, one that many believed to be unbeatable. With a time of 15:15.40 he had shaved 13 seconds from the overall mark.

It’s interesting to note that with the arrival of his nephews on Pikes Peak in the 1950s, Unser’s times remained fast, but not as fast as those of the next generation. In 1955 Louis’s time was 15:24.40, only good enough for 11th place behind Bob Finney who won in 14:27.20. Three members of the next Unser clan would best Louis in the Open Wheel division that year.

Stock Cars in the ’60s

For the first half of the decade, Unser continued to compete in the Open Wheel division. In 1966 he made a move to the Stock Car division and the Oldsmobile Toronado, which was popular at the time. Finishing in fourth place on Race Day in 15:51.70, Unser would race one more year. At the age of 71, he ended his days of competition on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, but not his involvement with the race.

Unser became the Official Pace Car Ambassador and driver from 1971-1974, and is pictured below with the 1971 AMC Javelin Pace Car at the Summit of Pikes Peak.

Looking to the Past

Unser and his wife, Mildred, made their home in Cascade, Colorado where they lived since the late 1940s. They could see the famous Pikes Peak Highway from their living room window. Operating a machine shop for many years in downtown Colorado Springs, Unser’s connection to the racing community remained strong as he advised fellow racers, machined parts and offered brake lining services. Michael Collins, long-time Colorado Springs resident, retired architect, and winner of the PPIHC Sports Car Group 3 Class in 1960 shared, “As a kid, I visited that shop with my dad. It wasn’t just a machine shop, they did brake work too. Louis was the magnet that drew people to that shop. Many years later, I bought that building, and if you know where to look, you can still see the old machine shop sign.”

Remembering a Remarkable Man

Louis Unser was born in Alton, Illinois in 1896. He raced 37 times on Pikes Peak, captured 9 overall wins and set six course records. He shared his huge smile and love of the event wherever he went. Unser passed away in Colorado Springs in 1979 at the age of 83. His devoted wife, Millie, died in 2002 at the age of 95 in Colorado Springs.

Photos by: PPIHC Archives, Stan DeGeer, PPIHC Staff

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org