Category: Race News

LONI UNSER

OF LEGACY RACING FAMILY

INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION

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

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

KENDALL SAMUEL

A ROOKIE YEAR TO REMEMBER

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

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 28, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

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

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 21, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

PPIHC’S ROBB HOLLAND

CHASES GT AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP

Colorado Springs, CO – The second oldest auto race in the USA, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomes drivers from around the world, across the nation, and right here in Colorado. Among those local heroes is Boulder, Colorado’s Robb Holland who has raced on Pikes Peak since 2016.

Before he strapped into a race seat on Pikes Peak, Holland pedaled his way to the summit as a professional cyclist, sharing, “I actually raced for a number of years on the US circuit prior to switching to motorsports full-time. I grew up watching the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Never did I think I would have a chance to actually race in it.”

Rookie Run

Holland first competed on Pikes Peak in the 100th Anniversary race in 2016 in the Time Attack 1 division with his 2014 Audi TTRS finishing notably in 4th place with a time of 10:56.878 and setting a front-wheel-drive record that stood for two years.

Attacking the Course

In 2017, Holland returned to the TA 1 division this time in a Corvette Z06, clocking a nearly identical time. He crossed the finish line in 10:55.166 which was impressive considering this was a salvage-titled Corvette that was prepared in less than 90 days.

Holland launched from the start line in 2019, but scored a disappointing DNF in his Audi S3 running in the Time Attack 1 division.

Moving to the Unlimited division in 2020, Holland brought his Audi back to the mountain, finishing 5th in 10:51.423.

Weather Woes

In 2021, all drivers were disappointed when the course was shortened due to rough weather and ice on the upper section forcing them to finish at the 16 mile marker. Holland presented a new car in 2022 for the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds, a 2022 Porsche GT4 RS Clubsport entered in the Time Attack 1 division, with high hopes for a quick time. Plagued by thick fog, cold temps and a wet track, drivers were able to race to the summit and did their best to put on a show for the fans, but record-setting runs were not in the cards.

In 2023 the skies were clear, the sun was out, and Holland laid down his personal best time, 10:37.499, behind the wheel of his Porsche in the Pikes Peak Open division.

When PPIHC organizers announced a new GT4 division for 2024, Holland was excited about the news, “We are really looking forward to running the GT4 division next year. It’s such a great class of race cars that are nearly identical to the road cars. I think we could see some more great cars and drivers on the hill next year.”

GET TO KNOW ROBB HOLLAND

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I am originally from New York, but I’ve been living in Colorado for almost 4 decades.” 

“My nephew is an automotive photographer and has been shooting for me at Pikes Peak for the past four years. It’s always fun to see the next generation with a passion for cars and motorsports.”

“I’m a professional SIM racer.”

Motorsports Highlights:

• Factory driver for Volvo and Dodge
• 2014 – First American driver since Dan Gurney in the British Touring Car Championship 
• Co-owner of Rotek Racing in Nurburg, Germany
• Advocate for diversity in motorsports
• Automotive journalist for outlets including Jalopnik, Road & Track, and Grassroots Motorsports
• Racing a full season in the GT America series in 2023

Favorite Corner:

“Cog Cut, because I know if I’ve made it that far I’m pretty good to the finish.”

Most Challenging: “Bottomless Pit – No explanation needed.”

Advise for PPIHC Rookies? “If you’ve raced in other forms of motorsport, forget everything you may have learned to this point. Pikes Peak is a completely different beast. The biggest mistake I made as a rookie was thinking since I already had over a decade of racing experience I knew exactly what to expect. That couldn’t have been further from the truth.” 

Favorite Track: “The Nurburgring”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Nathan Leach-Proffer, Louis Yio, Corey Davis, Jason Zindroski

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Communications Manager / Historian

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 14, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

TYLER PAPPAS RECEIVES 2023 PPIHC ALCON BRAKES NO HOLDING BACK AWARD

Colorado Springs, CO – The second oldest auto race in the USA, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has beckoned competitors for more than 100 years to the 12.42 mile high altitude course. Determined drivers willing to do what it takes not only to receive the coveted invitation to compete, but to complete the grueling week-long event successfully, often begin planning their next entry as soon as the race has ended.

The journey to the top from Jackson, New Jersey involved more than 156 turns for Pappas as his path to Colorado took quite a few turns of its own. Pappas was originally slated to drive Scott Birdsall’s diesel-powered 1949 Ford F1 nicknamed Old Smokey, but when Birdsall’s LMP1 wasn’t race-ready, Birdsall made the decision to pilot the truck himself. That left Pappas without a ride and a very short window to put together a suitable entry. With a switch to the Time Attack 1 division, Pappas began prepping the new entry, sharing, “We scrambled a bit but were able to move into a car we’d already built and raced – a 2012 BMW M3. While it wasn’t quite set up for Pikes Peak, and with only 10 days to get to Colorado, I worked tirelessly for a week straight and was able to reconfigure the car just enough to get it there in time for Tech Inspection.” Pappas continued, “It was a 30-hour haul from New Jersey that took me two full days to complete. As I drove into Eastern Colorado on Sunday I encountered several severe storms — and even saw my first tornado…not exactly a warm welcome! Luckily I had a solid co-pilot (my dog Ash) along for the ride and we made it to Colorado Springs with just 24 hours to spare before Tech.”

Beginning in 2015, Pappas began SCCA racing in the New Jersey Region Pro-IT series. The following year he raced at High Plains in Colorado in the 24 Hour Endurance Race, at Lime Rock in the Historic 33 Fall Festival, and in the VRG Summit Point West Virginia Royale Formula Ford Challenge. His 2017 highlights included New Jersey’s Devil in the Dark 12 hour endurance race, where he finished first in class, and the Vintage Racer Group’s 50th Anniversary Formula Ford Challenge when he led the competition on Day 1.

In 2018 Pappas notched three 1st place finishes in the BMW CCA racing event, and in 2019 was the winner of the 14 Hour Endurance Race at New Jersey Motorsports Park. By 2021, he was competing in the Gridlife Touring Cup.

First Impression

“My first opportunity to drive up Pikes Peak was in 2019 when I competed in my own BMW M2 which we built in-house at Tyspeed,” shared Pappas. “We had great success for our first year, overcoming a lot of obstacles including absolutely atrocious conditions. We were the last team to run the full course in 2019 before it was shortened for adverse weather. I basically drove up in hail, sleet, rain and lightning, avoiding debris from several other crashed vehicles, and dodging a mountain goat along the way!”

Black and White

Pappas would clock a 12:28.242 in the Time Attack 1 division behind the wheel of his #241 BMW M2 in 2019 in his dark livery under grey skies.

Four years would elapse before he returned to the mountain for the 101st Running in June, this time sporting a bright white livery, racing in clear and sunny conditions, and reaching the summit in 11:14.996. Pappas said, “Since this car only makes 390hp at sea level, we were a little low on power on the mountain, but that allowed me to focus on my own driving – chasing momentum and maximizing the road to the best of my ability.

In the end I think my team and I put on a great showing considering the configuration of the car, and the time constraint we worked under to get here,” explained Pappas. “To be two for two on reaching the Summit in this difficult race, and to have improved upon my 2019 time, I’m super satisfied with our effort for 2023. As a privateer, I am just so very happy to be a part of this amazing event.”

Teamwork

Grateful for those who stood by him on the journey this year, Pappas stated, “I do need to mention a few folks who really helped me. My good friend and partner on the car, Tom Grady; my younger brother, Ryan Pappas, for being with me all week through every moment; our media partner, Vincent Nardone for sticking it out with us through every early morning and late night; plus my fiancée Julia for supporting me throughout this crazy 2-3 week endeavor and then making it out to watch this race. Lastly, I have to shout out the team at Winslow BMW for giving us a home for the week as well as supplying us with so many different resources to be able to make it to the top!”

Alcon No Holding Back Award

The annual award, provided by Alcon – Specialist Brakes and Clutches, was given for the third time in 2023 and is aimed toward rewarding a competitor with proven ability who experienced more than the usual race-related challenges. Pappas was selected as the 2023 recipient joining previous winners David Hackl – 2021, and Andy Kingsley – 2022.

Award Winner

“Tyler embodies the spirit of the Alcon No Holding Back Award,” said Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director for Alcon. “The only help he had for the test week prior to the event was from his brother Ryan. Most competitors would have given up following the news that their ride was not available, but not Tyler. He worked tirelessly with limited support to make it happen.”

Pappas received a certificate worth $12,000 in Alcon products to help elevate his racing performance. He was honored by the award, sharing, “It was such a satisfactory moment to be recognized for the effort we put in this year. It made it all so very worth it. I look forward to this new relationship with Alcon and want to thank them for offering such an awesome award! The fact of the matter is you really can do anything you put your mind to, and through the relentless pursuit of passion in motorsports I hope to continue to do great things in this sport with the resources we now have available.”

GET TO KNOW TYLER PAPPAS

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I’m the only person in my family ever to be involved in motorsports and have truly gotten myself here through my own perseverance and by following my instincts!”

“I was born and raised in New Jersey, and I don’t believe there have been many, if any, other competitors from this state in the race’s history.”

“My daily driver is a 2003 BMW 330i with 201,000 miles…and counting!”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “The Vahsholtz family, Rod and Rhys Millen, Ken Block, and Sébastien Loeb”

Favorite Corner: “Honestly, the last one, because you know you’ve made it!”

Most Challenging: “No matter the vehicle, I feel that balancing speed and engine/brake temperatures is such a difficult task, especially in the middle W’s. Keeping it under wraps while in this section takes patience and foresight, and I find that challenging to implement on race day.”

Any plans for the car after Pikes Peak? “The car was originally configured for club racing with the likes of NASA, BMWCCA and the Gridlife Series. We’ll be participating in a handful of events with it during the duration of the 2023 Season.”

Favorite Track: “Watkins Glen”

What keeps you coming back? “There is simply no other event like Pikes Peak in the world. To be able to compete against some of my motorsport heroes is a special opportunity and I take it very seriously. Every time I drive back down the mountain after a practice run I look out to the great divide, and just for a moment, I feel a little closer to God.”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Leif Bergerson, Jason Zindrosky, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio

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 on the last Sunday 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 7, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

BRITAIN’S DUNCAN COWPER RACES TO THE CLOUDS AND LANDS ON THE PODIUM

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed competitors from around the world, making it a true international event. PPIHC rookie, Duncan Cowper of Bishops Stortford, Great Britain, arrived in Colorado in his Alcon Brakes-sponsored 2009 Cowper Dax Rush Pikes Peak Special ready to take on the 12.42 mile course.

A relative stranger to Pikes Peak, Cowper is no stranger to auto racing. His racing career began in 1992 with Kart racing – he finished third overall in his first race. By the end of the first season he was listed 7th of the 132 drivers competing in the championship.

In 1995 he moved to sprint car racing and started collecting trophies. In 2011 he won the British Sprint Modified Production class. He didn’t stop there, but moved on to compete in the UK Time Attack series winning his class and setting two daily fast times. He shifted to drag racing and won the Ultimate Fast Car Class O. Cowper entered a competition known as “Ten of the Best” earning many class wins and ultimately the final competition. In 2016 he entered the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, an event similar to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, finishing in 2nd place overall.

The first time Cowper made the trip to the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain was in 2018 when Alcon’s Jonathan Edwards was supporting the VW I.D. R effort, and they drove up the mountain together. Cowper recalls, “Driving up in that rental car was an intense experience.” Being a spectator firsthand in 2016 was a dream come true for Cowper, but actually competing on the mountain wasn’t even on his radar at the time.

The Build

Cowper shared details on his one-off build. “The car is essentially a self-built Lotus 7 type car centered around a 1999 Dax Rush chassis. This is the first Dax to race at Pikes Peak, but I’ve raced it for many years in the UK, winning various sprints and local hill climbs. The car is super light at 600kg (1,050lbs) and has about 400bhp, with a 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa engine and features an uprated 6-speed gearbox and the Alcon Formula 3 braking system. Our recipe – less is more!”

The Fastest Plasterer

Jonathan Edwards of Alcon Brakes shared, “Special thanks to the Fastest Pastor for his help and motivation. Ironically Duncan is a plasterer by trade and we nicknamed him the Fastest Plasterer.

A lot of racers place great significance in choosing their race number and Cowper is no exception. “The number 35 belonged to motorcycle racer Burt Munro of ‘World’s Fastest Indian’ fame,” shared Cowper. “Burt is a hero of mine and there are similarities between us. I’m just a guy from the UK doing everything I can to travel halfway around the world, just like Burt, to compete in the USA.”

Surpassing the Goal

Before the June 25th race, Cowper’s goal read, “To get to the top of America’s Mountain…if we could finish that would be a massive achievement for us.”

A Run Rewarded

Cowper’s sub-10-minute rookie run of 9:57.072, placed him in third, just edging the Fastest Pastor, Don Wickstrum, who clocked a 10:00.297 in his 2016 Axel Riley Ave LMP3 in the same division. Dan Novembre finished second, while defending champion, Robin Shute of the UK, claimed his fourth King of the Mountain.

“To finish third in class, well that just doesn’t happen to normal people like us. And to go sub-10 minutes is just unbelievable. I think I’m possibly the 5th or 6th fastest Rookie of all time, I still can’t get my head around that!. It just goes to show what a small team with limited budget can do if they really put their minds to it!”

GET TO KNOW DUNCAN COWPER

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I worked for DJ sports cars for ten years building customer cars and as a test driver for their cobras and “7” style cars.” 

“I topped the “Top Gear” lap board, unofficially, at a private event in the car I raced at Pikes Peak.”

“My father passed away a few years ago, but would have been so proud knowing we made it. He was with me in spirit on Race Day.”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Rod Millen and Ari Vatanen”

Three words to describe Pikes Peak: “Best Adventure Ever”

Who helped you get to Pikes Peak: “My mate Jon Edwards, he pushed me to come and obtained the entry for me so without Jon and Alcon Brakes I wouldn’t have even thought this was possible. Robb Holland loaned us a truck and trailer. Also of special mention is Don Wickstrum who has helped me massively in so many ways.”

Biggest Challenge: “Getting my car to the US. Logistically, it was not easy. There was a lot to sort. Then, after the awards ceremony one of the team flew back to the UK with the truck and trailer keys making it rather hard to get our race car back to Denver!”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Luis Garcia, Alcon Brakes

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 on the last Sunday 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 31, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

ACURA CHIEF ENGINEER JAMES ROBINSON CHAMPIONS NSX ON PIKES PEAK – AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

Colorado Springs, CO – Since the earliest days of auto racing on Pikes Peak, the grueling mountain course has served as a proving ground for car makers to push the limits of what is possible. Honda/Acura has embraced the opportunity to do just that with their employee-centered race team. HART (Honda of America Race Team) is a volunteer based team that allows Honda associates to chase their passions in racing while learning valuable skills used daily in their roles at Honda.

James Robinson of Raymond, Ohio has been chasing that passion on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain since 2011. “I competed in a bone stock Honda Fit, with my co-driver, Jared Vanderhoof,” Robinson recalled. “I got an opportunity to showcase the B-Spec Honda Fit in 2011, and I jumped at the chance to drive on the mountain. It was definitely a slow first run up the mountain, but very exciting and I was hooked!” His finish time that first year was 15:46.609 in the Exhibition division.

Switch to NSX

In 2012 Robinson switched to a 1991 NSX and has competed in varying iterations of that model since, competing in both the Pikes Peak Open and Time Attack 1 divisions.

No Stranger to Weather

Robinson’s race week experience at the 2017 Race to the Clouds offered just about every kind of weather possible on the mountain.+

Hybrid Record

Over the course of his 13-year racing career on Pikes Peak, Robinson has notched 5 podium finishes, and set two records for the fastest hybrid-fueled vehicle. His 2018 hybrid record of 10:02.448 was bested in 2020 when he clocked his best time ever of 10:01.913.

Milestone Highs and Lows

Robinson was fortunate to take part in the heralded 100th Anniversary of the iconic race in 2016. The event celebrated 100 years since Colorado Springs businessman and entrepreneur, Spencer Penrose first invited a select group of racers to challenge the 12.42 mile course.

His experience just six years later as he prepared for the 100th Running was a different story. After a crash during an early morning practice session, Robinson would be forced to watch the action from the sidelines instead of from behind the wheel in 2022.

2023 In Review

Robinson talked about racing the NSX this year, sharing, “It’s very interesting as a race car because it’s essentially a production NSX. We’ve removed weight and added some aero elements, but the frame, suspension, shocks / dampers, brakes and hybrid system are all straight from a road-going Acura NSX. On the powertrain side, we’ve added larger turbos, but we’ve not modified the fueling system or intake system and we use these larger turbos to help us maintain factory power output at altitude. The exhaust is the biggest change we’ve made, its twin 4″ straight pipes off the turbos which makes the car a bit louder than a stock NSX!”

“The NSX Type-S performed great this year, I was very thankful to be given the opportunity to drive the HART team car in Time Attack 1. For us, it was an opportunity to test out our new active aerodynamics system that our HART team developed. It worked really well, and we were able to gather a lot of good data.”

One More Podium

Tough competition in 2023 saw Robinson finish in third place behind Time Attack 1 champion David Donohue, and second place finisher, Jeff Zwart.

GET TO KNOW JAMES ROBINSON

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I am one of the Chief Engineers in the Powertrain Development division where I have the opportunity to support the creation of North American powertrains for Honda and Acura vehicles.”

“I’m incredibly good at eating, in fact, I’m probably eating something right now.”

“Every year we’ve found ways to get weight out of our Acura race vehicles…and every year I’ve gotten heavier!”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Rod Millen, Monster Tajima and Rick Knoop”

Favorite Section: “The bottom section because it is so fast.”

Favorite Corner: “Ragged Edge”

Most Challenging: “The upper section requires a lot of commitment to keep the speed up – especially the section above Boulder Park. Also, the braking coming into Cog Cut. It almost got me in 2017!”

How did you come up with #902? “It’s my wedding anniversary with my wonderful wife, Shana, September 2nd.”

What makes Pikes Peak different than racing anywhere else? “The view!”

Best advice you received: “Respect the mountain and know your limits.”

Favorite Track: “Easy – the Concord Pond stage at the New England Forest Rally.”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Leif Bergerson, Jason Zindrosky, Luis Garcia

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 on the last Sunday 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 24, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

KASH SINGH ROCKS STREET LEGAL FORD MUSTANG IN HIS THIRTEENTH PPIHC

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has welcomed the Ford brand since the first race in 1916. Perhaps no one is more enthusiastic about the brand than Kash Singh. Currently making his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, Singh’s professional career is Sales and Marketing Manager for Shelby American. He has campaigned several iterations of the iconic Ford Mustang, including the GT500, on Pikes Peak.

Singh shares, “My passion for racing and all things cars traces back to junior high where the walls of my bedroom were adorned with images of race cars and exotics of the ’90s and my book shelves were stacked with models. I saved up and bought my first car in high school while working at a local race shop and most of my weekends were spent at car shows and drag tracks centered around the Southern California sports compact car scene. By the mid-2000s I’d started spending time carving the mountain roads in the area. That’s when my passion for hill climbs was sparked. In 2011 I entered my first event, the most famous and dangerous race of them all – Pikes Peak. I’ve raced it every year since, with mixed results, chasing personal goals.”

Singh’s first attempt at the 14,115′ summit allowed him to experience the course during the final year that some segments remained unpaved. When he returned in 2012, the dust had settled and paving was complete. Singh competed in the Time Attack division through 2019. He switched to Pikes Peak Open in 2020, clocking his personal best time, 11:38.388 and finishing 5th in the division.

Can’t Stop Kash

Singh was invited to race in the 100th Anniversary event in 2016 and set some unique unofficial records in the process. While a DNF is listed next to his name in the final results, he is also in the record books for receiving three red flags and four green flags, both appear to be records for one race. Further, the 21.3 green flag miles he ran on Race Day earned him two more records, one for having driven the most miles in a single race and another for completing the most miles in a race without finishing. After a year of preparation and road tripping his racecar 1,000+ miles from his home, at that time, in Washington to Pikes Peak, it could be easy to become discouraged after such a rough day, but Singh embraced it. With his signature smile, he showed up for the awards ceremony the next day with a big red flag draped over his shoulder. He was presented with the Donner Award for his determination and incredible attitude in 2016.

GET TO KNOW KASH SINGH

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I was born in the Fiji Islands.”

“I was an extra in the first Fast and Furious film.”

“To get in the right frame of mind before the race I put on my PPIHC playlist including a couple of songs from AC/DC – ‘Thunderstruck/Back in Black’, Beastie Boys – ‘Intergalactic/Sabotage’, and Awolnation – ‘Sail’. The XX Intro is my go-to.” 

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Rod Millen and Monster Tajima”

Favorite Section: “Glen Cove to Devils Playground”

Best advice you received about racing on Pikes Peak: “Stay humble and soak in any advice the veterans can provide.”

Any good luck charms? “Yes! A couple of charms given by friends – one is a plush donut!”

Favorite Track: “COTA – Circuit of the Americas”

What’s next on your schedule? “We have a Shelby Bash at the end of September at our world headquarters where about 400 Team Shelby members from around the world descend on Las Vegas for track days and events. I will be behind the wheel for hot lap rides. Beyond that I’m also looking forward to working in some Global Time Attack and Gridlife events.”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Leif Bergerson, Louis Yio, Revvolution and Randels Media Group

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 on the last Sunday 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 17, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

BIMMERWORLD’S JAMES CLAY NOTCHES FIFTH YEAR ON PIKES PEAK – AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is now in the rearview mirror as organizers and competitors prepare for 2024. Five-time PPIHC competitor, James Clay, is no exception. His driving career began on-track in 1997, moving to amateur racing in 1998 with BMW Club, SCCA, NASA, PCA, and One Lap of America events. His professional racing career launched in 2002 when he entered World Challenge, GRAND-AM, IMSA, and FIA sanctioned races.

In 2017, Clay made his first assault on the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. It would not be his last. Clay entered the Time Attack 1 division, placing sixth in 11:02.966. Behind the wheel of his 2011 BMW M3, he finished 31st overall of 80 entrants. Clay shared, “My first year on the mountain was in a naturally aspirated BMW M3 as part of an OPTIMA Batteries torture test campaign for a new product launch. That introduction to the mountain started a 5-year build odyssey with our current BMW M3 – a 1,400Hp turbocharged monster built specifically for this event, dubbed the Bergsteiger.”

Name and Number

The German term “Bergsteiger” roughly translated means “climber”, and Clay was ready to continue the climb in 2019, this time in his 95 BMW M3 moving to the Pikes Peak Open division. He completed the run and lowered his finish time to an impressive 10:39.786.

Asked about the significance of his race number, Clay replied, “Our #36 comes from the E36 chassis code of the first race car we built as BimmerWorld back in the late 90s – the same chassis our Bergsteiger was built from.”

Weather Wins

Two years would elapse before Clay reappeared on the mountain, post-pandemic, again in his #36 BMW M3 in the Pikes Peak Open division. Claiming his spot in the inaugural Fast 15 in 2021 put Clay in a good position to start early on race day.

However, all the preparation and planning in the world cannot override Mother Nature. Race organizers were forced to shorten the course due to ice and snow on the road below the summit. Drivers would finish at the 16 Mile marker, four miles below the traditional finish line.

Milestone 100th Running

Undeterred, Clay returned in 2022 for the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds, again, earning his spot in the Fast 15, and again, being thwarted by adverse weather on the day that mattered. A very cold, foggy, wet course greeted every racer, but despite the conditions, they made their way, albeit more slowly than they would have liked, to the top. While there were no records set in 2022, Clay did secure a spot on the podium, second place in the Pikes Peak Open division.

PPIHC in Three Words

Intense. Challenging. Rewarding. This is how James Clay describes racing on Pikes Peak.

Clay explained, “Race Week can be grueling, but in my fifth year of the event, it’s not really anymore. First, we have an amazing team of people, both from our BimmerWorld group as well as local friends that join the effort – that is huge in making it all like clockwork. But I also realized this year was the first year that I truly enjoyed every aspect of the event and didn’t feel the intense trepidation that the mountain and the speeds we run can create. I am fortunate to be here. The family of racers, teams, and staff at this event is unique, and I loved every minute of the long week – and month!”

After his race day run, Clay shared, “This was the weather and run we have been waiting for, and I’m content that it didn’t come until we had the third year on the car and it was really working well.”

“Every time I get to the top, or finish the race day run, there is always some combination of relief that we made it, excitement from the adrenaline of the run, and disappointment that it’s all over. Every year there is a feeling of wishing I had pushed harder in specific places, but that’s what keeps me coming back.”

A Run Rewarded

When Race Day 2023 presented drivers with clear skies and warm temps, Clay was ready. Once again, he’d captured a Fast 15 qualifying time and was prepared to prove his BMW was a contender. Laying down a sub-10 minute run and a personal best time of 09:20.433, Clay stepped to the podium, claiming third in the 15-entrant Pikes Peak Open division. Third is even more impressive when you’re on the podium with first place finisher, and overall course record holder, Romain Dumas and second place finisher also a PPIHC division winner, Raphael Astier.

What’s Next?

“I had said I wanted a representative run with our Bergsteiger machine before I moved to the next events with it, but I feel like I want to go under 9 minutes after this year,” says Clay. “OPTIMA Batteries has been such an amazing partner at this event and it was never my intent to do it repeatedly, but we have already talked about 2024. This year I recognized the family I am a part of out here, and it would be really hard not to come back and see all my friends in June.”

GET TO KNOW JAMES CLAY

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I am terrified of heights. My first time on the mountain in a rental car was…interesting.”

“If you have a dog nearby that needs ear scratches, I’m your guy.”

“I work as a driving instructor at the BMW Race School.”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Rod Millen and Tim Hardy – I remember watching on TV as a kid and seeing the big Rod Millen Toyota winged car.”

Favorite Corner: “The more I run here, the more I like the speed and challenge of Elk Park.”

Most Challenging: “The Ws are a huge challenge. The risk is higher, and the speeds are still extremely high. I always breathe a sigh of relief on race day when I clear that section.”

What racing have you done since the PPIHC? “June was intense with the Pikes Peak test days, race week, and another SRO series race sandwiched between. We had a nice summer break from racing, and I was able to catch up on needed family time and getting to see my girlfriend, as well as a Grid Life time trial event with one of our project cars and some team testing. We’re now starting the second half of our SRO season in Wisconsin!”

Favorite Track: “The Nürburgring”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Charles Zhao, Leif Bergerson, Jason Zindrosky, Luis Garcia, Bimmerworld/James Clay

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 on the last Sunday 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 10, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

ROOKIE HAYDEN BRADLEY ROCKS 2023 PORSCHE PIKES PEAK TROPHY BY YOKOHAMA DIVISION

Colorado Springs, CO – While the 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has come and gone, stories of champions continue to be told. One such story is the tale of first-time PPIHC competitor, Hayden Bradley of St. Petersburg, FL, the youngest racer in the 2023 field at 18 years old. Despite his youth, Bradley’s comfort level behind the wheel was beyond his years.

In the 2020 and early 2021 seasons, Bradley, a 15-year old at the time, notched 22 races in the Lucas Oil Formula Car Series at Lucas Oil School of Racing at tracks in Kentucky, New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois and Florida, including Homestead-Miami and Sebring.

His second season in the Lucas Oil Formula Car series saw him compete in 18 races. His final race of the 2021 season was a move to the World Racing League’s GP-2 Class where he drove a sports car in the 24 Hour Enduro, finishing in fourth place at Sebring International Raceway.

At 17, Bradley completed 13 races in the WRL series at tracks across the country, from Road America in Wisconsin, to Daytona, Virginia International Raceway, Colorado’s High Plains Raceway, Road Atlanta in Georgia and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX.

With a total of 54 races under his belt, Bradley applied for the 101st Running of the Race to the Clouds. He received an invitation to compete in the one-make Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division.

Livery and Race Number

Bradley described his 2023 entry, “I raced a 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4 – a racecar perfectly engineered for this challenge with a combination of balance and performance. My livery is the legendary Yokohama ADVAN livery. For over 40 years the ADVAN livery has represented a winning legacy so I was excited and honored for the opportunity to represent that heritage at Pikes Peak. As far as my race number, 727, is actually the area code of my hometown – St. Petersburg, Florida.”

Early Morning Test

Bradley experienced the 12.42 mile course for the first time during a test session in early June where he was introduced to a variety of course conditions, experienced the challenges of performing at high altitude, and, of course, 156 turns.

Recalling his thoughts after that initial session, Bradley shared, “My mindset after that first test day was I realized how much different it all is when at speed and compared to the simulations. I thought, ‘…just head down, eyes forward, and learn as much as possible.’ Nothing I’d read, watched, or been told could have prepared me for the gravity of the experience and the respect the mountain demands. I realized that day that the Hill Climb is the ultimate test of risk versus reward, and the only way to find the limit is to be 100% dedicated to putting in the time and effort to be as prepared as possible for all 156 turns, and to be ready to adapt to any weather thrown my way.”

Student and Coach

“It was an interesting year for me to coach, actually, the most fun I have had coaching this division,” shared Jeff Zwart, PPIHC Hall of Famer and division mentor. “Hayden came from a road racing background and I had heard he would be quick. He really drove in a way that impressed me and got faster every day.”

Bradley recalls, “Jeff is an incredible coach, and had an amazing way of teaching me about how learning the mountain is its own process – you’re attempting to tame the untamable. The way Jeff walked me through his multiple step process and explained how the mountain is its own ecosystem, changing from session to session, and the way it can come together if approached correctly really showed me that training to take on the mountain isn’t just a one-time process. Once you begin training and learning it, the learning has no end and you’re not necessarily aiming for a final destination. Every day I was there, we’d train to overcome a new challenge which only meant opportunity for more forward progress. Even though we performed well and got an awesome result, there is still so much more to learn. It requires as much mental discipline as it does physical.”

Summit Celebration

“Standing on the summit holding the Champion flag was a surreal experience I will never forget,” declared Bradley. “As bad as I wanted to win the division for myself, it held even more meaning as there were some special people who spent a lot of time on the mountain with me, including my sponsors, who made it all possible. Sharing this win with them was a way to say thank you for their investment in me.”

Accolades from an Icon
“I was very impressed with Hayden when I met him at Pikes Peak this year. I see lots of kids wanting to make racing their profession but I saw something special in Hayden. His approach to the challenges he faces both on the track and in the business environment is that of a much more seasoned person. He has proven he has the talent to drive race cars and the maturity to bring them into the winner’s circle.”

GET TO KNOW HAYDEN BRADLEY

Three Things For Fans To Know:
“I was born & raised in St Petersburg, Florida.”
“I was two years old when I attended the St. Pete Grand Prix. That very day I said, ‘I will be a race car driver.'”

“My goal is to secure an opportunity in the Porsche Driver Development Program and ascend the Porsche Motorsports Pyramid to become a Porsche factory driver.”

Pikes Peak Heroes: “Cam Ingram, David Donner, Jeff Zwart, and Ken Block – each for different reasons.”

Favorite Corner: “The bottom and top sections are tied for my favorite.”

Most Challenging Corner/Section: “Probably Cog Cut due to how the road undulates both before and during the braking zone. It took a lot of experimenting in attempting to perfect that corner.”

What’s your Daily Driver? “A 2018 GMC Terrain, but my dream car would have to be a Porsche 930 Turbo or a Porsche 993 Turbo S.”

Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski; Brumos Racing

CORRECTION to last week’s Behind the Wheel: Jeff Zwart won 8 races, not 7!

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 on the last Sunday 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