Category: Race News

As we shift into high gear to prepare for the 2023 Race to the Clouds, we have some exciting news to share!

We are reviving contingency programs for our sponsors, partners, and supporters. Contingency is a great way to place your brand with competitors, showcase your logo to race fans, and/or support an award with cash and product. And we’re here to help customize a program that best meets your objectives.

Let us hear from you about how you’d like to be a part of this exciting opportunity for the 101^st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. We’d like to have all programs in place by March 1^st.

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

Melissa Eickhoff, Executive Director
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
melissa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, January 17

Colorado DMV Issues PPIHC License Plate

Now Available for 2023

Colorado Springs, CO – Race fans and competitors across Colorado have anticipated the release of a group special license plate in tribute to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Senate Bill 22-107 was passed in 2022 authorizing production. Plates may be obtained in person at any DMV location.

The plate is available for passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks not exceeding 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial vehicles, RVs and motor homes.

One-time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees. Drivers may also request a personalized plate for a one-time fee of $60.00 with an annual fee of $25.00 per renewal.

For more information, visit Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles HERE.

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
Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Race Tickets Make a Great Gift

Surprise the PPIHC Fan in Your Life

Colorado Springs, CO – Need a last minute holiday gift? Want the coolest stocking stuffer ever? Nothing compares to high octane racing at a high-altitude venue with family and friends. Grab tickets for the annual Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. The 101^st Running of the Race to the Clouds will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Tickets for some practice sessions are still available, too! If you’re searching for a bucket list camping experience, purchase an overnight camping permit along with your tickets.

Buy Tickets HERE

Plan your PPIHC adventure by reviewing our Spectator Guide HERE

Spectators may view the race from one of seven spectator areas shown on the Yokohama Course Map HERE

Mark Your Calendar!

• Practice Days: Tuesday-Friday. June 20-23, 2023
• Qualifying Days: Tuesday-Thursday, June 20-22, 2023
• Overnight Camping: Saturday, June 24, 2023
• Race Day: Sunday, June 25, 2023

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 1, 2022

THE WAIT IS OVER – TICKET SALES ARE LIVE TODAY FOR THE 101st RUNNING OF THE RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – Race fans around the world have waited since June for ticket sales to begin for the 101st Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Don’t delay purchasing your tickets! The popularity of PPIHC is growing with the 100th Running in June, 2022 being a first-time ever sold out event, and it could happen again in 2023.

Plan your PPIHC adventure by reviewing our Spectator Guide HERE.

Spectators will view the race from one of seven spectator areas shown on the Yokohama Course Map HERE.

Tickets will be sold online only prior to Race Week. Remember, kids nine years old and under receive free admission.

Buy Tickets Here

A limited number of overnight camping permits are also available for Saturday, June 24 – the only night of the year you may camp on the mountain. Campers choose a site at either 9 Mile (tent camping only), Halfway Picnic Grounds, Ski Area or Glen Cove. Each camper also needs a race ticket for admission.

Mark Your Calendar!

• Practice Days: Tuesday-Friday, June 20-23, 2023
• Qualifying Days: Tuesday-Thursday, June 20-22, 2023
• Overnight Camping: Saturday, June 24, 2023
• Race Day: Sunday, June 25, 2023

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 divisionsfeature 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

Race Fan Wish List

Shop Black Friday

Colorado Springs, CO – Whether you’re a race fan, or shopping for one, The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has you covered.

RACE DAY TICKETS – The 101^st Running of the iconic Race to the Clouds will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023, with early morning practice sessions held Tuesday through Friday the same week. Tickets are available online beginning December 1.

OVERNIGHT CAMPING PERMIT – On-mountain camping permits offer a unique way to view the Race to the Clouds. Choose from one of four camping locations and get set to create awesome memories on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain on June 24-25, 2023. Tickets are available online beginning December 1.

View the 2023 Spectator Guide

MERCH – Check out the latest merch at up to 50% off storewide now through 11/28/22.

Shop PPIHC Merch

A LUXURY WATCH – Order the commemorative 100^th Running timepiece, created by French watchmaker BRM Chronographes. Teams can customize a watch to their specifications.

For more information or to order:

Frédéric Gasser
Partner, BRM Americas
fgasser@brm-manufacture.com

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds is held annually 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

Driver Don Wickstrum Perseveres in the Race of His Life in New Mini-Documentary, ‘Chasing Hope’

Film Shares Heartwarming Story: From Cancer Diagnosis to Accomplishing Childhood Dream of Racing to the Top of Pikes Peak

PLANO, Texas, November 16, 2022 — Global storytelling organization I Am Second has released an exclusive short documentary that gives viewers an intimate look at entrepreneur, pastor and racer, Don Wickstrum’s years-long journey to conquer the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb amid doubts, crashes and an aggressive cancer diagnosis. With uplifting messages of perseverance and pursuing your passion, “Chasing Hope” releases just in time for families and friends to watch it together during the holiday season.

“This story is for anyone who has a childhood dream,” said John Humphrey, Vice President of I Am Second. “We knew Don for several years before his diagnosis, and when we saw what he was trying to do at Pikes Peak, we jumped at the chance to share his story with a larger audience. We paired historical footage, interviews and race footage to bring his story to life and make it relatable to everyone.”

Wickstrum grew up in a household that experienced significant hardship, yet he held tightly to his childhood dream of racing Pikes Peak. He made a deal with his father to first go to college, where Wickstrum pursued a career in engineering and started what would become one of the largest robotic integrators in the country. Despite finding success, he did not feel a sense of purpose. In late 2018, everything changed when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, forcing him to sell his business and evaluate the future.

“When you’re set with a date your life could expire, you know, you’re living on borrowed time,” said Wickstrum. “Everything gets a sense of urgency and yet, so many things don’t seem important.”

Refusing to let his battle with cancer steal his hope and determination, the Fastest Pastor, as he is affectionately known by fans, made it his goal to live life to the fullest, continuing to serve in his church, care for his family and train for Pike’s Peak. His race to the finish line would be a multi-year journey, primarily driven by perseverance and faith.

The second-oldest motorsports race in America, the Pikes Peak race has no equal. Boasting 156 turns over a 12.42-mile course, beginning at over 9,300 feet and ending at 14,115 feet above sea level, the harrowing course has long served as a driver’s proving ground. Conquering the climb has been a dream of Wickstrum’s since he first saw the race on TV at eight years old.

“I remember watching Bobby Unser on Pike’s Peak and being mesmerized by the cliff and the turns and how dangerous it was, but also how beautiful it was,” recalls Wickstrum. “I remember saying to my cousin, ‘I’m going to do that.’”

To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/chasing-hope/.

About I Am Second

I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 150 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.

About Don Wickstrum

Entrepreneur, pastor and racer Don Wickstrum, known as the “Fastest Pastor,” serves as a leader in ministry, a counselor, mentor, husband and father. He currently races and share hope amid his ongoing battle with cancer in hopes of inspiring and ministering to others. To learn more about Don’s story, visit fastestpastor.com. Follow Wickstrum and his journey on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Media Contact:
Julie Shutley
julie@alarryross.com
972-267-1111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 10, 2022

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Accepts Driver Applications

Apply November 10, 2022 – January 12, 2023

Colorado Springs, CO – Applications for the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, open today. Competitors, race teams and manufacturers may submit applications for consideration through January 12, 2023.

Drivers will vie for slots in six divisions – Open Wheel, Unlimited, Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak Open, Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama and Exhibition. Total entries will be limited to 70 competitors.

The 101st Running of the Race to the Clouds will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

Driver applications may be submitted HERE.

The 2023 Competitor List will be posted on January 30th, 2023 at ppihc.org.

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:
Alex Feeback
Event Manager / Competitor Liaison
alex@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 20, 2022

CELEBRATING 30-YEARS OF RACING ON PIKES PEAK – AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN LAYNE SCHRANZ RETIRES FROM COMPETITION

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Layne Schranz was only nine months old when he first experienced the iconic Race to the Clouds on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.  It was 1972, the 50^th running of the race, when his father, Randy Schranz, made his rookie debut.  Since then, fifty years have passed with family celebrations taking place on the mountain as both father and son notched division and class wins.

In June, Layne marked his 30^th race on the famous mountain by taking part in the milestone 100^th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Layne shared, “It was bittersweet to make my final run this year, but also the perfect time for me to retire from this great race. I have been on the mountain for every race since 1972 so we’ve enjoyed celebrating 50 years as a family on the mountain.”

Schranz began his racing career on Pikes Peak in 1993, the first year Quads were part of the competition. He gained valuable experience aboard his machine for three years. Sidelined with a broken ankle in 1996, Schranz roared back the following year, this time on four wheels in the Super Stock division and captured Rookie of the Year honors.

Over his 30-year motorsports career on Pikes Peak, Schranz stood on the podium 17 times, including four division or class wins. He recalled one particularly special year, “In 2013, Dad won and I placed 2^nd in the Pikes Peak Open division.” Schranz chose Chevrolets almost exclusively, the one exception coming in 2018 when he raced his father’s 1966 Shelby Cobra.  That same year, Randy Schranz was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame.

Throughout the 1990s and early decades of the 2000s, making a run to the summit in under 10 minutes was every racer’s dream.  Schranz first laid down a sub-10 run in 2016 during an impressive performance. Proving it wasn’t a one-time thing, he bested 10 minutes again in both 2019 and 2020 with his best time recorded in 2019 as he covered the 12.42 mile course in 09:40.630.

It’s interesting to note that while many of his fellow competitors race at other venues, or in various series throughout the year, Schranz raced solely on Pikes Peak.

Some legendary PPIHC racing families lauded Schranz and his ability to compete well year after year.  “Layne impresses me with how he shows up every year and stands on the gas after being out of the car for a year,” remarked PPIHC Hall of Famer Paul Dallenbach. “The Schranz family, to me, is what Pikes Peak is about.”  Clint Vahsholtz who holds more division wins, by far, than anyone, shared, “Layne has been a very fierce competitor on Pikes Peak for 30 years – we will miss him at the summit.”

Dave Jordan, long-time start line flagman echoes that sentiment, “Layne is always a class act on the mountain, and a fierce competitor.”

But the accolades don’t stop there.  Robin Shute, 2022 King of the Mountain, recalls, “I still remember Layne making me feel so welcome my rookie year. I loved watching him drive on the mountain, always flat out and probably sideways. How it should be!”

Schranz, obviously, is admired by his family as well, notably his cousin, Brian Anderson, a PPIHC motorcycle competitor and record holder who shared, “Layne is a highly competitive extension of the Schranz family racing legacy.  His positive up-beat attitude during a most challenging week is amazing to witness.  Layne is as gracious as he is hard working – always supportive of family, racers, volunteers and the network that makes it all happen.”

However, the impact that Schranz has had in the lives of competitors is felt beyond the race course.  In addition to his 30-year career as a driver, Schranz has served as chaplain for the event for the past 20 years.  In 2002, Hunter Floyd, also a former PPIHC competitor turned pastor, asked Schranz to assume the role of spiritual leader and head up the early morning race day church service on the mountain.  Schranz has faithfully performed in that role, gathering with fans, race officials and competitors in a clearing near the start line for a heartfelt prayer service before the sun rises.  In 2021, Schranz, in turn, approached Don Wickstrum, aka “Fastest Pastor” who was beginning to make his mark on Pikes Peak, offering him the long-standing role of chaplain, which Wickstrum eagerly assumed in 2022.  Wickstrum recalled, “Layne embodies what makes the PPIHC so special. He leaves a legacy of tenaciously pursuing the mountain while caring for us racers.”

While competing and ministering with passion, Schranz has earned respect and built lasting friendships.  James Clay, veteran PPIHC racer, talked about their friendship sharing, “I met Layne my first year on the mountain, and since then we’ve become both friends and competitors with a camaraderie rarely seen elsewhere, partially due to the Pikes Peak event itself, but largely due to Layne’s character as a person.  He’s a fantastic part of this event, and I will miss running with him.”

Tommy Boileau, 2019 Rookie of the Year offered, “The name Schranz is not only synonymous with Pikes Peak, but success on Pikes Peak. To run this race one time is a feat, but to do it thirty times is borderline crazy! Layne is one of the kindest and most genuine people ever, and to compete alongside him and establish a friendship with him means the world to me.  It was an honor to have shared the mountain.”

“Layne has a special place in all our hearts,” said fellow-competitor Dan Novembre. “I’ve watched Layne and his dad compete since the 1990s.  They were some of my biggest inspirations as I dreamed of racing Pikes Peak as a local grassroots racer.  I always looked for Layne’s time on the board first to see how close I was. I never could beat him! He was the first to let me know I had finished under 10 minutes in 2020 and was just so happy for me. That’s Layne – always looking out for others.”

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.

Photo Credits:
Larry Chen
Louis Yio
Jason Zindroski
Revvolution & Randels Media Group

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 18, 2022

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB SANCTIONS CERTIFIED COURSE TIMES IN NEW TESTING PROGRAM

LAMBORGHINI AND 000 ARE FIRST TO PARTICIPATE

Colorado Springs, CO — Though the 100^th Running of the famed Race to the Clouds ended on June 26^th, in recent months the rumbling of racecars on Pikes Peak has continued. Two race-prepped vehicles took center stage during separate PPIHC-sanctioned closed-course sessions as part of a new program offered by the PPIHC.

“Like the Nürburgring and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 12.42-mile course on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain has become a legendary and iconic racing venue. Unlike those courses, it is used only one day each year for the Race to the Clouds,” explained Fred Veitch, board chairman for the PPIHC. “With increasing interest from vehicle manufacturers to prove their racing technology, we have designed a program to facilitate private testing on the mountain, outside of race day, to obtain a Certified Course Time sanctioned by the PPIHC. We’re witnessing excitement from a range of manufacturers, drivers and race teams interested in putting their vehicle to the test.”

In July, Lamborghini was the first manufacturer to sign up. Their under-wraps Urus Performante with PPIHC-veteran Simone Faggioli in the driver’s seat was certainly up to the task they had set prior to their unveiling in August at Monterey Car Week’s prestigious Quail. The Certified Course Time was clocked at 10 minutes 32.064 seconds.

By September, David Donner, driver of the 000 “Triple Zero” Porsche 911 Turbo S was back on the mountain after finishing second overall in the 100^th Running. A sub-10-minute Certified Course Time was laid down by the team – 9:53.541. “While Donner’s time isn’t the same as a race day record, all of us wanted to know what this 911 could do,” said 000 Magazine co-founder, Pete Stout. “Fortunately, PPIHC’s new program makes that possible.”

While it is tempting to compare these times to the current race day records, they are two separate data sets. Rhys Millen behind the wheel of the Bentley Bentayga in 2018 and a Bentley Continental GT in 2019 still holds race records for the Production SUV and Time Attack 2 Production categories – both marks have yet to be bested in competition. Race day records stand alone. “The times captured during these sessions are not race records, and do not replace any existing PPIHC records which reflect times set during the event,” continued Veitch, “but they do offer the ability for teams to clock a Certified Course Time, meaning – same race course, but under different conditions, performed on a pre-selected day.”

PIKES PEAK AS A PROVING GROUND

Testing on Pikes Peak is nothing new. In the mid-1930s Chevrolet sought to prove their heavy-duty truck’s endurance over a two-day sanctioned session with former PPIHC champion, W. P. “Wild Bill” Bentrup behind the wheel. The fascination with Pikes Peak as a proving ground for tires also began in the 1930s when Louis Unser captured his first five wins on Firestone Tires. In the 1960s, BF Goodrich, developer of the go-to tire for decades – the “Pikes Peak Special” and Gates Tires, sported by everything from dune buggies to sports cars to stock cars, were eager to test their tire compounds, tread patterns and grip.

Oldsmobile’s front-wheel-drive Toronado arrived from Lansing, Michigan in 1966 to challenge the 156 turns and convince the motoring public of its viability, doing so in spectacular fashion with Bobby Unser behind the wheel. Similar efforts by Dodge and Jeep followed in the 1990s. An autonomous Audi made a historic series of test runs in 2010. When luxury SUVs became popular, and competition was fierce in the market, Paul Dallenbach, a champion on Pikes Peak, piloted a 2014 Range Rover Sport to the summit during a closed-course session. Then, as now, marketing campaigns, product rollouts and news headlines were driven by successes and triumphs on Pikes Peak.

Within the past ten years, Peugeot and Volkswagen have invested millions to build, test, tune and race purpose-built vehicles, garnering prestigious wins and course records with Sebastien Loeb and Romain Dumas piloting their entries. Dumas currently holds the race day course record of 7 minutes, 57.148 seconds, set in 2018.

CERTIFIED COURSE TIME PROGRAM

With the advent of this formal testing program both before and after the annual Race to the Clouds, the question remains. Will we see any of these racers back on Pikes Peak next June 25 now that they’ve proven they have what it takes to challenge the mountain? Stay tuned.

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.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Lamborghini
Courtesy 000 Magazine

CONTACTS:

For program details:
Alex Feeback
Alex@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

For media questions:
Lisa Haight
Lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Colorado Springs, CO – The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has announced Melissa Eickhoff will lead the organization into the next century of racing on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. PPIHC Chairman of the Board Fred Veitch shared, “With just over one hundred years of racing history in our rearview mirror, we welcome Melissa Eickhoff and the wealth of experience she brings. She is well versed in every aspect of motorsports from operations to brand strategy. Plus, as an industry insider, she is a natural fit to lead the PPIHC.”

Eickhoff arrives in Colorado from Penske Entertainment in Indianapolis where she served as Director of Partnerships for the NTT INDYCAR Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Her previous experience as Events and Sponsorship Manager for Team Yokohama included developing programs with Nitro Circus, Spartan Race, SEMA Ignited, Travis Pastrana and Gymkhana.

“I am honored to take on the Executive Director role with the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” stated Eickhoff. “From the first time I experienced this event in 2018 as a sponsor I was smitten. It is an absolutely unique and iconic challenge in the motorsport world. I’m looking forward to offering industry best practices, discovering growth opportunities and elevating fan engagement.”

Since 2009 Eickhoff has immersed herself in the auto racing industry including as Client Services Manager for Red Bull Global Rallycross for two seasons, and TORC The Off-Road Championship in 2015. As Marketing and Partnerships Director for Dempsey Racing from 2011 through 2014, Eickhoff’s roles included social media execution, driver management and guest experiences. She was also Executive Producer for the 5-part docuseries, Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans that aired on Velocity and Discovery International. A second Velocity production, the one-hour documentary One Way – The Story of Leadfoot, saw Eickhoff function as Producer.

Eickhoff has also been an engaging contributor to motorsports blogs, features and social media for MyLifeAtSpeed, RACER and Autoweek.

To round out an already stellar motorsports career, Eickhoff brings her unique behind-the-wheel perspective as a former competitor in off-road desert racing where she earned four podium finishes as driver and navigator.

www.ppihc.org

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.

Photo Credit: PPIHC – Kyle Boyle

Contact:
Alex Feeback
Event Coordinator / Competitor Liaison
alex@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400