Category: Race News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2023

2023 PPIHC AWARDS AND PRIZES

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo proudly presents our growing list of awards offered at this year’s race. Thank you to our sponsors and partners who help reward the competitive spirit of our world-class entrants.

The 2023 PPIHC Awards Ceremony, presented by B.R.M. Chronographes will host competitors and teams on Monday, June 26, 2023.

B.R.M. CHRONOGRAPHES

The winner of the Exhibition, Unlimited, Pikes Peak Open, Time Attack 1, Open Wheel and Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama divisions will each receive a custom timepiece, valued at $5,500.

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INHERENT CUSTOM SPORT COAT KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

The 2023 King of the Mountain will receive a custom-tailored, hand-stitched sport coat designed by Taylor Draper, courtesy of INHERENT. This first-of-its-kind award created exclusively for the overall event champion is crafted of the finest material and valued at $1,600.

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UNSER LEGACY KING OF THE MOUNTAIN RING

The Unser Legacy King of the Mountain Ring is crafted in 10k Yellow Gold featuring over 1.01 carats of diamonds. The ring reads King of the Mountain Est 1916 atop and has many notable features of PPIHC on the left and right sides.

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BERGMEISTER TROPHY FASTEST PORCHE

A uniquely-styled commemorative trophy offered by Porsche of Colorado Springs and Fred Veitch will be presented to the driver of the overall fastest Porsche, regardless of division, along with a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

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ALCON NO HOLDING BACK AWARD

Voucher for $12,000 worth of bespoke race brake/clutch products to the award winner. Chosen by ALCON, this award is presented to the driver who has demonstrated outstanding perseverance and determination in their 2023 race to the 14,115’ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.

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HOOSIER TIRE CONTINGENCY AWARD

Under a multi-year agreement, participants racing in five divisions, including Open Wheel, Exhibition, Pikes Peak Open, Time Attack 1, and Unlimited will have the opportunity to earn up to four (4) free Hoosier tires. To be eligible for the program, teams must use approved Hoosier tires and display Hoosier decals on their vehicles. Tires will be awarded to those taking part in the contingency program based on podium finishes.

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TURTLE WAX – PREMIUM CAR CARE PRODUCTS FOR ALL DIVISION WINNERS

Premium car care products provided by Turtle Wax for all division winners.

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FAST 15 QUALIFIERS

Awards presented to the Fast 15 qualifiers in the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

GLASSICAL TROPHIES

Proudly presented by the PPIHC to the King of the Mountain, Rookie of the Year, and Top 3 in each division. Trophies feature an etched image of the original Penrose Trophy awarded in 1916. The event logo is paired with division name, podium finish, and trophy sponsor.

PPIHC PRIZE MONEY

A $70,000 purse will be awarded to competitors across five divisions including $5,000 to the King of the Mountain. If a new overall course record is set on Race Day, an additional $10,000 will be awarded to the overall record-setting competitor.

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 8, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

RHYS MILLEN RETURNS TO AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN IN BMW M8 FOR 101^st RUNNING OF THE PPIHC

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, presents 70 drivers from around the world and across the USA on June 25. Veteran competitor, Rhys Millen representing New Zealand returns for his 27th assault on the iconic 12.42 mile course.

Rhys Millen, two-time King of the Mountain is ready to battle the mountain once again, this year in a 2023 BMW M8. Since his first race in 1992, claiming Rookie of the Year honors, Millen has been storming Pikes Peak building on his father’s legacy ever since.

Five-time King of the Mountain, Rod Millen, all-dirt course record holder, Pikes Peak icon and Hall of Famer returned to the mountain in 2022 for the 100th Running of the second oldest race in America proving he still has what it takes, claiming third in the Exhibition division and a remarkable 8th place, overall.

During his two-decades of competing on Pikes Peak, Rhys Millen has earned 14 division wins including eight division records, two King of the Mountain crowns, and has been in the Fast 15 qualifiers since its inception. Tapped by Bentley to pilot their entries in 2018 and 2019, Millen etched back-to-back records for the marque, first in a production SUV, the Bentayga, and second in the 2019 Continental GT.

Beyond his career at Pikes Peak, Millen’s racing resume is a testament to his skill and success. He was the 2006 Tires.com Triple Crown Champion, has competed in multiple X-Games, and is an avid off-road racer. His driving isn’t limited to the track; he has performed as a stunt double and stunt driver in countless commercials and many popular films including the Fast and Furious franchise. Millen was recently honored as a 2023 inductee to the Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame.

Millen celebrating his win in the 2022 Pikes Peak Open division atop America’s Mountain in the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds. He clocked a 10:52.664 on the wet, foggy course in the dazzling 2016 E-Motion Porsche GT3R TT.

Millen’s 2019 record-setting run in the Bentley Continental GT – the second production car record for Bentley and win in the Exhibition division.

GET TO KNOW RHYS MILLEN

Three Things For Fans To Know –

I go for long walks right before the race starts.

I will always be faster on race day than during practice.

I speak quietly but walk with a heavy right foot.

Pikes Peak Heroes – Pops (aka Rod Millen), Michele Mouton and Ari Vatanen.

Favorite Track – Baja Mexico

What makes racing on Pikes Peak different from racing anywhere else? “The course design and location forces you to think entirely different from an engineering aspect. It has the formula of a dirt track, road racing and rally. If you get it right – the feeling is amazing; if you get it wrong… it’s going to be a long week.”

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 8, 2023

BMW TO LEAD PPIHC’S PARADE OF CHAMPIONS WITH DRIVER ROBERT STOUT

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to welcome Robert Stout as the lead driver in this year’s Parade of Champions. Stout will lead the parade in a 2024 BMW M3 CS provided by the BMW Performance Center in conjunction with Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs.

“Much like previous years, we have another accomplished driver and racer, Robert Stout, who has 17 years of racing experience in Grand-Am, IMSA, and the Pirelli World Challenge, to name a few,” said Melissa Eickhoff, PPIHC Executive Director, “BMW Performance Center and Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs are loyal partners of the PPIHC and always provide an incredible car to showcase during the Parade, which is a high point of the event for our race fans.”

Each year, the Parade of Champions takes place after the final driver completes their run. The lead car brings finishers back down the mountain as fans pay tribute to those who have conquered the 14,115′ summit. BMW Performance Center and Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs regularly provide the lead vehicle for the parade, while drivers selected to lead the parade have found success in all forms of performance driving.

MEET ROBERT STOUT
Stout has been a professional driver for more than a decade, securing five racing championships. The California native has raced everything from sports cars to sprint cars, off-road trucks to UTVs, and much more, and has served as a factory driver for Scion and a driver coach for many of America’s premier driving schools and clubs. Stout’s most recent successes have come in off-road racing, as he took the 2019 Production 1000 UTV national championship in the Lucas Off-Road Racing Series. He has also captured multiple wins and Rookie of the Year honors in Stadium Super Trucks.

THE BMW M3 CS
Featuring increased engine power, a bespoke chassis setup, exclusive design features, and much more to set it apart, the M3 CS sits atop the hierarchy of BMW performance sedans. The car produces 550 horsepower from its M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, and can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds. The M3 CS also features an 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission, M xDrive with Active M Differential for maximum traction, standard Adaptive M suspension and the M Drive Professional system, and optional M Carbon ceramic brakes. Find more information on the BMW M3 CS here.

Three BMWs are slated to compete in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. James Clay will take on the event for the fifth time in the Pikes Peak Open division in a 1995 BMW M3. Former event record holder and two-time King of the Mountain, Rhys Millen, has entered the Exhibition division in a 2023 BMW M8, and two-time Parade of Champions driver, Matt Mullins, will join Millen in the same division in a 2023 BMW XM Label Red.

ABOUT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER WEST
A permanent performance-driver training facility located in Thermal, California, near Palm Springs. The facility is open to the public and offers a wide range of driving schools for people of all ages and capabilities as well as special programs for private and corporate groups. The BMW Performance Driving Schools are taught by BMW professional driving instructors on a private course. The classes provide individuals with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Ultimate Driving Machine® and learn proper vision, basic car control, panic braking, handling, emergency lane changing, distracted driving, high-speed control and precision driving. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views, the facility features a luxurious modern building, up to 5.1 miles of expansive track layouts, meeting spaces, a gourmet café, gift shop and a truly unique experience for the automotive enthusiast.

ABOUT BMW: BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Car. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 112 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.

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
Monday, June 5, 2023

JOSTENS CREATES UNSER LEGACY KING OF THE MOUNTAIN RING FOR PPIHC’S 101st RUNNING

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to announce the first ever Unser Legacy King of the Mountain Ring crafted by Jostens.

The Unser family has and continues to build a legacy at PPIHC. Since the mid-1920s, the Unser’s have set out to tame the beast that is the 12.42-mile course to Pikes Peak.

Earning a total of 26 King of the Mountain crowns, the Unser family has deep roots in this race’s history with those in the racing circle often referring to Pikes Peak as Unser Mountain.

“It seemed such a natural fit for the Unser Racing Museum to collaborate with Jostens to create a wearable trophy for the annual King of the Mountain. The Unser family arrived from Switzerland and settled in Colorado City in 1895. Their three sons loved racing the dirt road to the top of the mountain on their motorcycles.  Next came the sons and grandsons of those three, and their love of and success on the mountain propelled them to legendary careers. Now we have 4th generation daughters and sons who are reaching for the clouds. It’s always been a magical place for the Unser family,” explained Susan Unser of the Unser Racing Museum.

The Unser Legacy King of the Mountain Ring is crafted in 10k Yellow Gold featuring over 1.01 carats of diamonds. The ring reads King of the Mountain Est 1916 atop and has many notable features of PPIHC on the left and right sides.

“We are super excited to partner with everyone at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for their exciting 101st running,” says Curt Bruns of Jostens. “The King of the Mountain will now receive a champion ring following the event, just like they do for the Daytona 500, Indy 500, and many more. This will be the first-ever PPIHC championship ring, and who better to create it than Jostens, in partnership with the Unser Racing Museum, to celebrate the incredible legacy that family has left on this mountain.”

ABOUT JOSTENS: Since 1897, Jostens has been a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company’s products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Jostens is owned by Platinum Equity and can be found online.

ABOUT UNSER RACING MUSEUM: Opened in 2005 in honor of the Unser Dynasty, Unser Racing Museum showcases a strong family motorsports legacy The museum is currently relocating to Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska and looks forward to welcoming visitors in 2024.

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 2, 2023

HOOSIER TIRE CONTINGENCY PROGRAM ROLLS OUT FOR RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo welcomes Hoosier Tire as an Official Contingency Partner in 2023.

Under a multi-year agreement, participants racing in five categories, including Open Wheel, Exhibition, Pikes Peak Open, Time Attack 1, and Unlimited, will have the opportunity to earn up to four (4) free Hoosier tires. To be eligible for the program, teams must use approved Hoosier tires and display Hoosier decals on their vehicles.

“Like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Hoosier has a rich history in motorsports,” shared Melissa Eickhoff, PPIHC Executive Director. “We are pleased to welcome Hoosier to the PPIHC family and offer our competitors this exciting contingency option as we move into our second century.”

Tires will be awarded to those taking part in the contingency program based on podium finishes.

Hoosier Tires are available in a wide variety of sizes and constructions to fit almost any vehicle, as well as Hill Climb specific compounding options. “Our goal is to provide unwavering support to all the brave individuals who undertake the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb challenge,” stated Marc Sanzenbacher, Hoosier’s Lead Business Development Specialist. “We look forward to expanding our support of the men and women who take on the challenge that is the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.”

TIRES DESIGNED FOR CHAMPIONS

ABOUT HOOSIER RACING TIRE
Hoosier Racing Tire, the largest race tire manufacturer in the world, has continually promoted passion, pride, and success in the racing industry since 1957. Based in Plymouth, Ind. their state-of-the-art facility, including a fully integrated technology and R&D center, is solely dedicated to engineering, designing, supporting, and manufacturing the over 1,000 different types of racing and high-performance tires currently produced. Instilled with the heritage of champions, Hoosier utilizes a model sales and distribution network to deliver winning results globally. Hoosier Racing Tire is a 100% subsidiary of Continental AG.

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 1, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

ASTIER RETURNS TO AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

IN ALPINE A110 FOR

101^st RUNNING OF THE PPIHC

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, presents 70 drivers from around the world and across the USA on June 25. Veteran competitor, Raphael Astier of Le Tein, France, is poised to challenge the 12.42 miles course for the fifth time.

Photo by Larry Chen

Raphael Astier took Pikes Peak by storm in 2016 behind the wheel of his 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Competing in the 100th anniversary edition of the world famous Race to the Clouds, Astier notched a podium second place finish in the Time Attack 1 division, and was awarded 2016 Rookie of the Year with his time of 10:06.006.

Astier returned in 2018 this time in the Pikes Peak Challenge division’s, Pikes Peak Open class claiming second in the class, and third in the division in his #30 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in a fast sub-10 minute clocking – 09:53.718

In 2019 Astier brought the eye-catching 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Turbo to the Time Attack 1 division, and powered his way to a division win in 09:23.721, his fastest run to date.

In 2021, Astier again traveled to the US to pilot the 2015 BBi Turbo Cup to a win in the Pikes Peak Open division. One of the Fast 15 qualifiers, Astier had high hopes of a quick, clean run on Race Day. However, icy conditions on the upper section of the course dictated that drivers would run only to the 16 Mile marker.

Complimenting it’s aggressive aero features, this purpose-built Alpine boasts 500 horsepower and only weighs 950 kilograms (2,094 pounds) for an impressive power to weight ratio useful for the 156 turns. Astier claimed the 2022 FIA R-GT World Cup Championship with Alpine and is now poised to showcase what the Alpine A110 GT4 Evo can do on the mountain. Look for the #110 in the Time Attack 1 division at the 101st running of the Race to the Clouds.

Get to Know Raphael Astier:

Three Things For Fans To Know:

I am a fan of your country. 

I am a fan of this race.

I love the behavior of all these enthusiasts!

Pikes Peak Mentor – Romain Dumas

Favorite Track – Monte Carlo Rally

What makes racing on Pikes Peak different from racing anywhere else? “The altitude and memorizing the turns.”

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
Tuesday, May 30, 2023

PPIHC PARTNERS WITH USAC

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to welcome our racing colleagues at the United States Auto Club (USAC) back to Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain as we move into our second century of auto racing.

While the PPIHC remains a self-sanctioned motorsports event, USAC will provide added safety oversight and best practices which will result in streamlined operations and cost savings for the historic Race to the Clouds.

Kevin Miller, USAC President and CEO shared, “USAC is honored to partner with the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to bring RallySafe and its safety features to the one of the most historic motorsports events in the USA.”

USAC has enjoyed a storied history since being formed in 1956 as a sanctioning body for the United States National Championship, the Indianapolis 500 and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The partnership with Pikes Peak lasted nearly 25 years, from 1956 to the early 1980s.

“Our relentless pursuit of safety for spectators and competitors led us to partner with USAC. We’re doing all the right things, but now we’re adding another layer of advisory personnel and implementing programs like RallySafe with USAC which just makes so much sense as the best way to improve safety for our iconic event,” said Melissa Eickhoff, Executive Director for the PPIHC.

ABOUT USAC: Since 1956, United States Auto Club (USAC) has proven itself as the most diversified motorsports sanctioning body in the world. It is the official sanctioning body of many of today’s largest racing series including its own suite of circle track series in Silver Crown, Sprint, Midget and .25 Midget racing, SRO World Challenge, Porsche Sprint Challenge, NRX Rallycross, American Rally Association, International Snowmobile Racing, Robby Gordon Stadium Trucks, Ultra 4 Racing, Red Bull Scramble Series and USAC Karting. USAC has over 20,000 competitors racing at more than 1,000 sanctioned events globally.

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
Friday, May 26, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

DAI YOSHIHARA IS BACK ON THE MOUNTAIN

FROM TOYOTA TO TESLA TO S2000 HE’S READY TO TACKLE THE 156 TURNS

Photo by Larry Chen

Colorado Springs, CO – The 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, presents 70 drivers from around the world and across the USA on June 25. Veteran competitor, Daijiro Yoshihara will be back for his 5th attempt at the 12.42 mile course.

Yoshihara made his initial attempt at the 14,115′ summit in 2019, the first time he would compete in the Toyota 86. Despite his best efforts, the mountain prevailed and Yoshihara recorded a DNF.

Returning in 2020 Yoshihara pushed hard on the mountain, and the mountain pushed right back. Plagued by mechanical problems during practice and qualifying sessions, he was forced to start at the back of the field. As the last car to take a green flag on race day, Yoshihara left the start line in questionable weather, spun out on his way to the Summit yet against all odds captured the Unlimited division win.

Photo by Larry Chen

Yoshihara and his team celebrate an Unlimited division win in 2020 with his clocking of 10:05.006 in the Toyota 86.

In 2021 Yoshihara returned to Pikes Peak in a 2018 Tesla Model 3 in the Exhibition division.

Returning to take part in the historic 100th Running of this iconic hill climb, Dai’s effort in the Tesla was impressive. He finished second in the Exhibition division, and 9th overall. “The race was particularly challenging due to the rainy and foggy conditions, but my team and I were able to capitalize on our Yokohama rain tires and take advantage of the weather to achieve a strong result, he shared. “We ended up being the fastest EV car in the entire field, which was a significant achievement for us!”

Photo by Larry Chen

As a professional drifting instructor, stunt driver and drift competition judge for Formula Drift Asia in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Australia, as well as Red Bull’s CP Drift Finals in the UAE and Oman, Yoshihara has seen just about every race track. When asked what makes racing on Pikes Peak different from anywhere else, he explained, “It’s a public road at high altitude so the course condition changes a lot. And the fact that you can run the whole course at racing speed only once a year, on race day, make it truly unique.”

Get to Know Dai Yoshihara:

Three Things For Fans To Know:

I was born and raised in Japan. 

I was the 2011 Formula Drift champion. 

I am a 2023 TC America series competitor

Does your past drifting experience help you on the mountain? – “Yes it does. Of course, I try not to get sideways at Pikes Peak, but it helps with overall car control skill, especially since the road is unlike the race tracks. The grip levels, elevation changes, bumps, etc. So, I think my mountain road experience in Japan back in the day helps as well.”

Pikes Peak Heroes – Monster Tajima and Rod Millen

Pikes Peak Mentor – Rhys Millen

Photo by Larry Chen Photo – Louis Yio

Pictured at the summit post-race in 2022, Dai is joined by Rod and Rhys Millen. All three competed in the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds.

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
Tuesday, May 23, 2023

INDYCAR RISING STAR DAVID MALUKAS TO PACE PPIHC 2023 IN ULTRA RARE ACURA TLX TYPE S PMC EDITION

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo welcomes Acura back to the mountain for the ninth consecutive year as they present the TLX Type S PMC Edition to pace the field for the 101st Running of the Race to the Clouds. Acura has tapped popular INDYCAR star, David Malukas, to strap in behind the wheel of this TLX Type S PMC, a sleek hand-built powerhouse.

Malukas is a rising young talent in the world of motorsports, entering his second year with Dale Coyne Racing with HMD in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. A graduate of the INDY NXT by Firestone, Malukas finished second in the 2021 season championship with a series-record 16 podiums. A first-generation Lithuanian American, and the only son of immigrants who moved to Chicago in 1991, Malukas grew up watching his father race at Road America. He launched his own racing career as a multiple karting champion who was featured on TruTV’s “Kart Life.”

“Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been an event my family and I have always talked about,” Malukas shared. “My dad and I wanted to go for the longest time and now I’m excited to be part of it driving the new Acura TLX Type S. I’m counting down the days until I’m at the top!”

Acura’s TLX Type S PMC Edition is the ultimate iteration of Acura’s high-performance premium sport sedan. Handcrafted at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) by the same master technicians who built the 600 horsepower NSX Type S supercar, this PMC Edition is one of just 50 TLX Type S cars finished in a sinister Gotham Gray matte paint.

Every TLX Type S, including the PMC Edition, features a turbocharged V6 engine producing 355-horsepower, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ with true torque-vectoring, Brembo® front brakes and double-wishbone front suspension. All Acura vehicles sold in America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

“The TLX Type S is the best performing all-wheel drive Acura sedan ever, so it’s perfectly suited to pace the field at the challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Jon Ikeda, Acura Vice President and Brand Officer. “With performance validated on numerous tracks including Pikes Peak, TLX Type S strengthens the fundamentals of Acura Precision Crafted Performance for spirited driving enthusiasts.”

“As we transition to a second century of racing on Pikes Peak, we’re eager to reach out across all racing series to engage with new fans and elevate motorsports in general. Welcoming David Malukas as our 2023 Pace Car driver is a great addition to the program, alongside our loyal partner, Acura, who has provided distinctive Acura pace cars to us for nearly ten years,” stated Melissa Eickhoff, Executive Director for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has a long parallel history with the Indianapolis 500 – the 500 is the oldest race in the United States, and the PPIHC is second. Many drivers who have raced on Pikes Peak have also competed at the Speedway, including Ab Jenkins, Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan, Simon Pagenaud, JR Hildebrand and, most famously, the Unser family – Bobby, Al, and Al Unser Jr.

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
Friday, May 19, 2023

PPIHC MASTER CLASS

Rookies Ask the Veterans

EPARTRADE RACE INDUSTRY WEBINAR

Wednesday, May 24

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to partner with EPARTRADE as they present an exclusive webinar featuring five 2023 PPIHC competitors.

Join in on Wednesday, May 24 at 9:00 AM (Pacific); 10:00 AM (Mountain); 11:00 AM (Central) and Noon (Eastern) for the free 45-minute live session.

Veteran panelists Robin Shute, 3-Time King of the Mountain, 5-year competitor and professional engineer along with PPIHC Hall of Famer Jeff Zwart, a 15+ year competitor, mentor, driving coach and filmmaker answer questions about what it takes to make it to the top.

Loni Unser, professional driver, fourth-generation Unser to race on Pikes Peak and newcomer to the mountain last year, will be joined by two PPIHC rookies in 2023, Gardner Nichols, engineer and test driver specializing in vehicle dynamics and performance, and Matt Mullins, Chief Driving Instructor at BMW Performance Driving School, and a film industry professional driver. Posing questions Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM ch 90, Late Shift.

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