Race News Archives - Page 15 of 32 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 30, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

RANDY POBST BATTLES ICONIC 12.42 MILES ON AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 25 seventy drivers from around the globe will line up to make their assault on the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The world-renowned Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, moves into its second century this summer. Returning in the Exhibition division, Randy Pobst (Atlanta, GA) will strap in behind the wheel of his 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, nicknamed “Dark Helmet” in the Exhibition division.

“It was an honor for me to be a part of last year’s 100th running of the Hill Climb, making history in a competition that spans virtually the entire time since the invention of automobiles on this planet,” shared Pobst as he looked back on his 2022 effort. “I felt part of a wonderful, exciting, and inspirational era of human endeavor.” Pobst was among the Fast 15 qualifiers. On Race Day he piloted the Tesla Model S Plaid to the top in 11:24.604, finishing fourth in the Exhibition division.

Reflecting further on 2022’s milestone race, Pobst remarked, “Last year’s run was one of weather concerns and the choices that go with that. Race day looked very wet and even snowy. No problem, I thought, because we had terrific super-soft Yokohama racing rain tires that were perfect for the damp conditions.”

He continued, “It was so foggy the start was delayed, and in racing, vision is number one in wet conditions, but I didn’t worry, my U.P. Plaid has a factory defroster and power windows. Comfort, I tell ya. Well we shussed off the line full speed, confident in the wet, running great and leading until just below Devils Playground, when it got so much colder that the windshield started to fog up…and I didn’t know how to turn it up! My crew guy always set it for me, ugh, I was blinded! I even loosened my belts in a vain effort to wipe the screen with my gloves but couldn’t quite reach. Next, I rolled down all four windows, hoping that might clear it up. No effect. Plus, that anti-fog we’d applied just-in-case? A new crewman thought it looked smeared and cleaned it off, ugh. Just tryin’ to help.”

Pobst began his racing career on Pikes Peak in 1995 racing a BMW in the IMSA group. That happened to be the first recorded year the course had to be shortened – before the race even started – due to a crazy snowstorm that blanketed the mountain the night before and continued into race day. He finished the course in fourth place.

In 2012 Pobst entered a 2001 Audi A4 in the Time Attack division, but withdrew due to a crash during practice leading up to the race.

In 2015 Pobst was back on Pikes Peak in the Time Attack 2 class, this time in a 2009 Nissan GTR, but once again, the mountain dictated he would not make it to the top.

2020 – a new decade and a new vehicle – Pobst embraced the future and competed in a Tesla in the Exhibition division. Following a spectacular crash just past the Bottomless Pit wall during a mid-week practice session, his crew took on the monumental task of taking wrecked to race-ready. Their effort was rewarded when Pobst made the trip from Start Line to Summit in 11:04.131, claiming a second place trophy.

Pobst must have experienced a sense of deja vu when he arrived on the mountain in 2021 to adverse weather and the announcement that drivers would race only to the 16 Mile marker – a repeat of his first race in 1995. Undeterred, Pobst laid down the fastest Exhibition division time on the shortened course in his 2021 Tesla S Plaid and stood atop the podium.

Pobst praised his team, sponsors and partners for the upcoming 2023 effort, “I’m driving for the fourth year in a row for Unplugged Performance, a Tesla tuner from the LA area, in a Tesla Model S Plaid, the fastest-accelerating production car ever. I’m just the lucky adventurer who gets to drive. The Unplugged Performance team does all the hard work, and I get to have the most fun. We run Yokohama racing slicks, and many upgraded parts available through UnpluggedPerformance.com like the huge carbon brake package and the extra-wide carbon bodywork. Without the partnership of team and sponsors, we could not be here with this wild electric machine.” Pobst quipped, “How fast can we go in the Unplugged Performance 1020 hp electric Tesla Plaid? Well, with Yokohama race tires and Unplugged handling and brakes, I certainly hope to get under ten minutes. If everything is perfect, a 09:30 would be the Holy Grail time. But our best chances for a win are still if it rains. Between me, the tires, and the AWD electric torque in cooler running conditions…stand back, folks, we are going Unplugged…and you KNOW I learned how to adjust that defroster for myself!”

Get to Know Randy Pobst:

Hobbies: “Motorcycles. I have thirteen, mostly vintage, bikes. My favorite is the classic cafe racer style, and my BMW R1200GS.”
Dream race car on Pikes Peak: “If money were no object I’d design and build my own special to take the overall record and be King of the Mountain. I’d make it a turbo gas and electric-powered hybrid using the best of both worlds, and loads of aero downforce, with an adaptive suspension that changed at Bottomless Pit for the extreme rough road from there to the summit.”
Preference – Gas or Electric: “I love the sounds of internal combustion, that’s for sure, but I also love the incredible torque and traction of the Tesla Plaid, unaffected by the thin air.”
Pre-race rituals: “I trim my nails. It’s a zen-like relaxing ritual that helps calm my mind and I grab a strong cuppa coffee from that delicious food truck in the paddock.”
Post-race plans: “It will be Casa Bonita for the Unplugged team. We have friends from South Park and got a tour last year of renovations. Can’t wait to see it all done and have our victory dinner there among the wild features of that interior design. What fun!”

The rest of the year: “I’m a professional road racer and wide-ranging high performance automotive expert, hosting car videos on Hagerty YouTube Channel and Motor Trend. I consult with major car manufacturers on vehicle handling and appear at various track events like Lucky Dog Racing League and ChampCar where I coach drivers and compete.”

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo – Jason Zindroski, Larry Chen, Larry Chen Photo – Louis Yio, Dan Oldfield.

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, March 23, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

COLE POWELSON EYES DIESEL RECORD, PREPS ENTRY FOR 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 25 the green flag will drop for the iconic Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Cole Powelson (Salt Lake City, UT) returns to America’s Mountain with his sights set on capturing the diesel-powered record. The existing mark, 11:24.065, was set by Scott Birdsall in 2020, in the eye-catching 1949 Ford F1 truck, nicknamed “Old Smokey”. Back behind the wheel of “Frank the Tank,” a 2010 Nissan GT-R, Powelson’s 2023 objective is clear, stating, “We aim to be the fastest diesel-powered vehicle to ever tackle America’s Mountain!”

Known as the creator of the SIERRA race car brand, his builds have been piloted by other PPIHC drivers including Aaron Kaufman, Paul Gerrard, John McInnes and Greg Tracy, who recalled, “I met Cole when he first came to Pikes Peak. He had an absolute love for Pikes Peak, the racing community, and the other competitors. Cole’s ability behind the wheel and his skills as a race car builder are both at the top.”

Asked about his schedule during the past year, Powelson shared, “I have been flat out since our last run up the mountain! We were able to get the overall win with Global Time Attack at Buttonwillow and reset the AWD production car record at COTA in “Sydney” (sister GT-R to “Frank”). We were also able to spend lots of time racing SIERRA Cars on an ice track in Colorado this winter.” Powelson continues, “We’ve also built the first electric SIERRA and have been testing and preparing to bring it to the mountain this year.”

Aaron Kaufman is slated to drive the electric SIERRA Echo in the Unlimited division in June.

In 2022 he was back on the hill in the 2010 Nissan GT-R powered by a 6.0L Ford Power Stroke diesel engine, however, the run was cut short when a mechanical failure occurred just below Ski Area.

As Powelson focuses on his Pikes Peak effort for 2023, he shares what’s new, “The team has been making some solid upgrades. We have made a number of oil system and cooling improvements. And I’m so pumped to have teamed up with Riffraff diesel, and the guys at LYFE Motorsport to have another go. This team is unstoppable!”

Photo Credits: Larry Chen, Revvolution/Nathan Leach-Proffer, Corey Davis, Louis Yio

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 16, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

THIRD GENERATION VAHSHOLTZ TO DEFEND OPEN WHEEL DIVISION CROWN IN 2023 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 25 the green flag will drop for the iconic Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, and Codie Vahsholtz will strap in behind the wheel to pilot his powerhouse, purpose-built Ford to the summit.

Piloting the same car his father, Clint, drove to a 2020 King of the Mountain championship, the third generation racer hopes to add to the legacy his father and grandfather have firmly established on the 12.42 mile course.

Born into a family of avid motorsports competitors and living practically on the slopes of Pikes Peak, Vahsholtz grew up watching the race, spending time in the automotive shop, and hearing stories from his father and grandfather, Leonard, about the days when the road was an unpaved, gravel course.

The family’s involvement with the race goes back decades. While well-known locally for their racing triumphs, they also serve as race officials. Codie’s grandmother, Barbara, helped establish an incredibly accurate back-up hand timing system which she managed for years. His mom, Shelly, has now assumed that role with other family members assisting.

Codie first tackled the mountain as a competitor in 2011 in the 250cc motorcycle division, finishing third aboard his 1996 Kawasaki KX250. In 2012, he achieved the same result on the same bike, but in 2013, notched his first win in the renamed Pikes Peak 250 division with a record time of 11:24.792. His second win came in 2015 in the Pikes Peak Lightweight class this time on his 2006 KTM SMR where he set a class record of 10:50.421.

Vahsholtz shifted to the Pikes Peak Middleweight class in 2016 and the following year (pictured) captured the division win with a time of 10:34.967.

By 2018, Codie was squarely in the sights of the factory Ducati team and was invited to race in the Pikes Peak Heavyweight division where he claimed 3rd in 2018 and 2nd in the 2019. Tragically, his Ducati teammate, and Pikes Peak champion, Carlin Dunne, was killed in the 2019 race just short of the finish line.

Although motorcycle competition was suspended on the mountain, Vahsholtz was not finished racing. In 2021, he entered the Vahsholtz Racing 2013 Ford Open. Not only did he garner second place in the Open Wheel division, he was crowned Rookie of the Year for his first year on the mountain on four wheels.

The past two years’ efforts, while successful, where hampered by weather conditions that were less than ideal. In 2021, the race ended just below Devil’s Playground due to an icy road near the summit. But the mountain wasn’t finished challenging drivers, dishing out extremely foggy, wet and cold conditions in 2022.

Vahsholtz and the team are looking for clear conditions and a fast course in 2023 as they hope to repeat the Open Wheel division win.

Asked about prepping the car for this year’s race, Codie offered, “Racing this year, in general, is a huge feat for the team. We are making quite a few changes to gain some more power, improve the chassis dynamics and incorporate more aggressive brakes.”

Codie shared what it means to be racing on the mountain this year with his dad, Clint. “To have my dad alongside me and our team while we get things dialed in is one of the biggest advantages we could ever ask for. It will be a great feeling seeing him in the competition mindset again.”

Clint and Codie Vahsholtz enjoy Fan Fest, 2022.

In 2022, Codie Vahsholtz qualified in the top 15. His Fast 15 award was presented by two-time King of the Mountain, Errol Kobilan, also a former Open Wheel Champion.

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo, Louis Yio

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 9, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

CLINT VAHSHOLTZ 2020 KING OF THE MOUNTAIN SEEKS TO BUILD ON FAMILY LEGACY AT 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – As The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, prepares for a second century of racing on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, local legend Clint Vahsholtz seeks a new challenge. In a sweet deal with Colorado-based Chocolove chocolates, and its founder, Timothy Moley, Vahsholtz will return to the mountain in a mind-blowing 2018 KTM Reiter X Bow GT4 Evo.

Vahsholtz was raised in the shadow of Pikes Peak in Woodland Park, Colorado and is well known in the Pikes Peak region for collecting more division wins on America’s Mountain than any competitor in the past 100 runnings, so far – 24.

A second-generation competitor, and father to third-generation champion, Codie, Clint Vahsholtz is steeped in the history of the Race to the Clouds.

“What makes the Vahsholtz family so special to the PPIHC and to this race is not only the number of wins they’ve achieved, but the way they’ve given back to the event,” shared Lisa Haight, PPIHC Historian. “They have been a part of the PPIHC family for decades, providing a back-up timing system for more than 35 years, fielding winning entries, and sharing their love of the mountain with generations of race fans.”

With this local hero behind the wheel in the Chocolove-backed KTM X Bow race fans are in for a treat. Vahsholtz has proven he can switch divisions and compete successfully. He last ran in the Race to the Clouds in 2020 in the Open Wheel division in his 2013 Ford Open where he was awarded King of the Mountain for fastest overall time.

Timothy Moley, car owner, stated, “I see and respect the ability of Clint Vahsholtz. He is the real deal. My task is to engineer a car that will support him in a winning attempt.”

Clint first tackled Pikes Peak on a motorcycle in 1991 in the Open Pro division. His first win came in 1993 in the same division aboard a Wood Rotax where he set a division record. Three Vahsholtz family first place finishes were noted that year, one for Clint and two for Leonard when he captured his most unique win. Leonard clocked a Stock Car division win and record, caught a helicopter back down to the Start Line, then charged up the mountain again claiming his second win and record in the Super Stock Truck division. Three wins, three records in one day, unprecedented in PPIHC history. That wasn’t just a one-time occurrence either. Father and son claimed same-year division wins a remarkable nine times.

The senior Vahsholtz, a PPIHC Hall of Famer first found success on Pikes Peak in 1981 in the Stock Car division. Leonard’s winning formula led to 18 division wins throughout his racing career on Pikes Peak. Clint has topped that with his 24 to date, and son, Codie has already claimed four.

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo, Jason Zindroski, Louis Yio, Larry Buche’, Rob Miskowitch

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 2, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB WELCOMES BRUMOS RACING AND DAVID DONOHUE BACK TO AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

One entry certain to draw attention is the Brumos Racing #59 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport with division winner, David Donohue, behind the wheel in the Time Attack 1 division. Fred Veitch, PPIHC Chairman of the Board of Directors, shared, “David brings years of experience and past winning performances to the mountain. He’s methodical and always well prepared. Competing again for Brumos, we look forward to witnessing an another exciting and cutting edge performance.”

Brumos made their first appearance on Pikes Peak in 2022 for the milestone 100th Running with veteran driver Donohue on board. The team captured a division win but their hopes for toppling the division record crumbled when unpredictable weather including dense fog shrouded the mountain on race day.

Donohue’s racing resume on Pikes Peak is impressive – garnering five podium finishes in six appearances. He first stood atop the podium In 2018 when he set a record in Time Attack – Time Attack 1 class.

Donohue recorded a personal best time in 2019, the only year he ran in the Pikes Peak Open division, when he clocked a 09:33.404 to clinch second place behind Peter Cunningham.

As a product expert and brand ambassador for Porsche Cars North America as well as a production car test driver and professional driving coach, Donohue has remarkable insight into competing successfully on America’s Mountain. When asked what makes this car well-suited for racing on Pikes Peak, Donohue was quick to reply, “It is well suited for the mountain because it is turn-key from Porsche Motorsport and reliable. A big part of what Porsche Motorsport does to make a GT2 RS Clubsport is to apply a full suite of FIA safety items. There are other items like manual racing brakes, upgraded springs and shocks and adjustable ABS, but otherwise, it is just a stripped down street car on Yokohama ADVAN race tires. Porsche knows how to build a racecar, and this one is no exception, it just works.”

Read the full press release from Brumos Racing to learn more.

Photo Credits: Larry Chen, Rob Hutton

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 23, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

ROMAIN DUMAS TO COMPETE IN 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

OVERALL RECORD HOLDER RETURNS IN FORD PERFORMANCE SUPERVAN 4

“It’s always a privilege to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Dumas. “This year I’m excited to compete in the 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4, and put the fully electric drivetrain to the test against America’s Mountain.”

SuperVan 4, built as a joint effort between Ford Performance and STARD, takes to the mountain this year sporting an all-wheel drive system powered by a 50kWh ultra high-performance cell battery, carbon composite body features, an FIA specification roll cage, and adjustable regenerative braking.

“We’re pleased to welcome an iconic American brand, Ford Motor Company, and Ford Performance to Pikes Peak,” shared PPIHC Executive Director, Melissa Eickhoff. “Everyone is eager to watch the latest innovation from Ford and see it perform on the mountain…and with Dumas in the driver’s seat, it is sure to be an impressive entry.”

Read the full press release to learn more.

Dumas returns to Pikes Peak where he has earned four King of the Mountain crowns, three times behind the wheel of Norma racecars and the fourth strapped into the now iconic Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, an all-electric prototype with an amazing nine-month concept to competition build.

In 2018 the existing course record fell by more than 15 seconds when Dumas and Volkswagen teamed up to prove the electric technology was king and Dumas, again, was King of the Mountain.

Photo by Louis Yio

Romain Dumas Career Highlights:

2-Time Overall Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – 2010, 2016
FIA World Endurance Champion – 2016
Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT – 2013
4-Time Overall Winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – 2007-2009 & 2011
2-Time Overall Winner of the 24 Hours of Spa – 2003, 2010
Winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring – 2008
Winner of the Petit Le Mans, GT – 2002
2-Time American Le Mans Series Champion – 2007, 2008
2-Time Overall Winner and Electric Record Holder at Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK)
Nurburgring Nordschleife (Germany) – Electric Record Holder
Mount Tianmen (China) – Electric Record Holder
4 Starts at the Dakar Rally

Photo Credits: Ford Performance, Scott Payne, Randels Media Group, Larry Chen, Louis Yio

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 16, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

COLORADO LEGEND AND THREE-TIME KING OF THE MOUNTAIN PAUL DALLENBACH SET FOR 29TH APPEARANCE AT 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

No stranger to Pikes Peak, Paul Dallenbach of Basalt, Colorado, is closing in on three decades of racing on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain with 2023 representing his 29th start. Since his rookie year on the mountain Dallenbach has set two Open Wheel division records and chalked up 10 division wins.

Dallenbach first entered the famous Race to the Clouds in 1989. In a span of only five years he would take the top honor, King of the Mountain. Notably, his 1993 overall win in the Open Wheel division also set a course record. Finishing with a time ten seconds faster that 1992 King of the Mountain, Robby Unser, Dallenbach was one to watch.

Ten years later, 2003, Dallenbach earned his second overall crown, again behind the wheel of his #98 open wheeler.

A weather-shortened course in 2004 allowed race organizers to crown dual Kings – one for drivers in divisions that completed the full course and one for competitors in divisions who could not run to the summit after storms moved in. Robby Unser was awarded a full-course overall win, and Dallenbach earned his third King of the Mountain for his fast time in the short course group. This was the only time in the 100 year history of competition that more than one King was named.

The fastest time Dallenbach clocked on the mountain, 09:36.041, was in 2016 during the PPIHC’s 100th anniversary celebration. Running in the Unlimited division in his PVA 03, he claimed second place behind Romain Dumas who would clock a sub-9 minute time.

Dallenbach’s most recent division win came in 2021 in his 2006 PVA-003 Dallenbach Special. He is slated to return to competition in June in the popular #98 PVA. “I am looking forward to the 101st running. Anyone who thought the enthusiasm would die after the 100th running was wrong,” shared Dallenbach. “I am very excited to bring my open wheel back to the mountain and it looks as competitive as ever.”

The 100th Running of the PPIHC celebrated the Dallenbach family as they were inducted to the Pikes Pikes Hill Climb Hall of Fame in recognition of their decades of participation and service, their roles as ambassadors and the legacy they have created on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.

With a lifelong passion for driving, Dallenbach is a sought after professional stunt driver with credits in many popular films including Fast & Furious, Need for Speed and Ford vs. Ferrari. He recently spent seven weeks in Italy on a historic film project set to be released late this summer.

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Leif Bergerson

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 15, 2023

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB REVEALS VIP TRAVEL PACKAGE FOR 2023

Three and Four-Day Experiences Available

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, the second oldest race in America, has announced unique travel packages available through a partnership with Sports and Entertainment Travel.

Inspired by Spencer Penrose who built the Pikes Peak Highway and created the now famous Race to the Clouds, organizers sought to create a new experience during race week that would entice travelers from around the world.

The race, as it exists today, bears The Broadmoor name as its title sponsor, which is fitting as Penrose created the luxury resort based on his stays in grand European hotels in the early 20th century. The Broadmoor is known as the world’s longest-running consecutive Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort.

“In the spirit and style of Spencer Penrose, our team has been working hard to craft a truly VIP Pikes Peak International Hill Climb experience,” shared Melissa Eickhoff, Executive Director. “It isn’t the easiest task with the limited space and mobility we have on race day, but the re-opening of the Cog Railway paired with our strong partnership with The Broadmoor, has allowed us to get creative. We’re excited to bring in race fans from across the US and beyond to experience world-class accommodations, a once-in-a-lifetime motorsports experience, and the best that Colorado Springs has to offer.”

Travelers booking the extraordinary experience will enjoy a mid-week on-mountain practice session in a private viewing area, a guided tour of the course, driver meet-and-greet opportunities and unscheduled time to explore the Pikes Peak region. The action culminates on Sunday with an extended Race Day excursion including a start line and pit tour, as well as a mid-day trip on the iconic Cog Railway to the 14,115’ summit to see drivers finish the 12.42 course.

As the Official Airport of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Colorado Springs Airport is ready to welcome event travelers to the region with a fantastic view of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. “The enthusiasm and support we receive from the City of Colorado Springs, the Colorado Springs Airport and Visit COS is phenomenal,” continued Eickhoff. “Every opportunity we have to shine the spotlight on Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs is a chance to showcase our event to adventure travelers and motorsport fans around the globe.”

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.

ABOUT SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT TRAVEL

Sports and Entertainment Travel (SET) is the industry’s leading full-service travel and tour management company dedicated to offering the best in fan travel experiences. The SET team shares a passion for sports, integrity and customer service with a proven record of success with a focus on creating both memorable and carefree sports travel experiences.

PHOTO CREDITS: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Louis Yio, Charles Naboy; The Broadmoor; Pikes Peak Region Attractions

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 9, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Three-Time King of the Mountain Robin Shute Returns to Pikes Peak in an Aston Martin GT3

The King of the Mountain award is reserved for the overall fastest driver each year. Robin Shute, now residing in Long Beach, California but representing his homeland, the United Kingdom, has claimed the prestigious title three times in his five-year racing career on Pikes Peak.

Shute, also a talented engineer, has challenged the mountain in two divisions and two vehicles – a 2016 Ford Faraday Future FF91 in the Exhibition division in 2017; and a 2018 Wolf TSC in various iterations in the Unlimited division since 2018.

His success in the Unlimited division was topped by his fastest time to date – 09:12.476 in 2019. Unable to travel in 2020 due to the pandemic, Shute was eager to return to Pikes Peak in the Italian-produced, turbocharged Wolf and overcame unpredictable and challenging weather on the course in 2021 and 2022 to add two more King of the Mountains crowns to his resume. Asked about his favorite part of the course, Shute shared, “I love the series of turns at Boulder Park. When you get them hooked up it’s a great feeling!”

In 2022 Shute was presented with the prestigious Segrave Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club for being the first and only British winner of the Race to the Clouds. The Segrave Trophy is awarded to the British national who demonstrates “Outstanding Skill, Courage and Initiative on Land, Water and in the Air”. Shute is now enshrined with auto racing giants Sterling Moss, Bruce McLaren and Lewis Hamilton to name a few.

Chosen by British firm Venture Engineering to pilot their entry, Shute will compete in the Time Attack 1 division in 2023 in the 2023 Aston Martin AMR GT3. Based on the highly-successful Vantage GT3 with a 4.0-liter, turbocharged V8, an upgraded aero package, reduced weight and bespoke gearing, this will be the first Aston Martin ever to compete in the renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Photo Credits: Robin Shute Racing, PPIHC Archives; Louis Yio – Larry Chen Photo; Aston Martin Racing

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

Drivers Announced for 101st Running of The Race to the Clouds

A Second Century of Auto Racing on Pikes Peak Begins

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is pleased to announce the elite field of drivers invited to compete in the 2023 Race to the Clouds.

A full field, including 19 rookies, has been unveiled for the 101^st Running with more details to be revealed in the coming weeks.

“The number of applications was impressive. Narrowing the field was not an easy job for our selection committee. Our roster this year is loaded with talent, experience, unique builds and a great variety of manufacturers.” shared Melissa Eickhoff, PPIHC Executive Director.

Four Kings of the Mountain will face off in June – Paul Dallenbach (3-time recipient and Hall of Famer), Rhys Millen (two-time recipient), Clint Vahsholtz (2020 King of the Mountain) and most recent champion, Robin Shute (three-time recipient). “It’s a true honor to be working with Aston Martin this year. It’s very special for me to drive for a brand with such storied racing roots back home in the UK, especially as Aston Martin celebrates their 110^th anniversary,” stated Shute, “I can’t wait to make this Vantage GT3 roar up the mountain.”

Pikes Peak Hall of Famer Jeff Zwart will make his eighteenth appearance on the mountain. Many division winners are back on Pikes Peak including Dai Yoshihara, Codie Vahsholtz, Cam Ingram, Randy Pobst, “Texas” Dave Carapetyan and James Robinson.

Racers will compete in six divisions – the one-make Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division, Pikes Peak Open, Time Attack 1, Open Wheel, Unlimited and Exhibition.

New Zealand’s “Mad Mike” Whiddett is set to compete in the Exhibition division for the first time in a 2022 Mazda 3. Other rookies slated to run in the same division include Lew Bouchier, Bret Curtis, Rick Lind, Matt Mullins and Kyle Tilley.

Fan favorite Tanner Foust returns to Pikes Peak in a never before seen, purpose built, 2023 Radford Type 62-2.

Four drivers will pilot diesel-powered entries, diesel fuel record holder Scott Birdsall in the 2022 CG Superlite LMP1, Gregoire Blachon in a 2023 Radical SR Diesel, and Cole Powelson in a 2010 Nissan Powerstroke GT-R. The popular “Old Smokey” a1949 Ford F1 returns, this time with Tyler Pappas on board.

Several electric vehicles will challenge the mountain including a 2022 Rivian R1T driven by Gardner Nichols, a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid with Randy Pobst behind the wheel, and a 2021 Nissan Leaf piloted by Japan’s Takashi Oi.

Three notable women are on the grid – all veterans in this famous race. Kathryn Mead, 2020 Rookie of the Year, is back with her 2019 Porsche GT4 Cayman Clubsport in the Time Attack 1 group, joined by Laura Hayes of South Carolina in a 2021 Toyota Supra GT4. Loni Unser, a fourth-generation competitor from the legendary Unser family to tackle the mountain, will move from the one-make Porsche division to the Exhibition group piloting an Acura entry this year, a 2023 Acura Integra.

The youngest competitor is a talented 18-year-old rookie, Hayden Bradley, who hopes to take the green flag in the one-make Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division in a 2020 Porsche Cayman. Joining him in the division is the oldest competitor, 68-year-old veteran driver, George Hess III.

Another noteworthy entry is two-time motorcycle champion in the former 1205 and Heavyweight divisions, Bruno Langlois who, like Codie Vahsholtz, has made the switch from two wheels to four. Langlois will strap in behind the wheel of a 2015 Aston Martin Vantage.

Teams from 11 countries and eighteen states will take part in the June 25^th Race to the Clouds as the climb continues.