Race News Archives - Page 17 of 32 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Dear Competitors,

Thank you for your interest in competing in the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The 101st Running of The Race to the Clouds will be held on June 25, 2023.

We are excited to announce some updates to all interested competitors.

Rule Book:

The 2023 Rule Book has been posted online and can be found here.

Field Size:

The number of competitors for the 2023 event will be limited to no more than 70 competitors.

Request for Invitation Timeline:

The Request for Invitation period will run from November 10th to January 12th. The full timeline may be reviewed in our 2023 Bulletin Book here.

Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your Request for Invitation.

Contact:

Alex Feeback
Event Coordinator / Competitor Liaison
alex@ppihc.org
719-685-4800

Colorado Springs, CO – The recent 100^th Running of the iconic Race to the Clouds on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain drew first time competitors and seasoned veterans from around the world.

Eleven rookies waited on the starting grid for the green flag to welcome them to the 12.42-mile course for their inaugural run. Five of the six divisions included a rookie driver within their ranks. The Open Wheel division was the only group composed entirely of veteran drivers.

Henry Hill of Cedar City, Utah, earned Rookie of the Year honors with his time of 11:36.502, finishing 5^th in the Unlimited division and 23^rd overall in the field of 72 competitors. His radar speed through Halfway Picnic Grounds, perhaps the fastest part of the course, was an impressive 122 mph. Hill’s #8 2021 Wolf GB08 F1 Extreme was one of three Wolf racers in the powerful Unlimited division. Returning two-time King of the Mountain, Robin Shute, made it a three-peat with his overall win again this year. Former open wheel competitor, Dan Novembre, made his move to the new division in his Wolf entry.

Q&A with Henry Hill

Q: Talk about the Wolf and why you chose it?

I chose the Wolf GB08 Extreme because it’s a great platform to be competitive in at a very low running cost. This is Wolf’s first production unit of this new model so as a team we’ve been learning a ton. It has the newest FIA safety equipment and Halo integrated into the platform. Plus, the fans love it. I know with everything we learned from this event the car can be extremely competitive for the overall win in the future.

Q: What other tracks have you raced the Wolf?

I’ve run it at Miller Motorsports Park, Button Willow, Willow Springs, a few tracks in AZ and at Daytona.

Q: What made it well-suited for Pikes Peak?

The car is very light with large amounts of aero. That combo is always strong at Pikes Peak, but this also has great support from Wolf which is vital when putting a new car into a new environment. It gives me great visibility and a big V8 engine. Everything on it is easy to access and service which you need with such short turnaround times.

Q: Compare your experience on Pikes Peak to racing at other venues:

I think most other race events are the same. You show up, register, qualify, then start the race. Pikes Peak isn’t that way because you’re not lapping, you just get the one run. At other races, you lap over and over again throughout the week so you can easily have a course memorized. No matter what you try with PPIHC you may have corners you’ve only seen 2 or 3 times. I think the mountain rewards you each year you come back by letting you build on that knowledge.

Q: Let’s talk highs and lows from your rookie year.

The low – this would 100% be the transmission. The lowest point of the event was getting back from Wednesday’s Practice/Qualifying to find out that my transmission had several holes in the case. The damage was so bad we made plans to just pack up and spectate the remainder of the event. Luckily a local shop – Cole/Crew @ 4D Engineering – saved the day. We made some aluminum inserts and tig welded the entire rear of the case back together. I should say the transmission is amazing – this was just an issue missed during service. It really provided a challenge that forced the entire team to work from Wednesday morning until that car had to go back on the mountain to repair all the damage. I had an awesome crew that continued work during all hours.

We also lost a practice day because of a stripped wheel stud. I think it’s good to be humbled and this event never misses a chance to remind you!

The high – Crossing the finish line after the week we all put in. I didn’t even know my time until I left the mountain. I just wanted to get to the top because that is what we had worked so hard to achieve as a team.

Q: Let’s talk Race Day weather.

These were the most difficult race conditions I’ve ever run in! I hadn’t had a chance to use rain tires on this car and I should have run on slicks when I went up the mountain. The rains overheated right away, and we had a oiling issue causing the tire to get slightly coated

Q: Favorite part of the course?

Cove Creek up to Ragged Edge. You come out of the tree line and get this amazing view of the entire valley while going flat out towards a hair pin. I never got tired of this section.

Q: Best advice you received?

Robin Shute told me, “Don’t worry about being fast – just focus on spending the maximum amount of time learning the mountain. That holds the most value.”

Q: Any plans to return in 2023?

100%! We’re hoping to have a highly upgraded version for next year along with incorporating the knowledge from this year to put down a much faster time.

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: Louis Yio, Luis Garcia

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 22, 2022

STEELE, DALLENBACH AND ZWART CLAIM TOP HONORS

Colorado Springs, CO – Hill climb racing in Colorado may reach its pinnacle when the Race to the Clouds is staged annually in June, but make no mistake, plenty of sanctioned racing action takes place throughout Colorado from May through October.

The Colorado Hill Climb Association (CHCA) recently presented the Lands End Hill Climb near Grand Junction, Colorado, a race with origins dating back to 1941. Many familiar names including Steele, Dallenbach and Zwart stood on the podium for the 100th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, and then clocked winning times at Lands End.

Although Wyatt Dallenbach had the fastest qualifying time leading up to Sunday’s race, Spencer Steele (pictured) set the fastest time of the day with a 05:02.83 to claim the overall win and top honors in the Open Wheel division. Fast qualifier, Wyatt Dallenbach, would settle for second place.

Paul Dallenbach in his #98 set the best time in the Unlimited division. Dallenbach’s exploits on Pikes Peak are well known. He has competed for 29 years – more than half his life – in the Race to the Clouds, notching 3 King of the Mountain crowns, and a place in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame.

Jeff Zwart in the #11 Porsche won the Rally 2WD group in 05:31.72. Acclaimed film director and competitor, Zwart directed Ken Block’s epic Climbkhana: Pikes Peak video in 2017. With 17 years of competition on America’s Mountain, Zwart has claimed seven division wins and is a member of the Hall of Fame.

Jimmy Ford won two titles at Lands End. The structure of the event allows drivers to compete in two divisions. Ford garnered a Stock Car win in 05:24.98 (pictured) and a Sportsman division victory in 05:27.35. Ford challenged Pikes Peak for the first time in June.

Travis Newbold captured a win in the Lands End Motorcycle division in 05:25.17. Newbold was a consistent podium finisher on Pikes Peak, taking home first place, along with a division record, in 2012 in the 450cc class.

Jimmy Olson, 2000 PPIHC Open Wheel champion, claimed first at Lands End in the Competition Truck division in 05:13.10.

Tyler Portillo, also a former competitor on Pikes Peak, topped the Pro Quad division with a time of 05:22.85.

The Rally AWD division welcomed Team Koch to the top step with a time of 05:03.52 in their Subaru entry.

Fans can catch the remaining season action beginning this weekend, August 27 and 28, at the Monarch Hill Climb. A new CHCA event will cap the season at Pikes Peak International Raceway on October 29 and 30th.

Spectators and volunteers are always welcome.

Visit CHCAracing.com for more information.

PHOTOS: RUPERT BERRINGTON ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

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 automobile categories feature a wide variety of vehicles representing multiple forms of motorsport; everything from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles take on America’s Mountain pursuing victory. The 101th Running of this iconic motorsport event will take place on June 25, 2023.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, August 2, 2022

Colorado Springs, CO – The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has revealed the date for the 101^st Running of the Race to the Clouds. On Sunday, June 25, 2023, drivers and fans will converge on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain as the racing world focuses on following the action up the 12.42-mile course, through 156 turns to the 14,115’ summit.

First contested in 1916 by Colorado Springs entrepreneur and businessman, Spencer Penrose, the race is known as the second oldest auto race in the United States. Interrupted by World War I and World War II, and postponed twice due to a wildfire and the COVID-19 pandemic, this world-renowned motorsports event is an iconic symbol of endurance, drawing competitors and media attention from around the world.

“This race is an event like no other,” shared Fred Veitch, board chairman. “Many drivers list the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb at the top of their bucket list and are eager to accept the challenge. Others have competed for more than 20 years and keep coming back. We are really excited to see what the next century of hill climb racing on Pikes Peak will look like as we prepare for the 101^st Running next summer.”

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain has long been used as a proving ground for emerging automotive technology from the early days of front-wheel drive, to improvements in braking systems and fluids, to today’s state-of-the art electric vehicle designs.

The current course record of 07 minutes, 57.148 seconds was set in 2018 by Frenchman Romain Dumas in a purpose-built, all electric 2018 Volkswagen I.D. R – an effort spanning only nine months from concept to creation.

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 automobile categories feature a wide variety of vehicles representing multiple forms of motorsport; everything from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles take on America’s Mountain pursuing victory.

Photo Credit: Larry Chen

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Thursday, June 30, 2022

100^TH RUNNING OF THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

WET WEATHER DIDN’T STOP THE RACE OR DAMPEN SPECTATOR ENTHUSIASM

ROLLOVER AT ENGINEERS DOES NOT STOP LEVI SHIRLEY

ROBIN SHUTE NOW 3-TIME KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

Colorado Springs, CO – The summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain was covered in snow and shrouded in clouds for the 100^th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Gates opened at 2:30am for the sold-out event to thousands of fans undeterred by cold, wet conditions.

Pre-race activities began with a breathtaking rendition of “America the Beautiful”, originally penned by Katharine Lee Bates to commemorate her visit to the now-famous mountain in 1895, followed by the National Anthem, performed by Carly Simpson. Drivers were briefed on course conditions and given final reminders from race officials. Wisconsin’s Don Wickstrum, “Fastest Pastor,” a competitor and a pastor, offered the invocation and the 100^th Running of the Race to the Clouds was about to begin.

Renée Brinkerhoff of Valkyrie Racing piloted the 2022 Official Pace Car, a bright yellow 2022 Acura NSX Type S that was visible to fans along the course despite the foggy setting. With mixed road conditions but no ice on the course all competitors now had the opportunity to race toward the checkered flag at the 14,115-foot summit. Although full course runs were possible, the extremely limited visibility and slick surface would extinguish all hope for a record-setting pace.

The Exhibition division’s 14 drivers lined up behind Blake Fuller who would take the initial green flag to start the day’s competition. Topping the division was David Donner (Colorado Springs, CO) behind the wheel of a 2022 Porsche Turbo S, the first of four drivers to win sporting the prestigious badge, with a time of 10:34.053.

Onboard footage of Levi Shirley’s (Dodge City, KS) 81 Ultra4 racer bombarded the internet as the infamous Engineers Corner caught Shirley by surprise. Shirley rolled his vehicle once, landed perfected on all fours and proceeded out of the ditch unfazed to complete his first race to the clouds. While unofficial, Shirley now holds the record for fastest car to roll and finish the 12.42 mile course.

The one-make Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division followed with Cam Ingram (Durham, NC) stepping to the top of the podium in just his second race at Pikes Peak after posting quick time in his 2020 Porsche GT4 Clubsport with a time of 11:22.691. Fourth-generation Pikes Peak royalty and Pikes Peak rookie, Loni Unser, chased Ingram to capture second. During Thursday’s practice session, Unser crashed at Cog Cut, coming to rest on the mountain railway’s track. Her dedicated crew and committed sponsors rebuilt the car allowing Unser to take a green flag on race day and capture second place in her division.

The remaining competitors ran in order of their qualifying times with the 2021 King of the Mountain, Robin Shute (Lomitas, CA), representing the United Kingdom, leading the pack. Shute’s incredibly quick qualifying time of 3:24.519 beat the fastest internal combustion engine qualifying time, set by former record holder Sébastien Loeb back in 2013. Throughout race week, it did not take long to realize Shute was competing on another level. Behind the wheel of his 2018 Wolf TSC-FS, Shute would repeat his overall win earning a third King of the Mountain crown with a time of 10:09.525 in the Unlimited division, twenty-five seconds faster than the closest competitor. One can only imagine his time if the mountain presented ideal racing conditions on Sunday.

Newcomer, Henry Hill (Cedar City, UT), also behind the wheel of a Wolf, the 2021 Wolf GB08 F1 Extreme, claimed Rookie of the Year honors for scoring the fastest time of the twelve first-timers on the mountain in 11:36.502.

Alcon Brakes presented the No Holding Back award to Andy Kingsley (Buena Vista, CO) for a competitor who has overcome challenges and persevered to reach the checkered flag on race day. Jonathan Edwards of Alcon Brakes shared, “It’s remarkable to see these local racers competing against factory teams. We chose Andy to receive this $10,000 product award since we see his dedication to coming back year after year, basically as a one-man show, with grease under his fingernails, as crew and driver. He’s making this happen and Alcon wants to help elevate his vehicle to the next level.”

In the Brumos Racing red, white and blue livery, David Donohue (West Chester, PA) stood out among the field of twenty drivers from six countries in the Time Attack 1 division capturing the win in a 2019 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport in 10:35.830. Donohue dominated the division throughout “Peak Week” setting the quickest trial times in all three sections of the course.

The Open Wheel division was a battle of drivers from Colorado. Codie Vahsholtz (Woodland Park, CO), 2021 Rookie of the Year, laid down the fourth fastest time of the day winning his division in 10:38.259. In only his second year competing on four wheels, Codie is an Open Wheel champion.

Paul Dallenbach (Basalt, CO), inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame at the Road to 100 Reception earlier in the week, placed second in the division in a new entry, but still sporting the #98, a 2020 Sierra Alpha.

Rhys Millen (San Juan Capistrano, CA) triumphed in the Pikes Peak Open division driving the 2016 E-Motion Porsche GT3R TT with a time of 10:52.664. Millen etched his fourteenth division win into the record books when he shared the victory with his father, Rod, 5-time King of the Mountain and Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Famer. The senior Millen ran his 20^th race on America’s Mountain in the same Toyota Tacoma he piloted to win overall in 1998 and 1999. The legendary driver and iconic racecar were fan favorites all week.

As the final car reached the summit, BMW Performance Center driver, Matt Mullins, in a custom M5 Competition prepared to lead the competitors back down the course in the Parade of Champions. Spectators lined sections of the course for the unique opportunity to high-five the winners, shout their congratulations and snap pictures of their favorite drivers.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb extends sincere gratitude to all involved with the 100^th Running of the Race to the Clouds as well as to all who made it possible for the iconic race to reach this milestone year. From the loyal spectators to race officials, safety teams, volunteers, media, competitors, sponsors and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for your continued support and passion for this motorsport spectacle on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Here’s to the next 100 years.

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 automobile categories feature a wide variety of vehicles representing multiple forms of motorsport; everything from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles take on America’s Mountain pursuing victory.

Photo Credit: Larry Chen Photography, Louis Yio, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, June 27, 2022

OFFICIAL RESULTS FOR THE MILESTONE 100th RUNNING

THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO – Official results for The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo have been announced.

2022 Overall Results

Onboard footage and exclusive driver interviews are being uploaded to the Official PPIHC YouTube Channel. Be sure to subscribe and catch all the action from the driver’s seat as new videos are shared.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb YouTube Channel

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 automobile categories feature a wide variety of vehicles representing multiple forms of motorsport; everything from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles take on America’s Mountain pursuing victory.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 22, 2022

PRE-RACE QUALIFYING SESSIONS ON PIKES PEAK NEARLY COMPLETE

2021 KING OF THE MOUNTAIN ROBIN SHUTE TOP QUALIFIER IN UNLIMITED DIVISION

3-TIME KING OF THE MOUNTAIN DAVID DONNER SETS EXHIBITION DIVISION QUALIFYING RECORD

Colorado Springs, CO – Drivers in the 100^th Running of the iconic Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, took to the mountain for day two of early morning practice sessions and ran on all three sections of the course with the Unlimited and Exhibition divisions taking their qualifying runs on the lower section.

A new qualifying record was set in the Exhibition division by David Donner, (Colorado Springs, CO) in a 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S with a time of 4:02.939, besting Randy Pobst’s record of 4:10.342 in the Tesla Model S Plaid just last year. Donner was King of the Mountain three times, first in 1991, again in 2002 and a third time in 2005.

Defending King of the Mountain, Robin Shute (Lomita, CA) topped the Unlimited division with a time of 3:24.519 in his 2018 Wolf TSC-FS. Two other Wolf’s joined Shute in the division this year, Dan Novembre, qualifying third, and Pikes Peak rookie, Henry Hill.

Check out the full list of qualifying and practice times below!

June 22 Qualifying Results

The final day of qualifying takes place on Thursday, June 23 when the Open Wheel and Pikes Peak Open drivers line up to Race to the Clouds.

The 2022 Race Day Run Order is as follows:

The Exhibition Division competitors will run slowest to fastest based upon qualifying times.
The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama Division will run slowest to fastest based upon qualifying times.
The remaining competitors will run fastest to slowest based upon qualifying times (regardless of division). These cars will not run in any specific division order.

Qualification times will be determined by the competitor’s best time on the Lower Section during Official Qualifying held Tuesday, June 21 – Thursday, June 24. The final Run Order will be based upon qualification times.*

*The Race Director and/or Director of Competition reserves the right to adjust the Run Order.

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 automobile categories feature a wide variety of vehicles representing multiple forms of motorsport; everything from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles take on America’s Mountain pursuing victory. The 100^th Running of this iconic motorsport event will take place on June 26, 2022.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

Race Week Kicks off on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain

Two Divisions Complete Qualifying Runs

Colorado Springs, CO – It’s Race Week on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Competitors in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, qualified today.

All three sections of the course were open to drivers making their early morning practice runs.

Lower Section – Qualifying

The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division revved up for qualifying runs on the lower section of the course. Cam Ingram (Durham, NC) behind the wheel of his #9 2020 Porsche GT4 Clubsport was top qualifier in the division.

Time Attack 1 drivers also completed their qualifying attempts today with David Donohue (West Chester, PA) in the top spot.

Practice and Qualifying sessions continue for the sold-out 100^th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this week.

Time Attack 1 competitor, Sead Causevic (Vancouver, BC, Canada), made two attempts, but flipped the car just past the Start Line on his third. Causevic was not injured.

Middle Section – Practice

Rhys Millen, Tommy Boileau and James Clay ran well through the middle section, setting top times in the Pikes Peak Open division. Millen’s time was 2:26.411 behind the wheel of the 2016 E-Motion Porsche GT3R TT.

The Open Wheel division was led by 2021 Rookie of the Year, Codie Vahsholtz, in the 2013 Ford Open with a section time of 2:33.656. Paul Dallenbach in a new entry, a 2020 Sierra Alpha also had good runs.

Upper Section – Practice – Unlimited and Exhibition Divisions

For Exhibition, David Donner turned the fastest time of 2:38.612 in his ‘22 Porsche Turbo S. Blake Fuller crashed at Cog Cut when his Tesla overshot the braking zone, ending up in the boulders, but was able to walk away uninjured.

The first day of practice was rough on the Unlimited class. Dan Novembre, Rod Millen and Robin Shute all experienced mechanical issues preventing them from making full runs.

Derek Boyd in his ‘08 Mitsubishi Evo X with a 2:48.581 notched the fastest time.

Check out the full list of qualifying and practice times from Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

June 21 Qualifying Results

On Wednesday, June 22 the Exhibition and Unlimited divisions will make their qualifying attempts.

The 2022 Race Day Run Order is as follows:

The Exhibition Division competitors will run slowest to fastest based upon qualifying times.
The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama Division will run slowest to fastest based upon qualifying times.
The remaining competitors will run fastest to slowest based upon qualifying times (regardless of division). These cars will not run in any specific division order.

*The Race Director and/or Director of Competition reserves the right to adjust the Run Order.

Photo Credit: Jason Zindroski, NABOYCharles

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 automobile categories feature a wide variety of vehicles representing multiple forms of motorsport; everything from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles take on America’s Mountain pursuing victory. The 100^th Running of this iconic motorsport event will take place on June 26, 2022.

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

Contact:
Andrew Quillin (Torrance): andrew_quillin@ahm.acura.com
Karina Gonzalez (Torrance): karina_gonzalez@ahm.acura.com

Media Information for Immediate Release

2023 Acura Integra Makes Motorsports Debut at 100th Running of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

• Next-gen Integra racer pays homage to Acura’s motorsports heritage with throwback livery inspired by the brand’s first-ever race car
• Acura to enter five race cars in the historic hill climb event, each driven and crewed by the company’s R&D engineers
• Two Acura TLX Type S sport sedans and two NSX Type S supercars to challenge previous records
• Adventure racer Renée Brinkerhoff to pilot NSX Type S pace car in “Race to the Clouds”

TORRANCE, Calif., June 14, 2022—Perfectly timed to its arrival this month at Acura dealers nationwide, the 2023 Acura Integra will make its motorsports debut June 26 at The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. The next-gen Integra will compete in the 100th running of the “Race to the Clouds” alongside four production-based race cars from Acura, including two NSX Type S supercars, all prepped, driven and crewed by a team of volunteer engineers out of the company’s R&D facilities in Ohio.

Driven by Pikes Peak rookie Paul Hubers, the race-prepped Integra’s red, gray and white livery pays homage to Acura’s first-ever race car. This iconic graphic scheme was first seen on the first-generation Integra that went on to win back-to-back IMSA Championships (1987, 1988) with driver Parker Johnstone.

This is the performance brand’s 12^th consecutive year competing in the iconic hill climb, with the Acura team amassing an impressive 25 podiums, 12 first place finishes and multiple course records. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado is one of America’s longest running motorsports competitions. Since 1916, drivers from all over the world, in a wide variety of vehicles from multiple motorsports disciplines, race against the clock as they take on the 156-turn, 12.42-mile mountain course, starting at 9,390 feet and climbing to the 14,115-foot summit.

Featuring a factory stock turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and 6-speed manual transmission, the next-gen Acura Integra has been prepped for its first motorsports competition with upgraded brakes, suspension and differential sourced from the Honda Performance Development (HPD) parts catalog. Modifications also include lightweight 18×9-inch HRE wheels that reduce unsprung weight, while 245-series Pirelli racing slicks increase the contact patch and cornering grip.

Also debuting at this year’s event will be two race-ready versions of the limited production 2022 NSX Type S, the most powerful, best performing Acura ever. Outfitted with a host of performance upgrades, these mid-engine supercars will be driven by brothers James and Nick Robinson as they seek to beat previous records, including the current hybrid fuel class record set by James Robinson in 2020 (10:01.913).

An additional NSX Type S will serve as the official pace car for the hill climb’s centennial event, driven by adventure racer, Renée Brinkerhoff. Founder of Valkyrie Racing, Brinkerhoff has competed in racing events on all seven continents, including Antarctica. An accomplished driver, she is the only woman in history to place in the iconic La Carrera Panamericana Mexican Rally three times, including a class win in her first outing (2013).

Acura 2022 Pikes Peak Entries:

Motorsports are a key proof point of Acura’s commitment to Precision Crafted Performance, and its Pikes Peak efforts are a pure expression of this ethos. For the 12^th year in a row the Acura race team consists of R&D engineers who compete in the world-famous hill climb to grow their skills and test future performance technologies for Acura production vehicles. The all-volunteer team is responsible for every aspect of the brand’s involvement, including the development of the race vehicles, race prep, crew support and driving duties.

About Acura Motorsports

Acura Motorsports programs have been integral to the Acura brand since its 1986 launch. Acura sports car racing’s rich legacy includes the 1991, 1992, and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer/driver championships, and the 2009 American Le Mans manufacturer, driver, and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes. Acura currently campaigns the ARX-05 DPi with new partners, Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where Acura powered the team, manufacturer, and driver championships in 2019 and 2020. The NSX GT3 Evo22, available through Honda Performance Development, Inc., for North American customers, won multiple championships in 2019 and 2020 in both the IMSA and SRO GT World Challenge America series.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high-performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup currently features five distinctive models – the next-gen Integra sport compact, TLX sport sedan, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles, and the electrified NSX supercar, along with high-performance Type S variants. All Acura vehicles sold in America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For immediate release
June 8, 2022 12:00pm PST
Contact: Amanda Kreklau, info@000magazine.com

Three-time King of the Mountain David Donner will pursue production car record at 100th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S

Colorado Springs—When seven-time Pikes Peak winner David Donner joined Porsche collector Jim Edwards and 000 editor Pete Stout for dinner at last year’s Napa Valley 750, a vintage car rally, the conversation quickly turned to the 100th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It wasn’t long before the trio hatched a plan that would put Donner into the ideal car for an attempt on the production car record: a 992 Turbo S with the Lightweight Package.

“Jim volunteered a new car and I volunteered to drive,” Donner quipped. “Jim’s ability to see the big picture and how to make things happen, along with a huge dose of optimism, have made this project a lot of fun. I don’t think ‘no’ or ‘can’t be done’ reside in his vocabulary.”

“Pikes Peak is an iconic American event,” Edwards said. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of the 100th running?”

For Stout and 000, it was an opportunity to partner with Donner at Pikes Peak for a second time. Their 2020 effort with a box-stock 911 GT2 RS Clubsport resulted in a Time Attack 1 win and record. “Donner prepared that car for its first race in just three weeks, then drove it to a class win and third overall,” Stout said. “He finished 1.069 second behind the overall winner’s purpose-built open-wheeler…in a 911 race car that was built on an assembly line.”

The current production car record, which stands at 10 minutes and 18.488 seconds, was set by Rhys Millen in a Bentley Continental GT in 2019—besting Donner’s 2015 time of 10:26.896 in a 2014 911 Turbo S.

“Enthusiasts know a fast time on Pikes Peak much like they know a fast lap time on the Nordschleife,” said Stout. “The variables on the 14,115-foot mountain present a unique challenge, as do the risks. With no way to practice the full course, you get one shot every twelve months—if the weather cooperates. When it comes to international intrigue, I’d put Pikes Peak up there with Le Mans, Monaco, and the Isle of Man TT. Now consider the fact that you can still race a street-legal car at Pikes Peak on Sunday and drive it to lunch on Monday, much as you might have with an early 911 in the first golden era of the sports car…”

The 2022 911 Turbo S that Donner will race was custom-ordered through Champion Porsche in Pompano Beach, Florida. It went straight from the showroom to the race shop.

“We partnered with our friends at 000 and David Donner at Pikes Peak in 2020, then took to America’s Mountain ourselves in 2021,” said Mitra Maraj, President of Champion Porsche. “Both programs resulted in first-in-class finishes, so I’m very excited to reunite with 000 and David for the 100th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by helping them prepare a car for their effort. Our relationship with Pete has developed so much over the years, and it’s always a pleasure show our support whenever we can.”

For Stout, that support has special meaning: “When I met Mitra in 2019, I learned his father, Dave Maraj, started out in newspapers and always loved print—so it’s fitting that the theme of 000’s second livery for Pikes Peak is ‘Print isn’t Dead.’ While everyone has held a magazine, few know how they’re made. We wanted to provide a peek into the process. Like most magazines, 000 is printed on 16-page signatures with eight pages per side. Those sheets are then folded and trimmed, which explains the seemingly random page order, proof stripes, and trim markings you see.”

To help the livery make the leap from concept to reality, 000 reached out to regular contributor Glen Cordle to render a 992 Turbo S wrapped in ultra-high-resolution files from Hemlock Printers—providing a three-dimensional blueprint for a wrap painstakingly installed by Kris Lim and the team at Superior Auto Design in Pompano Beach. As for the subject of the article, Porsche’s original 911 Turbo? This, too, seemed fitting.

“Many of us think of the Turbo as a luxurious 911, but the earliest Turbos were fairly light cars that homologated the 934 and 935 for Group 4 and Group 5 racing,” Stout said. “The article you see—written by Richard Meaden, photographed by Andy Morgan, and designed by Justin Page—explored what the first 911 Turbo was like to drive in the context of the 1973 Carrera RS. The Lightweight Package for today’s Turbo S removes 80 pounds, making a fast car even faster: Car and Driver logged 0-30 mph in 0.8 second, 0-60 in 2.1 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 139 mph—but there’s more to 911s than straight-line speed. They’re known for their stability under braking and ability to put the power down out of corners. Tom Pelov and Victor Scanapico at Champion have done a fantastic job preparing this car, and we can’t wait to see what Donner can do with it at Pikes Peak.”

“This year’s entry is quite a bit simpler than our 2021 entry, but it presented its own unique challenges and equally exciting opportunities,” said Pelov, General Manager at Champion Motorsport. “To prepare a car for a veteran driver like David Donner—as well as the team that has gathered around him—isn’t something that we have taken lightly. It has been an honor and a privilege.”

Donner has approached the project with similar intensity. “I’ve always gone to Pikes Peak to win or set a record—the stakes are too high unless you’re there to prove something and can do so professionally,” he said. “My family’s history with Porsche at Pikes Peak stems from my father, Bob Donner, who won three times in Porsche Spyders in 1960, 1961, and 1962. My last three wins here have been with a Porsche, so it would be meaningful to make it four. The connection with 000 began in 2020, and none of the contacts or logistics to put a winning team together would have existed without its involvement. We still have a lot to accomplish in testing, but we’re looking forward to joining a huge grid of technologically advanced race cars and world-class drivers for the 100th.”

As for Edwards, who owns Bob Wollek’s Le Mans-winning 934 and Bob Akin’s “Last 935,” he can’t wait to see his newest 911 on America’s Mountain. “I bought my first Porsche in 1961 and have owned many over the years,” said Edwards, who hasn’t forgotten what matters. “Whether racing or displaying them, it’s always fun to watch wide-eyed kids come up to look at them. They know a Porsche when they see one.”

About 000: Founded in 2016, this collectible quarterly provides Porsche enthusiasts with new insights and unrivaled perspective. Each issue has 260 pages and weighs three pounds. Its name, spoken as “Triple Zero,” is a reference to three-digit Porsche model numerology. 000 is not affiliated with Porsche AG or any of its subsidiaries. For more info, visit 000magazine.com

About Champion: Founded in 1994 by Dave Maraj, a former rally driver from Trinidad, Champion Motors is the largest Porsche dealer in America. Its subsidiaries, Champion Racing and Champion Motorsport, have campaigned Porsches and Audis in North American series as well as Le Mans and returned to motorsport in 2021 with a 911 GT2 RS Clubsport that won at Pikes Peak. For more info, visit championmotorsport.com