Race News Archives - Page 19 of 33 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

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.

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.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, June 9, 2022

Alcon Brakes to Present $10,000 Award in 2022

2021 Award-Winner David Hackl returns in Audi Quattro

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to announce the return of the Alcon Brakes No Holding Back award. A $10,000 Alcon product voucher will be presented to the driver who has demonstrated outstanding perseverance and determination in their race to the 14,115’ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alcon back to Pikes Peak this year,” stated Bob Bodor, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “The concept behind this award, No Holding Back, is especially meaningful as we stage the milestone 100^th Running and every competitor is putting it all on the line as they navigate 156 turns on their way the checkered flag.”

David Hackl, inaugural winner shared, “In 2021 we were the recipient of the Alcon Brakes No Holding Back award. It was a complete surprise and incredibly moving to receive this nomination from Alcon and the whole Pikes Peak family. Winning this award reinforced our steadfast dedication to running our historic Audi Quattro in this prestigious race and gave us the opportunity to set more aggressive goals for success in 2022 including being the fastest Audi ever. We are ecstatic to have Alcon Brakes on board at every turn up the hill. The team at Alcon Brakes worked tirelessly to make this one-off custom package for our special car, and the control and confidence these brakes provide will no doubt be a game changer for us in the 2022 Race to the Clouds.” Hackl will compete for the 9^th time this year in his #2 1983 Audi Quattro. His best time was recorded in 2020 when he finished in sixth place in 11:10.177.

“It is a huge privilege for Alcon to be involved with the 100^th Running of the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, both as a supplier to competitors and as an award partner,” shared Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director, Alcon Brakes. “The event, steeped in history, is one that we hold very dear to our hearts. We can’t wait for race day and look forward with great pride to awarding the No Holding Back prize to a most worthy competitor.”

ABOUT ALCON

Alcon designs, develops, and manufactures ultra-high quality brake systems for automotive and special vehicle customers across the globe. Headquartered in the UK, Alcon has enjoyed tremendous success in the USA for more than 3 decades – starting with supplying brakes to IndyCar constructors in the mid-1980s and quickly expanding to become a leading supplier to top level race teams in IMSA, Trans-Am and NASCAR. Alcon USA was established in 1994; since then, the markets we serve has expanded in motorsports and beyond including performance aftermarket, off-road, defense, and security vehicles.

In 2017 North Carolina based Pro-System Brakes became part of the Alcon group bringing a highly experienced and dedicated team as well as US based quick-response manufacturing capability and unique in-house brake dyno testing and bedding services.

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

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

Six Division Winners to Receive Exclusive Timepieces
BRM Chronographes to Sponsor Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony
$100,000 Purse Announced

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to welcome B.R.M. Chronographes back to Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain to present the exclusive Official Watch to each division winner. The winner of the Exhibition, Unlimited, Pikes Peak Open, Time Attack 1, Open Wheel and Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama divisions will each receive the custom timepiece, valued at $5,500.

“One of the best trophies a race winner can receive is an exclusive watch that commemorates that event,” shared Fred Veitch, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Board Chairman, continuing, “and our partnership with B.R.M. allows us to offer each division winner something truly unique. We’re so appreciative of their effort to create memorable awards for our winners and our Hall of Fame inductees. The 100^th Running celebration provides us with an opportunity to do something special for our competitors. In addition to our $100,000 purse, it is a pleasure to present these exclusive timepieces.”

Eight inductees to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame will receive their custom clocks at a special reception on June 23. Division winners will receive the commemorative watches at the 2022 PPIHC Awards Ceremony, presented by B.R.M. Chronographes, on Monday, June 27.

“We started our involvement with the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2013 and view it as a great privilege to come back for the 100 Running,” explained Frederic Gasser, partner with B.R.M America’s. “This is the ultimate racing experience and our message to the drivers – beat the hill, beat the clock and get a BRM.”

Fans will have the opportunity to see the watch designed for the competitors on display at Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs on Friday, June 24 from 5 to 9 pm at the B.R.M. exhibit area. Race fans, teams and timepiece collectors may order a similarly-designed 100^th Running commemorative piece, or a custom piece from B.R.M

ABOUT B.R.M. CHRONOGRAPHES:

B.R.M watches are designed with bold aesthetics and complex mechanisms to deliver a striking piece. B.R.M watches are handcrafted using exclusive watchmaking techniques that are not replicated anywhere else. You can expect fine craftsmanship and unique qualities in every B.R.M watch collection.

B.R.M came into existence in 2003 after founder Bernard Richards finished his 2-year long experiments to launch the first-ever B.R.M, the GP44. Bernard was educated by the famous Paris School of Watchmaking and National Institute of Gemology of Paris, in the 1970s. Hailing from a family of Jewelers, he began by designing his own lighters, pens and clocks. The eye for uncompromising detail and refined luxury was always there in him. He climbed the ladder by creating Bernard Richards, a company named after him that would initially serve as a luxury tool machining setup in 1986. A decade later, the company employed CNC machines used for crafting precision items. In 2003, B.R.M was incepted as a brand that would shine through as a forebearer of ultra-detailed watches and Bernard’s years of experience as a true craftsman.

For B.R.M. Contact:

Frédéric Gasser
fgasser@brm-manufacture.com

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: Tuesday, June 7, 2022

The PPIHC Bergmeister Award in 2022

Rewarding the Fastest Porsche on the Mountain

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is pleased to announce a competitor award for 2022. The PPIHC Bergmeister Award, presented by Fred Veitch and Porsche of Colorado Springs, will be presented to the driver of the overall fastest Porsche, regardless of division. On June 26, seventeen racecars sporting the iconic Porsche badge will vie for the award.

A uniquely-styled commemorative trophy will be presented to the recipient, along with a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, at the 2022 Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 27, 2022.

About the PPIHC Bergmeister Trophy:

Porsche has a long and storied history of hill climbing competition around the world and on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Fred Veitch, Chairman of the Board, former Pikes Peak International Hill Climb competitor and Porsche aficionado, has partnered with Porsche of Colorado Springs, known for hosting Porsche race teams and providing team support, to create this award honoring the fastest driver sporting the iconic Porsche crest. “Bergmeister” comes from the German word “Berg” meaning mountain, and “Meister” or Master.

A Brief History of Porsche Racing on Pikes Peak:

Porsche made a competitive debut on Pikes Peak in 1958 when Bill Paine entered a Porsche 356A. Bob Donner, Jr., followed with his Porsche entries in the Group 2 Sports Car classes from 1959 through 1962, notching wins in three of those four years. In 1971 Porsche 914 engines became the go-to power source in the lightweight dune buggies. Rick Mears, a future 4-time Indy 500 winner, captured a division win in a Porsche-powered buggy in 1976. Bruce Canepa arrived at Pikes Peak in 1979 in the new Newman-Draeger race car, powered by a Porsche 911 engine.

Few Porsche entries attempted the popular Rally class in the 1980s. By the mid-1990s, Jeff Zwart made his mark on Pikes Peak in a Porsche and never looked back. Zwart was inducted in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame in 2018 in honor of his accomplishments behind the wheel as a multi division winner, along with his roles as a photographer, filmmaker and driving coach. David Donner and Romain Dumas in Porsche GT3Rs, found great success on Pikes Peak with division wins during the 2010s. A one-make Porsche division was introduced in 2018 with fan favorite Travis Pastrana taking home first place.

As the 2020s began Raphael Astier competing in a GT3 Cup Turbo set a Time Attack record in 2019. The one-make Porsche division continued and in 2020 Kathryn Mead was awarded third place and Rookie of the Year honors in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

The award for the fastest Porsche in 2021 was piloted by overall record holder, Romain Dumas behind the wheel of the #38 Champion Porsche. Dumas won the Time Attack 1 division in a 2019 Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport.

Photo Credit:
Larry Chen Photo, Scott Paine, Louis Yio

Contact:
Lisa Haight, Event Coordinator / Historian / Media
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
(719) 685-4400
lisa@ppihc.org
www.ppihc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, June 2, 2022

· History Presentation by Don Sanborn
Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum

· Outdoor Concert and Race Car Display
Music on the Mesa at Gold Hill Mesa

Colorado Springs, CO – It’s time to gear up for the 100^th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Back-to-back free events on Saturday, June 11 will welcome race fans, history lovers and concert goers.

First, take a look back at the Road to 100, the early days of the race, famous racers, how the course has changed and more. Start your day at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and move to the concert venue in the afternoon. Grab lunch in Manitou Springs or at one of many food trucks at Gold Hill Mesa.

Saturday, June 11 – 10:00am

“A History of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb”
Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum
517 Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs

The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum welcomes Pikes Peak Hill Climb historian and former competitor Don Sanborn for his presentation, “The 100^th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb”. Join us for an interesting look at the history of the Race to the Clouds. The Unser photo collection by photographer Bob Jackson will also be on display.

Don Sanborn is the current President of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Historical Association and a member of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Committee. He is also a part of the broadcast team calling the action on race day with KRDO NewsRadio.

Don earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2000 on Pikes Peak. His father, Frank, along with Frank’s twin brother, Nick, both raced on this iconic mountain.

For more information, call 719-685-1454, email: ManitouHeritage@gmail.com, or visit www.manitouspringsheritagecenter.org.

Open Thursday-Sunday Noon-4:00pm or by appointment

Admission is free

Saturday, June 11

2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

After a look at the history, see some of the 2022 Race to the Clouds competitors and their awesome machines in person – a great time to get a photo or an autograph.

Now, it’s time to kick off your shoes, sit back and enjoy two great bands at Music on the Mesa as we prepare to celebrate the 100^th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26.

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 100th 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

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is pleased to announce the driver of the pace car for the milestone 100^th Running of the Race to the Clouds, Valkyrie Racing’s Renèe Brinkerhoff.

“We’re so pleased to welcome Renèe and Valkyrie Racing to Pikes Peak. She has a proven ability to take her racing to the next level which makes her an ideal fit to put behind the wheel for the epic 100^th Running,” stated Fred Veitch, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Board Chairman. “Her dedication to the sport, to her team and to her cause is remarkable and we’re looking forward to her appearance at Fan Fest and on Pikes Peak for race day.”

Brinkerhoff teams up with Acura to pace the field of 76 drivers to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain on June 26 as the first car up the mountain just before the green flag drops at 7:30 am. (MDT) Her trek up the 12.42 mile course around 156 turns in the Acura pace car, will help showcase the 8^th consecutive year that Acura models have been at the forefront of the event.

“I am honored to be driving the limited production Acura NSX Type S pace car for the 100th Running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” shared Brinkerhoff. “Participating in this world-renowned epic race – at the top of the world and literally in the clouds – is especially meaningful for me at this time, as our team has just returned from Antarctica where we set a world record for racing one car on every continent. I am thrilled to be a part of this iconic event and I’m looking forward to watching these incredible racers do the extraordinary!”

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

ABOUT RENÈE BRINKERHOFF/ VALKYRIE RACING

Brinkerhoff is the founder and World Record breaking driver of Valkyrie Racing. Brinkerhoff has raced on every continent, including Antarctica, on roads never-before traveled by the iconic Porsche 356. Renèe became a new driver at 57 years old with no background in cars or racing. In 2013 she prepared a 1956 Porsche 356, assembled a rank novice team and became an overnight racing phenomenon when she and her team won their class in the notorious Mexican rally, La Carrera Panamericana. Renèe went on to become the only woman in history to place in the iconic rally three additional times.

As the passionate founder of Valkyrie Gives , a not-for-profit with the mission to combat child trafficking, Renèe and her team have raised nearly $700,000 with every dollar going to vetted frontline organizations around the globe. Using her platform and vision to become a “vehicle” for global change, Renèe conceived of the Project 356 World Rally Tour which endeavored to see one driver and one car race on every continent of the world in the most challenging conditions for both the car and team. With the goal of raising awareness and funds to combat child trafficking, The Valkyrie team began Project 356 in 2017 when they returned to the La Carrera Panamericana as their North American challenge. They went on to race in Targa Tasmania, Tasmania–Australia, Caminos del Inca, Peru–South America, Peking to Paris, 11 countries–Asia and Europe, East African Classic Safari Rally, Kenya & Tanzania–Africa, and Union Glacier, Antarctica. In December 2021, the Project 356 global goal was achieved when Renée and the Valkyrie Racing team completed 356 miles on the blue ice of Antarctica and nearly 20,000 miles globally.

Renèe resides in Colorado and believes that as individuals we are given three gifts – time, talent and resources – and she is committed to using all three to end child trafficking.

www.valkyrieracing.com

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

For Renèe Brinkerhoff/ Valkyrie Racing
Lauren Auslander/ Tina James
LUNA
Lauren.Auslander@luna-ent.com
Tina.James@luna-ent.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 31, 2022

• Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Revs Up for June 24th Street Festival
• Nitro Circus Freestyle Motocross Demo to Take Center Stage
• OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 Autograph Session with Top Qualifiers

Colorado Springs, CO – For two years, one of the most popular summer festivals has been missing from downtown Colorado Springs, due to the global pandemic, but The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is eager to roll out this signature event once again. The hub of Fan Fest is located at Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon Street, but the action and excitement stretch for blocks in all directions.

The free, family-friendly street fest brings race cars, drivers, action and excitement to the heart of the city for all to enjoy.

Mark your calendar and don’t miss a minute of the fun!

WHAT: Fan Fest, presented by Toyo Tires and Michelob Ultra

WHEN: Friday, June 24 – 5:00pm to 9:00pm

WHERE: Downtown Colorado Springs

ADMISSION: FREE

Schedule of Events:

Be the first to grab your 100^thRunning apparel and the Official 2022 Souvenir Program at the merchandise tent.
Cheer for the jaw-dropping stunts performed by riders of the Nitro Circus Freestyle Motocross Demo, courtesy of Sam & Kathy Guadagnoli
Meet the OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 qualifiers for the 100^thRunning in the OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 Alley with a fan autograph session from 6:00-7:00pm.
Join your friends in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden
Watch Cub Scouts compete in the Council Pinewood Derby!
Look for photo opportunities and giveaways!

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Contact:
Daniel Rodriguez
Director of Operations
daniel@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 24, 2022

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Awards Inaugural Climbing Higher Scholarship

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is pleased to recognize William Andrew Black as the first recipient of the Climbing Higher Award. The award’s aim is to recognize area high school seniors who demonstrate an aptitude and interest in pursuing a career related to one of the many aspects of motorsports, such as engineering, event planning, welding, power technology, photography and more.

Black, center, accompanied by WPHS Superintendent, Dr. Mathew Neal, left
Bob Bodor, right, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Photo: Larry Ingram

“We are proud to honor Andrew Black with our first ever $1,000 Climbing Higher Award,” explained Bob Bodor, Executive Director, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Andrew’s interest in new engineering technologies that may refine safety protocols in the auto industry and produce measurable efficiencies in race cars is remarkable. He is poised to make a difference in any field of study he pursues, and we’re ready to support him with this award.”

Wm. Andrew Black, an accomplished senior at Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, Colorado will graduate in May with not only a scholarship, but tickets to witness the 100^th Running of the iconic Race to the Clouds on June 26^th.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Black’s high school course work has included a wide range of mathematics, physics, and engineering classes. He has participated in both Knowledge Bowl and the Science Olympiad. While his academic work speaks for itself, instructors tout Black’s character, stating, “Andrew possesses an ironclad sense of integrity, humility, an impeccable work ethic, a sense of humor, attention to detail, and more.”

Beyond his academic pursuits, he has made time to seriously hone his craft as a musician, participating in every band program available, Marching, Pep, Symphonic and Jazz leading to a nomination as the most improved fine arts student.

Black plans to attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology pursuing mechanical engineering and chemistry. Discussing his interest in mechanical engineering, he explains, “Looking at the world of motor sports specifically, engineers place a focus on producing safer cars to race with improvements to the body carriage and any areas susceptible to high impact collisions. This safety sector is a possible career path I could choose from, though I could also investigate the engineering process of maximizing efficiency of the race cars. Designing a new system that could allow for a more efficient use of fuel and energy, or chemically forming a new type of hyper-efficient fuel are areas offering opportunities for me to learn and innovate.”

The Climbing Higher Award will be given annually to an area high school senior who demonstrates a passion for pursuing a field related to motorsports.

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

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