Category: Race News

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 3, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

PPIHC HALL OF FAMER JEFF ZWART WELCOMING, WISE, WINNER

Colorado Springs, CO – Sixty six drivers from around the world converged on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in June to test their skill, their courage and their horsepower on the 12.42 mile course. Many were veterans of the iconic race, a handful were returning Kings of the Mountain, and a group of 17 rookies arrived with raw talent, uncertain expectations and a list of questions. They were all fortunate to have the opportunity to race alongside PPIHC Hall of Famer, Jeff Zwart.

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is a hill climb like no other; known worldwide as a proving ground for manufacturers, a test of memorization, and one of the pinnacles of motorsports competition. Zwart has experienced the mountain from just about every angle, both behind the lens and behind the wheel.

Beginnings

In 1989, Zwart entered the Pikes Peak Production division in a Mazda, finishing fourth. He returned in 1994 as part of the Pikes Peak Open division where he drove his 1990 Porsche to a first place division finish. He repeated that pattern from 1996-1998, bringing the famous German marque to the mountain and standing atop the podium.

His only departure from the brand, aside from his rookie year, was in 2004 when he entered the Group O Rally division in a Mitsubishi Evo 8.

Sharing Wisdom

Perhaps one of the best ambassadors of the PPIHC, Zwart not only competes. but makes himself available on and off the mountain to coach and mentor other drivers. From set up, to optimal race line, to racing in rough weather, Zwart has a wealth of knowledge stored up and ready to share. For the past six years he has been the driving coach for the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama – a one-make division that has included Travis Pastrana, Blake “Bilko” Williams, Tanner Foust, JR Hildebrand, Loni Unser, Kathryn Mead and local favorite, George Hess.

“Coaching this class on the mountain has taught me a lot and ultimately made me quicker on the mountain, shared Zwart. “To spend the days coaching and breaking down the nuances of going fast is certainly something that I can apply to my own driving.”

“I pull back the curtain on my own process that has worked for me for the last 20 years and I love seeing the competitors in this Porsche division taking on the same process.” – Jeff Zwart

Porsche Enthusiast

Zwart has claimed seven division wins on America’s Mountain, and every one of those has been notched in a Porsche racing machine.

In 2010 he set a Time Attack record in the Porsche GT3 Cup car.

His fastest time, 9:43.921, was clocked in 2020 in the 2019 Porsche 935, one of three sub-10 minute runs Zwart has recorded to date.

He was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame in 2018.

Driver and Director

Zwart began as a still photographer graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California in 1979. His early work was for Road & Track Magazine, which led to advertising campaigns for automotive companies including Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and virtually every other automotive brand. Zwart also channeled his enthusiasm for motorsport as a co-founder of RACER magazine in 1992.

Zwart continues to work as a commercial film director specializing in high action television commercials and films shot all over the world.

Capturing Greatness

Zwart chronicled one of his Pikes Peak experiences, Porsche, the Road to Pikes Peak. He also directed superstar Ken Block’s drifting adventure on Pikes Peak in ClimbKhana.

GET TO KNOW JEFF ZWART

Three Things For Fans To Know:

“I live in Colorado.”

“I first came to Pikes Peak as a photographer for Road & Track magazine.”

“I have published six automotive photo art books on Porsche and racing – two of my favorite subjects.”

Pikes Peak Heroes:

Michele Mouton, Bobby Unser, Rod Millen

What makes the PPIHC different than racing anywhere else:

Racing against the elements and the mountain, which is always changing, and you get just one chance to make it to the summit.

Favorite Corner: 11 Mile

Some Racing Highlights:

• SCCA US Pro Rally Championship Open Class Champion 1990
• Panama – Alaska 1997 FIA Marathon 10,000 mile Rally, 2nd
• Baja 1000  Baja Challenge Class Champion 2004
• TransSyberia Rally 2007 – Moscow to Mongolia
• Drove the first 911 to complete the Mexican 1000 in the 50 year Baja history in 2017
• Also races locally in Colorado Hill Climb Association events

Favorite Track: Road Atlanta

Photos by: Scott Payne, Nathan Leach Proffer, Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jeff Zwart, PPIHC Archives

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
July 27, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

GREGOIRE BLACHON

CLINCHES DIESEL FUEL RECORD

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed 66 competitors from around the world and across the USA on June 25.

Frenchman, Gregoire Blachon, had long hoped to capture the diesel-powered vehicle record on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, and on June 25, 2023 he crossed the finish in 10:25.071 in his 2023 Radical SR Diesel. When asked about his 2023 achievement, Blachon shared, “Nothing could compare to the feeling I had when I crossed the finish line after that perfect run, knowing that my hard work and persistence had paid off and that the diesel record was in my name.”

The former diesel record, 11:24.065, set in 2020 by Scott Birdsall in his smoke-belching 1949 Ford F1, was eclipsed by nearly one minute.

Always Diesel

From his earliest days on America’s Mountain, Blachon championed diesel-powered machines. In 2013, driving his 1996 Subaru Impreza Boxeer Diesel in the Pikes Peak Open division, he clocked a time of 14:50.304.

“I’ve had this dream since 2013 during my rookie run in a Subaru Impreza 22B replica that I converted to diesel and drove myself,” explained Blachon, “but I didn’t know anything about engineering for the mountain yet, and I had only 92hp at the Peak! I knew I had the engineering skills to make it happen, so I got a rally champion driver, Manfred Stohl, to bring the driving skills to match.

Crowd-Pleasing VW Bug

The 1972 Volkswagen Bug 2.0 TDI CR Boxeer, first raced by Manfred Stohl in 2018, proved to be popular with race fans. Forced to run a weather-shortened course, the little beetle didn’t get a chance to go for the record.

In 2020, Stohl planned to return, but the pandemic nixed overseas travel. Nashville, Tennessee-based Blachon piloted the 2020 Boxeer TDI Bug to a finish time of 11:25.107 in the Exhibition division.

Still hopeful, Blachon returned for a repeat attempt at a diesel record in the 2021 VW Bug Proto TRI-TDI Diesel the following year, but was foiled by adverse weather.

A Radical Attempt

By 2022, Blachon was ready to reveal a new entry, the 2022 Radical SR Triple Turbo PDK Diesel. All competitors in the milestone 100th Running faced a cold, fog-shrouded course on Race Day. Blachon finished the 12.42 miles in 12:33.647.

Focused on a Record

Facing near perfect weather in 2023, Blachon and his 2023 Radical SR Diesel blazed to the 14,115′ summit in 10:25.071, not only a new personal best but a new diesel-powered record.

Asked what kept him coming back to Pikes Peak, Blachon provided a thoughtful answer, “I set my sights on the diesel record in 2013, and I’m not one to give up once I decide to do something. My dad was the famous French rally driver, Jean Ragnotti’s, first co-pilot. He died when I was 10, and knowing that the name Blachon is back on the racing scene is part of what keeps me wrenching and taking the wheel. Plus, I love the challenges that the Peak brings to my install – it keeps me thinking creatively about how to maximize power in any conditions, from sea level to 14000+ feet!”

What’s Next?

“I told myself that the diesel record was the finish line, but now that I’ve made it, I’m ready to think about my next goal,” said Blachon. “With the new sponsorship opportunities rolling in, I’m confident that I’ll create and drive a diesel to the summit in under 10 minutes.”

“This record is especially amazing for me because the three different energy records are now held by the French. Romain Dumas—electric, Sébastien Loeb—gasoline, Grégoire Blachon—diesel. But I’m the only one who works out of my own little garage at home.”

Get to Know Gregoire Blachon

Three Things for Fans to Know:

“I put the same diesel engine in a VW Vanagon that my wife and I drove from Nashville to Argentina and back over two years. Other than race week, we live in it over the summer with our three kids and a pitbull…last year we went straight from Pikes Peak to Baja, and by the time you read this in 2023, we’ll be somewhere off the grid in Wyoming.”

“My only other trophy was a slow race tractor trophy that I won with my son riding on my lap in a 1970s John Deere 850.”

“This year I raced to the top with a Nutella crepe in my pocket – my favorite treat!”

Pikes Peak Hero:

Sébastien Loeb

Favorite Track:

“Circuit de Lédenon in the south of France (Provence), where I’m from.”

Photo credits: Rob Miskowitch, Larry Chen, 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
July 13, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

PRILIKA RETURNS TO AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

WITH TEAM SHELBY AMERICAN FOR

2023 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – brought to you by Gran Turismo saw many familiar faces back on America’s Mountain to challenge the 12.42 mile course. Along with familiar faces were iconic brands, including a Ford Shelby Super Snake Sport. Robert Prilika of Larkspur, Colorado climbed behind the wheel of this beast, racing for Shelby American, in the Exhibition division. It was Prilika’s seventh race on this famous mountain course. He crossed the finish line in 13:03.579.

Prilika first experienced the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2013 when he competed as a rookie in the Pikes Peak Open division, claiming third place. He returned in 2014, but didn’t take a green flag. In 2016, Prilika was back for the 100th Anniversary, again, finishing third.

The Time Attack division ran in two classes in 2017 – Time Attack 1, and Time Attack 2 Production. Prilika, driving a 2009 Chevrolet Corvette, finished the course in 12:17.282 for a TA2 Production win.

A crash in practice prevented him from competing in 2018. By 2020 he was back in the Unlimited division in another Porsche, taking fourth. “It is the people and the cars that have brought me back,” he shared. “Racing the 101^st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was an honor and coming back this year to celebrate the 100^th birthday of Carroll Shelby is special. Last year I was chosen to drive for the 60^th anniversary of Shelby American in a Shelby GT500SE,” stated Prilika. “This year I raced a Shelby F150 Super Snake Sport truck, based on the Ford F150. The roots of this F150 are traced back to the famous Shelby Cobra muscle cars. Shelby American worked closely with partners FOX, Ford Performance and Borla to transform the F150 Super Snake Sport into a muscle truck. Driving this truck up Pikes Peak was a great way to expose fans to the ultimate street truck available at local Ford dealers.”

Prilika’s Porsches

Get to Know Robert Prilika

Three Things for Fans to Know – “I’ve won 20 championships and 370 races in various series formats including Open Wheel, Stock Cars, road courses and circle tracks.”

“I was inducted to the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2019.”

“I graduated from the University of Colorado with degrees in Biology, Law, and Engineering.”

Pikes Peak Heroes – “Bobby Unser, Paul Dallenbach and David Donner”

Favorite Section of Pikes Peak – “The bottom section. I like how it flows, and I find it more challenging than the other sections.”

Favorite Track – “Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas”

Photo credits: Larry Chen, Louis Yio, Scott Payne, Luis Garcia, Danyella Prilika

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, June 29, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

PPIHC ROOKIE OF THE YEAR SYLAS MONTGOMERY

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed 66 drivers from around the world and across the USA on June 25. A strong field of seventeen first-time competitors arrived to challenge the 12.42 mile course, but it was Sylas Montgomery (Sonoma, CA) competing in the Open Wheel division who laid down the fastest time of the day, clinching the top rookie honor on Race Day.

Drawing a Crowd
Kicking off the race week with an impressive qualifying time of 4:05.374, Montgomery locked in his place in the 101st Running Fast 15 qualifiers. His car was proudly displayed in the Fast 15 Alley in downtown Colorado Springs at the annual Fan Fest.

Hard Work Pays Off
Montgomery and his homage to the early sprint car days on Pikes Peak enjoyed an autograph session with race fans in the Fast 15 Alley.

Montgomery embraced the Race to the Clouds like a veteran taking advantage of each practice session on the mountain, eagerly meeting fans at every opportunity, and explaining the #44 build to curious reporters. As first-timers on Pikes Peak, the MFG Motorsports team included pro driver Tim Barber as well as members of Montgomery’s close knit family.

Rookie of the Year
Montgomery accepted his Rookie of the Year award along with a second place trophy in the Open Wheel division for his finish time of 09:55.993.

Quick, Quick, Quick
With a sub-10-minute time, Montgomery’s expectations for the day were more than satisfied by his rookie run.

While practice day weather proved unpredictable, clear skies welcomed Montgomery to the Start Line on Race Day as he launched toward the summit. Montgomery piloted his 2007 MFG Road Course Sprint Car to the checkered flag exclaiming, “When I approached the checkered flag at the summit, I was relieved to have done it for the team. It was emotional coming to a stop, seeing all the other competitors happy that you made it. Also, having David Donohue greet me and help me out of the car, how cool is that!?”

GET TO KNOW SYLAS MONTGOMERY

Three Things For Fans To Know:

I got into racing taking a highway survival course.

I am from Sonoma, CA where MFG is based.

My favorite color is pink but MFG gold is a close second!

Pikes Peak Hero:

Bobby Unser

What does racing Pikes Peak this year mean to you?

“Racing Pikes Peak is a dream I never knew I would have the opportunity to fulfill. Watching the onboards of Bobby Unser is a vision that has stuck in my mind.”

ABOUT MFG RACING
Founded in 2021 with the goal to shake the motorsport community with the most unconventional speed machines, MFG is a fabrication shop that specializes in the obscure and fast. MFG stands for Montgomery Fabrication Group and is a family owned race shop located at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California.

Photos by:
Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao; Sylas Montgomery

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2023

SUNNY SKIES AND FALLING RECORDS DOMINATE 2023 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo has wrapped up for 2023, but the stories of feats and achievements on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain continue to be told. Drivers in six divisions stepped up to podium finishes while seven race records were toppled.

Unlimited Division
The UK’s Robin Shute, now residing in Long Beach, CA, sent his 2018 Wolf TSC-FS to the summit in a sizzling 08:40.080, claiming first in the Unlimited division and earning his fourth King of the Mountain crown.

Dan Novembre of Colorado Springs, made his 15th run to the summit to claim a division second place in his 2013 Wolf GB08S TC Special in 09:27.611.

Duncan Cowper, also representing Great Britain, and a talented PPIHC rookie, captured third in the 2009 Cowper Dax Rush Pikes Peak Special with an impressive sub-10-minute run of 09:57.072.

Pikes Peak Open Division

Romain Dumas of Azier, Switzerland, four-time King of the Mountain and overall course record holder, grabbed top honors in the Pikes Peak Open division in the purpose-built 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 with a sub-eight run of 08:47.682. His time beat the 2019 record set by Peter Cunningham, setting a new mark in the Pikes Peak Open division. The PPIHC overall course record set by Dumas in 2018 in the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, a blistering 07:57.148, still reigns.

France’s Raphael Astier joined Dumas on the podium claiming second place in the sleek 2018 Alpine A110 GT4 Evo in 09:17.412.

James Clay of Dublin, VA took third in the #36 1995 BMW M3 just three seconds behind Astier with a 09:20.433.

Time Attack 1 Division

David Donohue of West Chester, PA returned to Pikes Peak in his 2019 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport. He not only won the division, but bested the former record set in 2020 by David Donner. Donohue would step to the top of the podium with his record time of 09:18.053 – a prestigious win for Brumos. As the fastest Porsche on the mountain, Donohue also received the Bergmeister Award, given by Porsche of Colorado Springs and Fred Veitch. The award also allowed the winner to designate a cause or charity of their choice to direct the $1,000 cash award. Donohue graciously awarded the funds to the newly established 43 Institute Foundation in honor of the late Ken Block.

Racer, film maker, driver coach, and PPIHC Hall of Famer, Jeff Zwart of Aspen, CO drove his 2019 Porsche 935/19 to second place in 09:46.131.

Acura’s James Robinson of Raymond, OH captured third in his 2022 NSX in 10:11.950.

Open Wheel Division

Codie Vahsholtz of Woodland Park, CO piloting the 2013 Ford Open Vahsholtz Custom, clocked a new Open Wheel division record, besting his father Clint’s record set in 2020 – in the same racecar. Codie’s time was 09:19.192.

Sylas Montgomery, a PPIHC newcomer, grabbed second place in the throwback 2007 MFG Road Course Sprint Car – a build harkening back to the early sprint car designs on Pikes Peak. His time was 09:55.993. As the fastest rookie, overall, Montgomery was also awarded 2023 PPIHC Rookie of the Year.

Back on the mountain for the first time since 2015, “Texas Dave” Carapetyan of Dale, Texas proved he hadn’t forgotten one of those 156 turns, taking third place in the 2023 Sierra Alpha in 10:04.665.

Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama Division

In a tight race, the spec-Porsche division welcomed three PPIHC rookies to the podium. The difference in their finish times spanned only seven seconds. Hayden Bradley, an eighteen year old up-and-coming driver from St. Petersburg, FL took the win with a time of 10:48.387 in the 2020 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

Nuno Caetano traveled from Lisbon, Portugal to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain to claim a division second place finish in his 2020 Porsche Cayman Clubsport in 10:50.741.

Third place went to Hutton McKenna of Norwalk, CA for his clocking of 10:55.746 behind the wheel of his 2023 Porsche GT4.

Exhibition Division

Tanner Foust of Newport Beach, CA was tapped by Radford to take their Ant Anstead/Jenson Button build to the summit for the 101st running. Foust’s division win in the 2023 Radford Type 62-2 put him in first in the eclectic Exhibition division with a time of 09:37.326.

Randy Pobst, racing out of Atlanta, GA took second in the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid bringing a loyal fan base to cheer him on to a finish time of 09:54.901. Pobst’s clocking was a new Electric Modified Car record.

Rhys Millen of Huntington Beach, CA, racing the bright yellow, Pennzoil-liveried 2023 BMW M8 claimed third while setting a new Production Car record of 10:12.024. This topped his former production record set in 2019 in the equally impressive Bentley Continental GT.

Notable Highlights
In his diesel-fueled Exhibition division entry, the #20 Radical SR Diesel, Frenchman, Gregoire Blachon, racing out of Nashville, TN, roared to the summit in 10:25.071, smashing Scott Birdsall’s 2020 record of 11:24.065.

Kathryn Mead of Austin, TX edged the time set by Vanina Ickx in 2018 – 10:54.901 – with her 4th place finish in the Time Attack 1 division, marking her as the fastest woman to race a car on Pikes Peak. Mead’s time of 10:53.074 gave her the distinction. Only Germany’s Lucy Glockner aboard her BMW motorcycle in 2019, notching a sub-10-minute run of 09:58.878, has been faster. Notably, Mead also earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2020.

Gardner Nichols, a PPIHC Rookie from Basalt, CO set the initial record for the Electric Production Truck/Van entry, racing his 2022 Rivian R1T in the Exhibition division to a finish time of 11:23.983.

All photos by Larry Chen Photography: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2023

2023 PPIHC RACE RESULTS ROBIN SHUTE IS STILL THE KING

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is officially in the rearview mirror. The weather was perfect and records toppled.

King of the Mountain
Robin Shute sent his Wolf TSC-FS to the summit in a sizzling 08:40.080, claiming first in the Unlimited division and earning his fourth King of the Mountain crown.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 22, 2023

PPIHC QUALIFYING & PRACTICE SESSION POSTPONED

Colorado Springs, Colorado – On what was slated to be the final day of qualifying runs for the 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, the mountain had other plans. Unpredictable conditions and a fog shrouded course led race officials to reschedule today’s session to Friday, June 23.

Ticketholders with either Thursday or Friday tickets will be admitted. Parking areas for spectators are Start Line, Halfway Picnic Grounds and Devils Playground.

As a reminder, tickets are sold out. Gates open for spectators at 4:00am.

PRACTICE/QUALIFYING SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Upper Section: Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama / Time Attack 1 Middle Section: Unlimited / Pikes Peak Open

Lower Section (Qualifying): Exhibition / Open Wheel

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 21, 2023

QUALIFYING & PRACTICE NEWS
SHUTE SETS TOP UNLIMITED TIME, DUMAS LEADS PIKES PEAK OPEN

Colorado Springs, Colorado – It’s Race Week and the 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo saw drivers shift to the next section of the mountain to test their skills and their machines in new territory. After a second morning of practice and qualifying sessions, drivers are one step closer to their one shot at the Summit on Sunday.

LOWER SECTION – Two of the most dominant names in recent PPIHC history posted the fastest times in qualifying, with three-time and defending King of the Mountain Robin Shute and his venerable 2018 Wolf TSC-FS atop the Unlimited division and overall standings. Shute’s third and final run clocked in at 3:24.711, more than 15 seconds ahead of any other driver in qualifying and more than 30 seconds faster than second in division Dan Novembre.

Reigning course record holder Romain Dumas and the all-electric 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4 posted the top time in the Pikes Peak Open division – a 3:39.939 in his third and final run, besting the 2022 qualifying record set by Rhys Millen in the 2016 E-Motion Porsche GT3R TT by nine seconds. James Clay (1995 BMW M3, 3:47.089) and Raphael Astier (2018 Alpine A110 GT4 Evo, 3:51.872) rounded out the top three division qualifiers.

Mirl Swan was the fastest rookie qualifier, posting a 4:01.501 to place third in the Unlimited division and sixth overall. Duncan Cowper, qualified sixth in division with a 4:21.370 in the Cowper Dax Rush Pikes Peak Special, while Lucy Block was 12th in the all-electric #430 Sierra Echo.

MIDDLE SECTION – The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division and Time Attack 1 lined up to see what the middle section had in store. After qualifying 1-2 on Tuesday, David Donohue and Jeff Zwart were again the fastest two drivers in Time Attack 1 as they worked their way up the mountain. Donohue’s 2019 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport posted a 2:27.273 in his fourth of five passes, while Zwart’s 2019 Porsche 935/19 put up a 2:32.989 in his final run.

The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama was incredibly close, with five of the six drivers posting top times within a three second span. Hayden Bradley, an event rookie and the youngest competitor in this year’s race, set the benchmark with a 2:54.729, with George Hess III just over half of a second behind. It marked the second day in a row that Bradley topped the division after he led the field in qualifying yesterday.

UPPER SECTION – After Randy Pobst topped the Exhibition division in the middle section on Tuesday, Tanner Foust led the group in the upper section on Wednesday with a 2:40.89 in his 2023 Radford Type 62-2. Pobst’s 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid was second in the division at 2:46.20, but top Open Wheel racer Codie Vahsholtz split the two with a time of 2:41.71.

Once again, Matt Mullins was the fastest rookie across the two groups, placing sixth overall and fourth in the Exhibition division with a 2:52.15 in the impressive 2023 BMW XM Label Red. Top Open Wheel rookie Sylas Montgomery was third in his division – exactly one second behind Mullins.

The Exhibition and Open Wheel classes will wrap up qualifying on Thursday in the lower section, while Unlimited and Pikes Peak Open will take on the middle section and Time Attack 1 and Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama will head to the top.