Race News Archives - Page 16 of 33 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 4, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

COLORADO SPRINGS RACER GEORGE HESS III AND HIS DRIVE TO GIVE BACK

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, George Hess, III will be back behind the wheel in his 2020 Porsche GT4 Clubsport in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division.

Photo by Larry Chen Photo – Luis Garcia

Hess first challenged the 12.42-mile course in 1976 in the 250cc Sportsman Motorcycle division finishing sixth on his Can-Am 250. He eventually returned to racing on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in 2018, this time on four wheels when he entered the Time Attack 1 division. He was back in 2019, in the spec Porsche division but his late-day starting time relegated him to running a weather-shortened course.

Photo by Larry Chen Photo – Luis Garcia

In 2020 Hess ran his fastest time, and claimed a second place division finish with a time of 11:06.789 in the same Porsche-based division. Blake “Bilko” Williams finished first, while Kathryn Mead, 2020 Rookie of the Year, took third.

Hess was similarly disappointed in 2022 when a flat tire during his race day run took him out of the competition.

Preparing for another run at the summit in 2023, Hess is back in his #744.

With his unique approach to sponsorship, Hess draws phenomenal support for his racing effort. A self-funded driver, all sponsorship monies raised are directed to charities through HBA Cares,a non-profit arm of the Homebuilders Association. “All the names on this car did not sponsor me, but instead made a contribution to HBA Cares, with the bulk of the money directed to the Ingram Guest House at St. Francis Hospital,” shared Hess. “More than $100,000 in donations to date have been collected through race sponsorship.”

Photo by: Larry Chen Photo – Louis Yio

Asked who helped him get here this year, Hess is quick to reply, “Fred Veitch, Roger Lovell, Travis Smith, Jerry Novak, Ted Thurber, Josh Peterson, Matt Scheffe, Mike Finkbiner and, of course, my wife, Barbie Hess. I am really blessed to be able to do this and have friends, family and an industry that supports what we do the way they do.”

Hess also shared his thoughts on what makes racing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb different than racing anywhere else, “Where else could George Hess be pitted next to Romain Dumas?”

Photo by Larry Chen

Get to Know George Hess III:

Pikes Peak Heroes – The local racers like David Donner, Fred Veitch and many others who encouraged me to participate.

Favorite corner – Gotta be George’s Corner!

Most challenging section – The top. There are four blind lefts that are fast. It’s so fast up there and the road changes from day to day.

Favorite Track: COTA – Circuit of the Americas

Fun Facts:

They say I’m the oldest driver this year!

A while back, a friend and I won the team roping at the El Paso County Fair.

My goals for 2023 – Be competitive, be safe and have a doughnut at the top!

I call my car “Dorothy” after my mother.

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, April 27, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

FAN FAVORITE “FASTEST PASTOR” DON WICKSTRUM RETURNS FOR 2023 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – Seventy drivers from around the world and across the US will converge in the Colorado mountains for the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, on June 25. Among the field is Pikes Peak veteran, Don Wickstrum also known as Fastest Pastor.

When Don Wickstrum arrived at Pikes Peak in 2019, the first year he attempted to tackle the mountain, he could not have dreamed what was in store or where the 12.42 mile course would lead. He started as a competitor, but his role at the Race to the Clouds has grown in so many ways. Connecting early on with PPIHC chaplain, Layne Schranz, Wickstrum and Schranz shared a common bond through deep faith. Few drivers maintain the enthusiasm throughout race week demonstrated by Fastest Pastor. A talented driver turned mentor, Wickstrum has become a friend and confidante to many, both on the track and at Fan Fest. While his love of motorsports, especially on Pikes Peak, is evident, his passion for life and his faith guide him. Wickstrum has become a true ambassador for the PPIHC, sharing the story of his life, his cancer battle and his Pikes Peak dream in a 2022 documentary film.

In 2022, Layne Schranz made his final run on Pikes Peak following a stellar 30-year racing career. He handed over the honorary role of PPIHC chaplain to Don Wickstrum before the race.

Both drivers are pictured at the 14,115 ‘ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain after crossing the finish line in 2022.

Popular with drivers and fans alike, Wickstrum shared, “The fans here at PPIHC are like no other, they truly make a nobody like me feel like a rockstar! They have been here for years with us. They’ve laughed, cried, and celebrated with us. They have been with me since day one through both crashes, our first finish, and finally a summit, all while I battled cancer. The PPIHC fans are the best, but honestly they aren’t just fans, they are family.”

Wickstrum also described what he enjoys most about racing on Pikes Peak, “I love my PPIHC Fans and Fan Fest! Fan Fest is like the pre-game party to the race and is a huge focal point for us as we absolutely love the personal setting we have to meet the fans. Over the years we have really built a reputation for having a fun booth – but there’s more to it than just getting a photo or an autograph. We want to talk to you, encourage you, cheer for you, and pray for you. This world is so filled with hate, discontentment, and trials, and we try to bring a bit of hope. We want to let people know they matter, they have purpose, they are more than their circumstances and past, that they have a story that can be used to encourage others, and that they are loved by Christ. I have had so many encounters with people who have touched me deeply, and to see them come in and leave changed is totally worth it. We want everyone to step into our booth knowing they matter. What an energy-filled night so full of amazement!”

While every team knows the importance of sponsors in any racing series. Wickstrum shared the roles his sponsors play in his Pikes Peak effort. “I am so blessed to have the sponsors I have had over the years. I can honestly say I don’t see this happening without them. It’s not the financial aspect some bring but even more importantly, their investment in me as a person, as a ministry partner, as a racer, and as a friend. They come out here with us, they share the experience, but they also offer up support any way possible. I have developed lifelong friendships with our partners. It has been so rewarding and humbling.” Photo by Larry Chen Photo: Louis Yio

Wickstrum’s first two attempts on Pikes Peak didn’t work out as he had hoped. Crashes during early morning practices forced him to withdraw from the event in 2019 and 2020. Undeterred, Wickstrum was back behind the wheel in a new Pikes Peak racer – a 2016 Riley LMP3 sporting #25 in 2021. “I first flew #25 as a rookie – the very first time I ever raced in my life. I picked it because it was my twin’s favorite number and she didn’t think I would do very well, so I thought if I used her favorite number at least she couldn’t cheer against me. That number started it all.”

With a turnaround in luck, 2021 and 2022 saw Wickstrum among the Fast 15 qualifiers and poised to make it to the summit. However, race day weather on Pikes Peak was dismal in 2021 and 2022, shortening the course in 2021 for all competitors, and blanketing itself with fog in 2022. Despite the gloomy weather, spirits were undampened in the Wickstrum pit.

Arriving at the summit of Pikes Peak America’s Mountain in 2022 after four long years of effort and dedication was an awe inspiring moment clocking a 12:09.972 in the Unlimited division. He had finally reached the summit.

Wickstrum’s wife, Mary, chose a name for the car before Don brought it to Pikes Peak, “Gianna”, meaning ‘the Lord is merciful’ in Italian. Wickstrum pointed out what’s new for Gianna in 2023, “A lot! We’ve worked hard on CFD with our crew and Ryan from Zebulon to improve some aero for the mountain. Our guys went hard after geometry improvements to the front end suspension. Shane Tecklenburg from ST Consulting is back with us again and so is Kevin from KSV. We have done quite a bit of testing compared to past years, and we are very pleased with the way things are progressing. We still have a list of improvements we hope to get done, and we will.” Photo by: Larry Chen Photo – Charles Naboy

Get to Know Don Wickstrum:

Pikes Peak Heroes – Bobby Unser, Jeff Zwart, Rod and Rhys Millen, Layne Schranz, Randy Ruyle, and Cam Ingram

Favorite part of the course – The Ws

Most challenging section – Above Boulder Park

Fun Facts:

“I bought my first car at age 10 ½ and rebuilt my first engine shortly after.”

“I have been married for over 20 years and have 5 kids with my amazing wife.”

Wickstrum was the subject of a documentary film in 2022 by I Am Second titled Chasing Hope featuring his Pikes Peak story, his cancer diagnosis, and how his faith sustained him.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 20, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

SCOTT BIRDSALL READY TO EMBRACE THE MOUNTAIN AND DEFEND DIESEL RECORD IN 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 25 drivers from twelve countries will line up to challenge the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain over a 12.42 mile course. Among them, it will be hard to miss diesel-diehard, Scott Birdsall. Making his fourth appearance, Birdsall is gearing up for the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo in June.

Birdsall first entered the Race to the Clouds in 2019 in his highly anticipated diesel-powered 1949 Ford F1 nicknamed “Old Smokey.” However, a weather-shortened course didn’t allow him to an opportunity to reach the summit. His return in 2020 saw Birdsall on the podium when he captured 3rd place in the Exhibition division and clinched the Diesel Fuel Record in 11:24.065.The previous record was held by Germany’s Uwe Nittel when he made his record setting run of 11:37.149 in 2015 in the Exhibition division driving a 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 d 4 MATIC.

Forced to withdraw due to mechanical issues in 2021, Birdsall returned in 2022 behind the wheel of the 2022 CG/Superlight LMP-1 hoping to defend or improve his diesel fuel record. Unfortunately, the mountain decided no records would be set and shrouded itself in heavy fog all day. Birdsall finished 13th in the Exhibition division. “Even though our result wasn’t nearly what we wanted, we learned a ton about what worked on the car, and what didn’t,” said Birdsall. “The weather on Pikes Peak is wild. You can encounter several weather systems on a run. I try to test in different types of weather, but with this LMP-1 car, there are only 2 setups we use on the mountain. First is our dry setup which is a full power tune, sticky Toyo prototype slicks, and a fairly stiff suspension. Second, is our intermediate/wet setup that uses a mild tune, Toyo rain tires, and softer suspension settings.”

Old Smokey also returned in 2022 with veteran driver and TV personality Aaron Kaufman putting it through its paces. Kaufman finished in 12th just edging Birdsall.

For drivers and their sponsors, Fan Fest, a 10-block race-themed street festival in downtown Colorado Springs, is one of the highlights of race week. “Hill Climb fans on and off the mountain are amazing. Next to the race, Fan Fest is my favorite part of race week. It’s awesome to get to see how important the race is to the fans and really sets this race apart from anything else,” shared Birdsall.

Asked about the importance of sponsorship in his Pikes Peak effort, Birdsall said, “Sponsors are a really big deal for me. I am lucky enough to work with some of the best companies in the racing and automotive space. Partners like Amsoil, Toyo Tires, DDP, S&S, and Fleece not only provide financial support and world class components, but give me some of the best race and tech support I could ask for.”

With one year under his belt in the LMP1, Birdsall revealed some of the car’s new features for 2023, “This year, we gave up the compound Garrett turbo setup in favor of a single Garrett paired with a Roots-type supercharger to relieve the car of some drive pressure and turbo lag. We have changed suspension, added chassis rigidity, and increased cooling capacity. There’s some other voodoo as well, but we’ll show those cards during race week.”

Get to Know Scott Birdsall:

Three fun facts:

I love chocolate.
I hate spiders.
I feel most alive on the mountain.

Favorite corner:

That’s a tough one. Either Elk Park, or coming into Picnic Grounds

How many Pikes Peak summit donuts do you typically eat during Race Week?

“Summit house donuts are a rite of passage! I don’t eat any during the week, but I definitely indulge in a few on race day, and I buy a bunch to bring down to the team after the Parade of Champions.”

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 13, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

MATUS HUSKA RETURNS TO PIKES PEAK IN AUDI ENTRY HOPING FOR REDEMPTION IN 2023 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 25 seventy drivers will be on the grid for the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Matus Huska, currently a Wheat Ridge, Colorado resident, but raised in Slovakia, will represent his home country in this year’s Race to the Clouds.

Huska challenged Pikes Peak for the first time in 2022 in the Time Attack 1 division in his 2010 Audi TTs. He is back on the mountain this year in the Audi, but has moved from Time Attack 1 to the Pikes Peak Open division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 6, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

CANADA’S GILLES NADEAU RETURNS FOR

2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 25 seventy drivers will be on the grid for the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Ten competitors will travel from countries outside the USA to tackle the 12.42 mile course.

Gilles Nadeau of Knowlton, Quebec City, Canada returns for his second year on the mountain after a successful rookie year in 2022 in the Pikes Peak Porsche Trophy by Yokohama division. “Last year my goal was to finish the race, period. Finishing 3rd in my division was something I did not expect.” He clocked a time of 13:03.389 behind Cam Ingram who won the division and Loni Unser in second place.

Aiming to finish in the top three once again, Nadeau will be back on the mountain in his 2020 Porsche GT4 Clubsport. “Since I left Colorado last June I’ve been thinking about the race almost every day,” he shared. “Now I understand why so many drivers keep coming back to Pikes Peak. There is no other race like this one.”

Get to Know Gilles Nadeau:

“I didn’t start racing until I was 48 years old. It’s never too late to do something wild and crazy.”
What makes Pikes Peak different than racing anywhere else – “It’s probably the only race where you never use your mirror!”
Favorite Section – “Between Cove Creek and Elk Park”
Most Challenging Section – “Right after Devils Playground”
Favorite Track – Sebring
Pikes Peak Hero – Jeff Zwart

Any good luck charms – “Last year the day before the race I drove my truck up the road and came face to face with a bighorn sheep! Being an Aries, I felt this bighorn was wishing me good luck!”

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

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.

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.