Race News Archives - Page 17 of 33 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 23, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

ROMAIN DUMAS TO COMPETE IN 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

OVERALL RECORD HOLDER RETURNS IN FORD PERFORMANCE SUPERVAN 4

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

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

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

Read the full press release to learn more.

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

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

Photo by Louis Yio

Romain Dumas Career Highlights:

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

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

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, February 16, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

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

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, drivers from around the globe are getting ready to showcase their talent on June 25.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 15, 2023

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB REVEALS VIP TRAVEL PACKAGE FOR 2023

Three and Four-Day Experiences Available

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds is held annually on the last Sunday of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile (20 km) course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet (1,440 m), and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet (4,302 m) above sea level. The PPIHC’s six race divisions feature a wide variety of vehicles – from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles. The current race record was set in 2018 by Romain Dumas and Volkswagen in the all-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak – 07:57.148.

ABOUT SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT TRAVEL

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 9, 2023

BEHIND THE WHEEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Second Century of Auto Racing on Pikes Peak Begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023 Competitor List

Tickets are available now at www.ppihc.org

Photo Credit: Larry Chen Photo, Jason Zindroski, Luis Garcia, Charles Naboy

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

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

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.

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

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.