Category: Race News

ALPINE BANK REWARDS TWO PPIHC VOLUNTEERS

Colorado Springs, CO — Since the earliest day of the Race to the Clouds, volunteers have played a major role in ensuring the course is ready, fans feel welcome, communication roles are staffed, and so much more.

Volunteering for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes a special kind of person. One who is eager for the experience, committed to their duties, and willing to embrace the event with enthusiasm.

An army of nearly 150 service-minded individuals, many assigned to duties they’ve performed for years, not only show up to help at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but are vital to its success.

This year, two PPIHC volunteers were selected to receive awards based on the number of shifts they volunteered and orientation sessions completed. Anne Sasko and Layne Thomason each received a $250 VISA gift card as a thank you from Alpine Bank and the PPIHC.

“Alpine Bank appreciates the opportunity to support a long-standing, highly valued non-profit in Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. They continue to elevate the Pikes Peak community year after year with this race, and we’re all better because of their efforts. Thank you to the PPIHC for a fantastic summer of racing to the clouds, and congratulations to the two PPIHC volunteers chosen for this award.”

Matt Hanson
Market President, Alpine Bank

MEET ANNE SASKO
PPIHC Volunteer

Anne Sasko has always been interested in racing and said her father was “an F1 fanatic.” Growing up, she lived in Belgium for two years and during that time her dad bought a 1971 Porsche 911e. She’s now a second-generation Porsche owner.

“My dad attended the Pikes Peak Hill Climb back in the 1980s, so I knew about it from early on,” Sasko recalled. “Once I moved to Colorado, I knew it was an awesome opportunity to participate in this event.”

A volunteer at heart, she shared, “I’ve done a lot of volunteering in the last 10 years, including seven years with the Red Cross. I’ve done wildfire mitigation for Custer County residents, and I’ve served on two boards, Chamber of Commerce and Meals on Wheels.”

“The first year I volunteered for PPIHC, I worked in the parking lot next to the pits, which was an awesome opportunity,” exclaimed Sasko. “After they shut down the mountain to traffic, I was able to walk through the pits and meet several of the drivers.

“The second year I volunteered, I worked at the 9 Mile camping area. That included the three things I’m most passionate about: volunteering, camping, and racing. I met so many people from all over. Some of them drove just an hour, others drove for days just to see the race. We all had one thing in common, we absolutely loved racing.

“We cheered on each driver that passed us at nearly 100 miles per hour. It was a type of camaraderie I haven’t experienced at other race tracks, such as NASCAR, Indy, or F1, where everybody has their favorite.”

“You’ll meet people from all over the US, and sometimes all over the world. You’ll create memories and, at the same time, watch some extremely skilled racing. It’s definitely the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Anne Sasko
PPIHC Volunteer

Sasko explained, “My dad passed away in 2014, but when I was camping on that mountain, volunteering and meeting new fans, I could feel him smiling down on me.”

MEET LAYNE THOMASON
PPIHC Volunteer

Layne Thomason has been a volunteer on the mountain since he moved to Colorado Springs five years ago. He heard about the opportunity through a friend in the auto industry, and after the first year, he fell in love with it.

Thomason shared, “I’ve always been a ‘car guy’ but PPIHC is like nothing I’d ever experienced. It is, to this day, and will probably remain, my favorite time of the year.”

“I’ve had a few different roles during my time as a volunteer PPIHC, including on race day at Ski Area. One of my favorite duties is setting up for Fan Fest. Getting to meet new people, along with the race teams, and hear their stories, is just unmatched.”

“I’d encourage people to be open-minded when it comes to branching out and attending new events. After all, you never know if it’ll become something you want to be a part of every year.”

Layne Thomason
PPIHC Volunteer

Thomason recalled one of his favorite memories as a PPIHC volunteer, “It was my second year on the mountain and I realized I hadn’t prepared for cold weather. As it goes, it was a very, very cold weekend, but I still had a blast and made the most of it!”

Asked about future plans to volunteer on Pikes Peak, Thomason was quick to reply, “I moved to Oklahoma in 2024, but regardless of distance, I still plan to return for PPIHC 2026, and continuing for as long as I possibly can. I’m absolutely honored to be a part of something so special and great for Colorado Springs.”

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP OPENS IN MARCH, 2026

Photos by Anne Sasko and Layne Thomason

PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB AWARDS CEREMONY HONORS THE PAST AND CELEBRATES 2025 WINNERS

Colorado Springs, CO — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo gathered drivers from the 103rd running on June 23 to celebrate podium finishers, and special award winners, at Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The 2025 PPIHC Awards Ceremony, presented by B.R.M Chronographes, was marked by rookies on the podium in three divisions, a fourth-generation racer, many heartfelt congratulations, and a new King of the Mountain.

In a year that saw four former Kings of the Mountain return to Pikes Peak, along with six women competitors, there was much to celebrate.

Before the ceremony kicked off, PPIHC Hall of Famer, and 20-year competitor, Jeff Zwart offered remarks, sharing, “On the Front Range of Colorado, one mountain stands alone, Pikes Peak. And the road up this mountain creates stories of personal pursuit that engage and inspire.”

Zwart mentioned several notable stories from 2025 including Michèle Mouton’s PPIHC Hall of Fame induction, as well as race week comebacks by Lance Fenderson and Tyler Pappas who both suffered crashes, but through the dedication of their crews, and Winslow BMW, were able to compete on Sunday.

Special awards were announced to begin the ceremony, including the Henry Bresciani Award. This tribute award is given in memory of Bresciani, a race official who died during a practice session on the mountain 20 years ago. John Schwanz, a 19-year volunteer race official, truly exemplifies Bresciani’s dedication to the event and was honored with this year’s award, presented by PPIHC Board Chairman, Luke Smith.

The Bergmeister Trophy, an annual award supported by Porsche Colorado Springs and Fred Veitch, is given to the fastest Porsche on the mountain. Along with the trophy, presented by Joe Brenner of Porsche Colorado Springs, comes a $1,000 donation to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

Loni Unser was honored with the trophy for her result in the BBi-prepped, Mobil 1-sponsored, 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo Cup, and chose Shift Up Now to receive the cash award.

Unser finished 3rd in the Pikes Peak Open division, and 10th place overall with her time of 04:15.988.

The U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was back on Pikes Peak for the 103rd Running with a military convoy to deliver the checkered flags to the finish line this year.

For the second consecutive year, this unit offered the Be All You Can Be award, this time choosing three worthy recipients, Eli Olivas, Tracy Gaudu, and Lance Fenderson, all Pikes Peak rookies in 2025.

In a partnership with HELLA, PPIHC welcomed Rob Tinson, VP Business Development, to unveil two new awards. The first was the HELLA Heritage Award given to the driver with the most years behind the wheel on Pikes Peak. Clint Vahsholtz was the recipient, not only for his years of competition on the mountain, but for the legacy his family has etched on the mountain over the past 44 years.

The second HELLA presentation was the HELLA Hype award. This recipient was chosen by HELLA, based on fan comments and engagement on social media. California-based rookie, Kyle Wilder, was the clear winner for his Pikes Peak Open entry, a 2019 Camaro SS 1LE.

PPIHC CEO, Melissa Eickhoff, congratulated all drivers in her remarks, thanking them for embracing the unexpected challenge of a shortened course this year, and putting on a show for the fans.

She also thanked Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain for sponsoring the Exhibition division, while recognizing entrants, Rob Walker, Fred Veitch and Dai Yoshihara. Eickhoff shared, “You all showcased the best of Pikes Peak – from the electric Hyundai IONIQ, to a vintage 1972 Porsche ST, to a first-ever hydrogen fueled entry on the mountain. This is what makes Pikes Peak so unique. It’s the perfect course to prove technology under tough conditions.”

The Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division ran two classes, Turbo and Naturally Aspirated. Steve Wetterau, a first time racer on the mountain, brought a 2025 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 Evo to take the win in the Turbo class. Shelly Vahsholtz of PPIHC Timing and Scoring, presented the timepiece on behalf of B.R.M, and Yokohama’s Tricia Wall was the trophy presenter.

A rookie and two veterans took the podium in the naturally aspirated class. Cam Ingram claimed first in the 2024 Ford S650 Mustang. Emelia Hartford, social media influencer, actress, and rookie on the mountain, took second in her 2022 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, and 2020 King of the Mountain, Clint Vahsholtz, clinched third in a 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport – the two were separated by 0.279 seconds.

The Time Attack 1 division, presented by HELLA, welcomed Robb Holland to the top of the podium for his effort in a 2023 Porsche GT3 Cup. His time was 04:24.478.

Once again, the battle for second and third was tight with less than a second separating the two. Second place went to a familiar face on Pikes Peak, David Donohue, in his 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S in 04:27.673. First time competitor, Damien Bradley, of the UK finished third in his 1992 Subaru Legacy in 04:28.395.

The Open Wheel division, presented by the Museum of American Speed, welcomed a podium of Colorado competitors. Dan Novembre, of Colorado Springs earned his first ever division win by besting Codie Vahsholtz. Novembre’s time of 03:57.774, clocked in his 2013 Wolf GB08S TC Special, also earned him a fourth place overall finish.

During the ceremony Novembre held up a vintage PPIHC hat and shared, “This is the hat that turned into a dream. I got this at Pikes Peak 30 years ago as a kid, and it has all my driver hero’s signatures. I never thought I’d be racing against them today.” Novembre, referring to the Vahsholtz open wheel entry, continued, “I’ve been chasing that car ever since Clint ran it. This is just a dream come true.”

Rodney O’Maley of Colorado Springs was awarded third place for his run in his purpose-built 2018 O’Maley Special Spec VIII. All three competitors set qualifying times in the Fast 15, and all three finished in the top 15.

The Pikes Peak Open division, presented by Olson Plumbing & Heating, welcomed an impressive group to the podium, led by division winner, and 5-time former King of the Mountain, Romain Dumas in the 2025 Super Mustang Mach-E with a time of 03:42.252.

With the extreme winds in the upper section limiting the race day run to Glen Cove, Dumas would finish second overall to Italy’s Simone Faggioli.

Colorado’s own, Jimmy Ford, took second in 04:08.193, in the 2017 Ford Mustang. Jimmy Ford finished second in the division in 2024 as well, proving he has what it takes to run at the top of the field. Ford, along with the other podium finishers, were all Fast 15 qualifiers.

Loni Unser, fourth generation racer from the Unser dynasty, finished third in the eye-catching 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo Cup, prepped by BBi.

Unser was an award winner, trophy presenter for the Museum of American Speed and podium finisher.

The final division to be presented was Unlimited, presented by the Colorado Springs Airport. In only his second run on Pikes Peak, Italian racer, Simone Faggioli captured the Unlimited division win and the King of the Mountain crown. In his Nova Proto NP01 Bardahl, he set the fast time of the day – 03:37.196.

In addition to his Pikes Peak B.R.M winner’s watch and King of the Mountain Trophy, Faggioli received the Unser Legacy King of the Mountain Ring provided by the Museum of American Speed in partnership with Jostens.

With a nod to Dumas during the trophy presentation, Faggioli acknowledged that the outcome may have been reversed, if drivers had run the full course.

Faggioli’s teammate, Diego Degasperi finished second in division, and third overall, to be named 2025 Rookie of the Year. David Donner, of Colorado Springs, a three-time King of the Mountain, took third in the Unlimited division in his 2025 Wolf Aurobay GB08, finishing fifth overall.

Photo Credit: PPIHC – Larry Chen, Cecília Veréb

MICHÈLE MOUTON HONORED IN PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB HALL OF FAME

Colorado Springs, CO — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is proud to announce the induction of the legendary Michèle Mouton into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame. This well-deserved honor coincided with the 40-year anniversary of her success behind the wheel of the Audi Sport Quattro in her groundbreaking appearance on America’s Mountain.

In 1985, Mouton captivated the racing world by not only dominating the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb but also setting a new overall record of 11:25.39. Her unparalleled skill on the entirely gravel course solidified her legacy, making her the first and only woman to earn the prestigious “King of the Mountain” moniker.

During the race week celebration of Mouton, the racing world paid tribute to her truly remarkable career and how that momentum has continued for decades, inspiring generations of rallying and motorsport enthusiasts.

Among those who took inspiration from Mouton were 2025 competitors, Emmanuel Cecchet, Alex Kim and David Hackl, who proudly displayed their race cars at the induction ceremony.

To commemorate the occasion, Mouton received a specially-made timepiece from B.R.M North America featuring an image of her iconic Audi, and her winning time.

North Drinkware also created a customized set of Pikes Peak-themed glasses and coasters embodying the mountain she tamed in 1985.

Mouton was also a featured panelist at the Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) reception in Colorado Springs. Mouton, along with Burcu Cetinkaya, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, and three current PPIHC competitors, Loni Unser, Emelia Hartford and Tracy Gaudu, discussed their racing careers.

Led by moderator, Lyn St. James, seven-time Indy 500 competitor, speaker and 2025 PPIHC Grand Marshal, panelists described their challenges, successes, and future plans.

Responding to a question about whether she’d ever thought about quitting, Mouton responded frankly, “Once you start, you don’t think about stopping. It’s not easy to reach the top, so you don’t even think about stopping.”

At Fan Fest, Mouton was cheered by fans as she was introduced from the OPTIMA Batteries stage. She signed hero cards, posters, memorabilia and posed for photos throughout the evening.

“To be able to welcome Michèle Mouton back to the mountain this year, and see her enshrined in our Hall of Fame is epic,” shared Melissa Eickhoff, CEO Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Her love of motorsport, and her desire to see women compete and win at the highest level, is unmatched. As a pioneer for women in auto racing, we’re honored to celebrate her achievements on this mountain.”

Mouton was highly sought-after on Race Day as well. She sent Loni Unser off the line with a green flag wave, reviewed her racing career on the RACER Network live broadcast, and reminisced about her record-setting run with KRDO NewsRadio during their radio broadcast of the event.

Photo Credit: PPIHC – Larry Chen, Cecília Veréb

EVENLY MATCHED GT4 DIVISION CROWNS TWO CLASS CHAMPIONS IN 2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

Colorado Springs, CO — It was the second appearance for the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division in this year’s Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo. Two classes, distinguished by turbocharger and naturally aspirated engines were run.

WETTERAU WINS TURBO CLASS

Based in Newport Beach, California, Pikes Peak rookie, Steve Wetterau was named the winner, receiving the trophy from presenter Tricia Wall of presenting sponsor, Yokohama Tire. Wetterau, along with all division winners, also received a custom B.R.M timepiece, presented by PPIHC hand timing team lead, Shelly Vahsholtz.

Wetterau raced his 2025 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 Evo, prepped by BBi Autosport, to the Glen Cove finish line in 04:35.385.

INGRAM TAKES WIN IN NA CLASS

Cam Ingram, known for his Porsche expertise, and racing out of North Carolina, took on the mountain this year in a Ford Performance-backed 2025 Ford S650 Mustang GT4. His winning time was 04:45.577 in the red, white and blue machine.

Emelia Hartford, race car driver, actor and social media influencer out of Los Angeles, California, clinched second in her BBi Autosport, creamy mint green 2022 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, with a rookie time of 4:47.756.

It was Woodland Park, Colorado’s own Clint Vahsholtz in third behind the wheel of the Rotek Racing owned 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport in a rare departure from his family’s Ford roots. Vahsholtz has more division wins on Pikes Peak than any other driver in the century old event, and is a member of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall. His time was 4:48.035.

Although Tad Cusack, of Wimberley, Texas didn’t make the podium, he was immortalized in perhaps one of the greatest shots of 2025. During a testing session in mid-June, Cusack was running on the upper section when he surprised a bighorn sheep in the middle of the road.

Cusack competed in the Supermoto division in 2006 and 2007, taking second in 2006. This was his first race on four wheels. He finished in 04:53.317.

VIEW OFFICIAL RESULTS

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Jason Zindrosky

Cusack/Ram photo by Cody Jenkins, Spool Solutions

ROBB HOLLAND CLAIMS FIRST DIVISION WIN IN TIME ATTACK 1

Colorado Springs, CO — The 103rd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, crowned a new champion in the Time Attack 1 division, sponsored by HELLA.

Despite the windy conditions and shortened course, ending at Glen Cove near Mile 13, all fourteen drivers reached the finish line.

Robb Holland of Denver, Colorado, gave a standout performance to clinch his first division win on Pikes Peak. Holland, a seven-year veteran of the Race the Clouds, made the run in his Rotek Racing, HELLA-backed 2023 Porsche GT3 Cup, in 04:24.478. His race week qualifying runs gave him his first appearance on the OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 list.

David Donohue, son of famed racer Mark Donohue, and experienced Hill Climb veteran, pushed his BBi Autosport Porsche 911 Turbo S to the limit to claim second place. His time of 04:27.673 was just three seconds off Holland’s pace.

Beyond the competition, Donohue continued his established tradition of greeting drivers as they finished the race.

British rookie, Damien Bradley was impressive in his Team Legacy 1992 Subaru Legacy, claiming third place in 04:28.395. Bradley arrived at Pikes Peak with a background in hill climbing in both France and the UK.

Kathryn Mead of Santa Fe, New Mexico, finished fourth, just two seconds behind Bradley, in her 2019 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport. Mead was Rookie of the Year in 2020, was second in the TA1 division last year, and has two third place finishes in the former one-make Porsche division.

Rounding out the top five was Toshiki Yoshioka in a 2020 Toyota Supra, completing his run in 04:31.257. Yoshioka returned for his fifth race and has previously run a Nissan Silvia, a Subaru BRZ and a Scion FRS on the mountain.

Lance Fenderson and Tyler Pappas, both bringing BMW M2’s to the mountain but with different goals, experienced extra adversity leading up to Race Day.

Fenderson, a rookie from North Carolina, is a quadriplegic driver, using hand controls and breath to pilot his race car. During a testing session on the mountain, Fenderson lost control and hit a guardrail in the middle section, causing major front end damage. His team was able to put the M2 back together in time for Race Week, and he finished the shortened course in a respectable 4:54.914.

Back for his third year on the Mountain, Pappas entered the 103rd running in a BMW USA M2 with eyes on setting a new Production Car Record. While running the upper section on the last day of practice, Pappas pushed a little too hard and lost his brakes just before the unforgiving corner of Cog Cut.

Low and behold, the team decided to do whatever it took to get Pappas back in the driver’s seat for Sunday. In a matter of hours, the car looked like it never had an excursion over some Pikes Peak boulders and was even ready to be displayed at Fan Fest that evening.

VIEW OFFICIAL RESULTS

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Jason Zindrosky

Additional photo by Tyler Pappas.

ROBERT WALKER TOPS EXHIBITION DIVISION IN HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N

Colorado Springs, CO — Three drivers showcased one-of-a-kind Exhibition entries in the 103rd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo. Although the 2023 race was limited to the lower section, versus the full course, competitors brought their A-game and put on a show.

The spirit of this division is to promote and demonstrate advancements in the practical application of motor sports technology and automotive engineering. Builders and manufacturers are encouraged to enter unique builds, prototype, or preproduction vehicles.

Five-time competitor, Robert Walker, of San Diego, California, returned to Pikes Peak after a nine year hiatus. He finished in 04:23.858 behind the wheel of an all-electric 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N built by Evasive Motorsports to win the division and claim 15th place overall.

Colorado Springs’ own, Fred Veitch, an eight-time competitor, brought a 1972 Porsche ST tribute build to the mountain, creating a throwback vibe. Veitch, winner of the Time Attack 2 division in 2014, and a PPIHC board member, finished the course in 05:36.012.

In the first-ever hydrogen-powered car to compete on Pikes Peak, Daijiro Yoshihara piloted the specially-built 2025 Honda CR-V to the finish in 05:55.744. Yoshihara, a Formula Drift champion, and winner of the Unlimited division on Pikes in 2020, made his sixth appearance on Pikes Peak.

VIEW OFFICIAL RESULTS

Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Luis Garcia, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindrosky

DAN NOVEMBRE CAPTURES FIRST OPEN WHEEL DIVISION WIN

Colorado Springs, CO — The 2025 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, saw an all-PPIHC veteran, all-Pikes Peak Region podium in the Open Wheel Division on June 22. Five competitors entered the division, with four completing the weather shortened race to Glen Cove.

Loni Unser presented trophies to the winners on behalf of division sponsor, the Museum of American Speed, in Lincoln, Nebraska which recently opened the Unser Racing Collection.

Dan Novembre, driving the 2013 Wolf GB08S TC Special, captured his first ever division win with his time of 03:57.774. This victory marks a significant achievement for Colorado Springs-based Novembre, a fourth place overall finish.

A veteran of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Novembre has been competing since 2009, marking his 17th year in 2025. This was the 4th year he entered the Wolf, and his first time back in the Open Wheel division since 2021.

Top contender, Codie Vahsholtz of Woodland Park, Colorado, third-generation racer from the legendary Vahsholtz family, claimed second and finished 6th overall with his shortened course time of 04:02.175.

It’s noteworthy, that neither Novembre nor Vahsholtz finished in 2024, when both experienced rare mechanical failures. These friendly rivals share another commonality; both drivers are consistently among the top qualifiers and, in fact, have made the OPTIMA Batteries Fast 15 every year since its inception in 2021. The only other competitor to achieve this is Don Wickstrum, aka the Fastest Pastor.

Rounding out the top three was second-generation driver, Rodney O’Maley of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the 2018 O’Maley Special Spec VIII who delivered a consistent performance with his clocking of 04:22.434. O’Maley also stepped onto the Fast 15 qualifier stage for the first time this year.

David Meyer, also of Colorado Springs, driving an O’Maley-prepped car, finished fourth with his time of 04:42.354. While it made for a great photo, Meyer blew his motor during qualifying and scrambled to fix it in time for Race Day.

Ryan Cheek of Black Mountain, North Carolina made her second appearance on the mountain in her American X Kart Cross Kart, and for the second time, scored a disappointing DNF.

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Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia