Race News Archives - Page 21 of 33 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is gearing up for the 100^th Running on June 26. Three elite female competitors join the field of 81 racers this year.

Kathryn Mead, 2020 Rookie of the Year, and two-time third place finisher in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division, returns for her third race on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, this time switching to the Time Attack 1 division. A retired astrophysics professor from Austin, TX, Mead shares “This race is the coolest thing I have ever done and I’m looking forward to racing in Time Attack for the first time this year.”

Laura Hayes, professional BMW Driving Instructor based in South Carolina, will make her second competitive attempt at the 14,115 summit. Hayes finished fifth in the highly competitive Time Attack 1 group on a weather-shortened course last year behind the wheel of her 2021 BMW M2CSR. After piloting the 2020 Parade of Champions Car – a sleek BMW M8 Competition Coupe. Hayes wants to tell women working in the motorsports world to “Take a chance on yourself. If I had known two years ago where I’d be today, I wouldn’t believe it. I suddenly had a spontaneous goal of competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the only person who could make that happen was me. Surround yourself with a team who believes in you, and more importantly, believe in yourself. My life has changed since racing Pikes Peak and it’s all because I took chance on myself. Do it. You wont regret it.”

Loni Unser, a fourth-generation racer from one of the most prominent names in auto racing, will compete for the first time in the Race to the Clouds. Daughter of Johnny Unser, granddaughter of Jerry Unser Jr., and great-granddaughter of Jerry Unser, Loni’s 2019 Porsche GT4 Clubsport will sport the iconic Unser #92 when she joins the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division in June. When asked about her mentors in motorsports, Unser answered, “Fortunately, I have a group of incredible mentors in my family that I have looked up to for as long as I can remember. Wanting to follow in their footsteps has motivated me to be the best I can in this industry. Their sheer passion for the sport is contagious and they were able to show me what it is like to give everything to what you love.”

The current fastest time by a female driver on Pikes Peak is 10:54.901, set by Vanina Ickx, from Belgium, a rookie at Pikes Peak in 2018. Ickx is the daughter of famed F1 driver, Jackie Ickx.

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 course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 1, 2022

Competitors Announced for the Milestone 100th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo has officially announced the competitors invited to challenge the 12.42 mile course on June 26, 2022. More than 80 drivers from twelve nations and seventeen states will travel to Colorado Springs for the iconic Race to the Clouds.

Highlights of the 100th Running include returning “King of the Mountain” champions Robin Shute and David Donner. Familiar and new faces from the Millen and Unser clans will look to etch their names in the record books. Sixteen newcomers will experience the event for the first time. From grueling early morning practice runs on the mountain to late-night prep and tuning sessions in the garage, each team will be reminded of what it takes to achieve success at 14,115 feet. Ultimately, the mountain decides.

Purchase Tickets Now

2022 PPIHC Competitor List

Race Week Schedule

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

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

Help us get to 3,000 signatures!

Looking for a new way to show your love of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and more than 100 years of motorsports on Pikes Peak?

If you are a Colorado resident, and have not already done so, sign the support petition below and share with anyone and everyone residing in Colorado.

We are just short of the needed 3,000 signatures.

Share this with Colorado race fans, car clubs or auto enthusiasts!

Final design and graphics may change. One signature per individual.

Show your support and sign the petition today!

Colorado Springs, CO – The 100^th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, will be history after June 26, 2022. The final week to submit the application to compete in this milestone event is here. Competitors, race teams and manufacturers may submit applications for consideration through January 13, 2022.

Race organizers will post the 2022 field of competitors on February 1 at ppihc.org.

The 100^th Running of the Race to the Clouds will take place on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

Driver applications may be submitted HERE.

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 typically on the last Sunday of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet 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:
Alex Feeback
Event Coordinator / Competitor Liaison
alex@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

Colorado Springs, CO – The entire Pikes Peak International Hill Climb community is saddened by the death of Al Unser, a champion on Pikes Peak and lifetime ambassador for the Race to the Clouds.

“Al Unser was undoubtedly a champion. His records and achievements speak for themselves. What I remember about Al is how easy he was to work with. He was always polite and gracious to our fans and everyone affiliated with the event,” recalls Bob Gillis, former President, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Board of Directors.

Al Unser was part of a racing dynasty that reigned on Pikes Peak for decades. While his racing legacy around the world is unquestionably one of the most highly respected, Unser’s first attempt at Pikes Peak resulted in a disqualification before he ever got to compete. When it was discovered he was only 17 years old, not the minimum age of 18, organizers marked his entry with a DQ.

Unser returned in 1960 and finished in 2nd place with a time of 13:37.20. The only competitor to beat him was his brother Bobby who set a new course record of 13:28.5. In 1962 a nearly identical finish occurred with Bobby setting another course record to win the division and Al finishing less than four seconds behind.

Al Unser triumphed in the mid-1960s when he captured impressive back-to-back wins in 1964 in the Vince Conzi-designed racer powered by the famous Offenhauser engine, and again in 1965 with the Eisert/Ford “Harrison Special” by J. Frank Harrison.

Unser’s wins at Pikes Peak on the 12.42-mile mountain course helped propel him to greatness at Indianapolis and beyond. He holds the distinction of being one of only four drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 – The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, four times.

“Al Unser was not only a 4-time winner at Indianapolis, but a fierce competitor in anything he raced,” shared Randy Ruyle, Race Director, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “It’s a sad day in motorsports. He will be missed.”

In 2020 Al Unser was inducted into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame. There are currently three members of the Unser family in the Hall of Fame, Louis “Uncle Louie” Unser, Bobby Unser and Al Unser.

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Event Coordinator / Historian / Media

lisa@ppihc.org

(719) 685-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: December 1, 2021

Race Day Tickets, Practice Day Tickets and Overnight Camping Permits Available Now

Colorado Springs, CO – On June 26, 2022, the milestone 100^th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo will be in high gear. Tickets for race day, practice days and pre-race overnight camping are available online.

“The Race to the Clouds is one of the most well-known motorsport events in the world,” stated Fred Veitch, board chairman. “It is such a unique spectator event. While it is not held on a traditional track with views of the entire racing circuit, each of our spectator areas holds something special. The Start Line welcomes fans to enter the pit area, see the cars up close and talk to the drivers. Halfway Picnic Grounds is typically the fastest section of the course, and Devils Playground offers unobstructed views from above the tree line of turns below. There’s really something for every race fan.”

Tickets are on sale now with incentives to carpool reflected in Family Pack pricing. A limited number of overnight camping permits are also available for spaces at 9 Mile (tents only); Halfway Picnic Grounds, Ski Area and Glen Cove. Maximum length for all motorhomes and trailers is 26 feet. Due to limited parking space this will be strictly enforced at the Gateway. Everyone in a camping space must also purchase a race ticket. Children ages 9 and under are admitted free of charge.

During Race Week, early morning practice sessions are held from 5:30 am to 8:30 am. Tickets to attend these sessions are also available to a limited number of fans.

Review the Spectator Guide

Purchase Tickets Today

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Contact:
Alex Feeback
Event Coordinator / Competitor Liaison
alex@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

Bob Bodor Tapped to Lead PPIHC’s 100th Running

Colorado Springs, CO – The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has announced Bob Bodor as Executive Director. Bodor follows Megan Leatham who led the organization for the past ten years. At the helm of the second oldest motorsports race in America, Bodor will usher in a new era on the mountain, beginning with the milestone 100^th Running of the Race to the Clouds on June 26, 2022.

“It is a great honor and privilege to accept this one-of-a kind opportunity,” declared Bodor. “As any resident of the Pikes Peak Region can attest, there is only one America’s Mountain and only one Hill Climb. I am excited to make new friends and build relationships with the entire Pikes Peak International Hill Climb staff, the racing community, our outstanding volunteers, partners and sponsors. I am eager to join the team and support the ongoing efforts leading up to the 100th Running of our iconic race next summer.”

With a career forged in sports, Bodor joins the PPIHC following a six-year stint as Director of Member Services at USA Fencing focusing on program and business development. His previous position was with USA Racquetball as head of the Membership Services team and Event Coordinator where he assisted with six USA Racquetball Championship events in 2015.

Coaching football at the collegiate level for 25 years at eight colleges and universities throughout the country, Bodor knows all about teamwork. He was the head football coach at Colorado College in Colorado Springs from 2003 to 2009. He is a graduate of Denison University in central Ohio where he was a four-year player on the Big Red football team.

Bodor is a member of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance Sports Economy Team and serves on the Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak Marathon. In that role, Bodor has come to understand the challenges involved in executing a sporting event at 14,000 feet.

“Bob impressed all of us with his commitment to our community, his success as a team member, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done,” shared Fred Veitch, PPIHC Board Chairman, “His passion for sports, his years of leadership and coaching, and his enthusiasm for the event are a winning combination for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and we’re eager to introduce him to our extended Hill Climb family.”

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 typically on the last Sunday of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet 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 / Historian / Media
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

Looking for a new way to show your love of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and more than 100 years of motorsports on Pikes Peak? In tribute to the 100th Running in 2022, we are gauging interest in and gathering support for the State of Colorado to issue a special license plate which will be available to any vehicle owner in Colorado.

If you are a Colorado resident sign the support petition below and help us gather the 3,000 signatures needed to submit our application for legislative approval.

Share this with Colorado race fans, car clubs or auto enthusiasts!

Show your support and sign the petition today!

Apply November 11, 2021 – January 13, 2021

Colorado Springs, CO – Applications for the 100^th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, open today. Competitors, race teams and manufacturers may submit applications for consideration through January 13, 2022.

Drivers will vie for slots in six divisions – Open Wheel, Unlimited, Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak Open, Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama and Exhibition. Total entries will be limited to 75 competitors.

Spencer Penrose, founder of this elite motorsport competition, invited the first competitors in 1916. Then, as now, it is an invitation-only event. The first event spanned three days of competition and included nearly 30 competitors in the automobile division. Among the entries were well-known automakers Ford, Buick, and Cadillac, along with legendary autos Duesenberg, Hudson, and Studebaker, as well as the once-revered badges Delage, Chalmers and Mercer. Despite the presence of proven automotive technology, the event was won by Rea Lentz in his Romano Special. Lentz and the race car passed into history but established an important first on Pikes Peak.

The 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds will take place on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

Driver applications may be submitted HERE.

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

Colorado Springs, CO – One day. One run. One King of the Mountain. And 364 days to prepare. The 99^th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo has come and gone but the stories are still being told.

A recap of the final 48-hours.

Saturday, June 26 – 24 hours to Green Flag

6:30am – Event staff meets semi-trucks and trailers to escort and stage in pit area

7:00am – Heavy fog from 16 Mile up….no visibility. The highway was not open for tourists above Cove Creek all day.

7:05 am – Communications network on Pikes Peak was not operating.

“On a clear sunny day, Friday, we had one Gb at the Start Line, by Saturday, we had nothing – no internet. We were relying on spotty cell phones and two way radios. Not being able to get telephone calls into and out of that whole production area, including the pits and the start line was frustrating. No one had telephone service or Wi-Fi,” shared Jim Voige, Frequency Liaison for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “I don’t think the world realizes how complex it is to provide that kind of connectivity on the mountain. Just the sheer scope of it.”

11:00 am – Gates open to overnight campers who are undeterred by the weather. Camping permits had been sold out for weeks.

12:30 pm – Organizers and officials discuss the possibility of no connectivity on Sunday for the race. Dismal weather forecast increases the chances of network failure. Decision is made to order a satellite truck to boost the live stream signal. With a higher-powered transmitter, it pushes the signal right through the clouds. Closest one available – Cheyenne, Wyoming.

2:00 pm – Race teams arrive to stage their vehicles and set up their pit space.

2:00 pm – Heavy fog rolled in blocking all of our microwave signals. Two trips to the summit to devise a workaround for the blocked signal. Installed another microwave to restore livestream and timing system. Equipment was in place, but had to be aimed accurately and tested in the middle of the storm. “But first we had to chop the ice off,” recalls Voige, Frequency Liaison for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Just getting to the summit and back that day, the road had to be plowed so we could get up there. The trip took a lot longer than normal.”

4:00 pm – With a temp hovering at 30 degrees, winds at 15 mph, and visibility limited to 10 feet, the continuous snow and rain made access and working conditions tough, wreaking havoc on network switches and equipment at 14,115’ above sea level.

6:30pm – Back-up microwave tower brought online at summit – not an easy task in the ice, snow and cold!

9:00 pm – Satellite truck arrives and is staged near the Start Line to provide audio and video feeds from the course to the livestream.

As darkness falls it’s wait-and-see what the weather on the mountain will allow on Sunday.

Sunday, June 27 – Race Day – The 99^th Running of the Race to the Clouds

1:30 am – Gates open to credentialed personnel.

1:45 am – First notification about a bear and her cubs roaming the pit area.

2:30 am – Gates open to ticketholders eager to catch the racing action since no spectators were allowed in 2020.

2:30 am – Summit Team departs Start Line for Summit to place final banners/signage and experience significant snow and ice over the last three miles of the course.

3:30 am – Call to Colorado Division of Wildlife. No Bear Aware volunteers available.

4:00 am – Ice remains on the course.

4:30 am – Decision made to delay the start time by one hour – from 7:30 to 8:30am.

4:45 am – US Forest Service on-site to monitor mother bear and two cubs active in the pit area. Roped off the area with CAUTION tape. The three bears remained in the tree all day, taking the loud noises and big crowd in stride.

5:20 am – A brief, spectacular sunrise holds promise for a mild race day – but it was short-lived.

5:25 am – Parking lots are full as fans anticipate a day of racing action.

5:30 am – Race director and event organizers travel to the summit to check road conditions which were still icy and slick.

6:30 am – Additional runs to the summit to make final condition determination.

7:15 am – Decision made to shorten the official length of the course for the 99th Running from the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak to the 16 Mile marker just below Devils Playground at 12,780 feet above sea level.

7:45 am – What is there to do but wait for the green flag!

8:00 am – Enthusiastic fans wait at Devils Playground for racers to arrive.

9:00 am – Worth the wait as drivers finish just below Devils Playground.

9:15 am – Bigfoot sighting in the Optima Batteries Pits!

Just after 12:00 noon, race ends and weather looks brighter.

2021 King of the Mountain, Robin Shute, crosses the Finish Line to capture the overall crown capping a unique day of auto racing on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.