Category: Race News

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.

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

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.

Competitors return to the Start Line in the Parade of Champions cheered on by hearty and enthusiastic fans.

Volunteers and officials begin wrapping up the event, directing traffic and cleaning up.

Organizers begin planning for 2022.

Bears welcome peace and quiet, and stroll back to the woods.

Until 2022 and the 100^th Running…

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 motorsports event will take place on June 26, 2022.

Photo Credit: Larry Chen, Jason Zindroski, Leif Bergerson, Jim Voige, Nick Cress, Kurt Bachman, Mike Rastas – Jacobson Rost

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

###

August 11, 2021

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — After two years of research, deliberation, thoughtful consideration and advice from colleagues in the motorsports industry, the Board of the Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has made the decision to discontinue motorcycle competition as part of the annual Race to the Clouds.

“Motorcycle competition has been part of the history of the race off-and-on since 1916, and has been both thrilling and tragic for competitors and fans alike,” explained Fred Veitch, Interim Chairman of the Board. “This has been a long process and a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right decision and one that is in the best interest of the organization at this time.”

View a complete history of motorcycle racing on Pikes Peak HERE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2021

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Announces Date for 2022 Race

100th Running – June 26, 2022

Colorado Springs, CO – It’s official! The milestone 100th Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo will take place on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

“We anticipate unprecedented interest from manufacturers, race teams and top-tier competitors,” stated Megan Leatham, Executive Director. “Pikes Peak is legendary in the motorsports world, it’s a racing venue like no other. Our 100th Running will be a perfect opportunity for drivers to bring their best game to Pikes Peak to cap the first 100 years of competition while ushering in a new century of racing on America’s Mountain.”

In 1916 Rea Lentz won the inaugural event in his Romano Special with a time of 20 minutes, 55.6 seconds. Fast forward to 2018 when France’s Romain Dumas set the current course record of 7 minutes, 57.148 seconds behind the wheel of the all-electric Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak.

In addition to the competition on the mountain, race organizers will once again host Fan Fest a pre-race street festival in Colorado Springs, as well as the 2022 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame Induction.

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 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 / Media / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400

Now Available on the Official PPIHC YouTube Channel
Pikes Peak Live, Presented by Mobil1
Check out the 2021 Event Livestream

Colorado Springs, CO – If you missed any of the racing action on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain on June 27^th, the 99^th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, catch it all now on the Official PPIHC You Tube Channel.

ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds is held annually on the last Sunday of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile 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 100th Running of this iconic motorsports event will take place in 2022.

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

           Colorado Springs, CO – The 99th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo was one for the record books, despite the fact that no records would be set. After a week of early morning practices and qualifying on the 12.42-mile course, on Race Day ice coated the last three miles to the summit causing race officials and organizers to shorten the course. Every competitor would run the same course, from the Start Line to 16 Mile, an 8.29 mile journey. A one-hour start time delay allowed equipment and personnel staged at the 14,115’ summit to be moved down to Devils Playground.

“It wasn’t the ideal scenario for the 99^th running and we tried our best to get the full course open, but Mother Nature would have none of it,” said Megan Leatham, Executive Director of the event. “Our officials, timers, competitors and volunteers adhered to our shortened course protocol and we made it happen.”

The Acura 2021 TLX Type S Pace car was first to make the trek piloted by “Wheeler Dealer’s” Ant Anstead.

As competitors staged on the grid, flagman, Dave Jordan, displayed the green flag honoring PPIHC chairman of the board, Tom Osborne, who passed away suddenly in March. Tom’s wife, Amy, sent the first car off the line waving the special green flag.

The Exhibition division was the first group to run. Randy Pobst behind the wheel of the 2021 Telsa Model S Plaid easily captured the division win. Nick Robinson and Jordan Guitar, both representing Acura, finished second and third, respectively.

The one-make Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division was next to tackle the course. Four competitors made the run to 16 Mile with Tanner Foust edging Pikes Peak rookie, Cameron Ingram by 21 seconds. 2020 Rookie of the Year, Kathryn Mead returned and captured third place in the group.

The Time Attack 1 division crown was handed to overall course record holder and Porsche factory driver, Romain Dumas, in the Champion Porsche. Rhys Millen in the eye-popping 2021 Bentley Continental GT3 chased Dumas to a second place finish, and David Donohue took third, overcoming some bad luck in 2020.

Three-time King of the Mountain, Paul Dallenbach, claimed victory in the Open Wheel division in the 2006 PVA-003 Dallenbach Special. Codie Vahsholtz not only took second place, but received Rookie of the Year honors as well. Third place went to Dan Novembre of Colorado Springs.

Sixteen drivers in the Pikes Peak Open division vied for top honors with France’s Raphael Astier stepping to the top of the podium. Layne Schranz in the #7 2016 Chevrolet SS claimed second, and James Clay took home third place.

Competitors in the Unlimited division brought some of the best action of the day. 2019 King of the Mountain, Robin Shute of the UK reclaimed the top award with the fastest time of the day in the 2018 Wolf GB08 TSC-LT. Rookie, Don Wickstrum, also known as the Fastest Pastor, crossed the finish line in second place. Canada’s Will Au-Yeung stood on the podium in third place.

Following the final checkered flag, drivers lined up for the descent in the Parade of Champions led by BMW Performance Center driver, Matt Mullins behind the wheel of the 2021 BMW M3 Competition. Fans lined up to congratulate all competitors with a final wave or high-five.

Fred Veitch, Interim Chairman of the Board, expressed thanks to all involved and appreciates their efforts in making the 99^th running a success, stating, “We just have an incredibly dedicated group of people on Pikes Peak. From our race officials, staff and volunteers, to our partnerships with Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain, Pike National Forest, the City of Colorado Springs and every one of our sponsors. This race is legendary around the world and we’re already looking forward to bringing the 100^th running to race fans everywhere.”

Monday’s award ceremony, presented by Rebellion Timepieces, included a special award from Alcon Brakes. The No Holding Back award, a $10,000 product voucher went to David Hackl for his throwback Audi Quattro – an iconic brand on Pikes Peak harkening back to the mid-1980s when records fell annually to the Audi all-wheel drive machines.

The inaugural Donner-Veitch Fastest Porsche Award, first in a 10-year series to be presented, went to Romain Dumas. Created by competitors David Donner and Fred Veitch, the concept was to honor Porsche’s past success on Pikes Peak, specifically early wins in the Sports Car division by Robert Donner, Jr in the 1960s.

View Full 2021 Results

Announcing the Fast 15 Qualifiers for the 2021 Race to the Clouds

Inaugural Award to Become Annual Tradition

Colorado Springs, CO – The 99^th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has released the top fifteen qualifiers following three days of qualifying runs on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Drivers representing the best of the six racing divisions have been recognized as the first annual “Fast 15”. Colorado’s Paul Dallenbach had the fastest time of the week with a clocking of 3:52.497.

‘Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1’ returns for 2021 with more for fans 

Those who tune in early will be able to win limited-edition race-themed giveaways

SPRING, Texas – Following the incredible response to the inaugural broadcast last year, and the outpouring of fan inquiries this year, “Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1™” will return for a second year to bring the racing action live from 14,115 feet to your mobile device.

Since 1934, Mobil™-branded products have brought innovation to the racers who choose to take on the extremes of America’s Mountain. In 2020, the challenge was different, but the team behind Mobil 1 synthetic worked closely with the organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to connect fans across the world like never before. Building on that success, key elements from last year’s livestream will continue this year, including John Hindhaugh once again providing live commentary, special guests, and more limited-edition giveaways for fans of all kinds.

For Porsche owners, a limited-edition run of 156 special “Pikes Peak Hill Grind” Porsche x Mobil 1 coffee sets will be available for those who provide their VIN for validation of ownership. Meanwhile, O’Reilly Auto Parts customers will be able to enter to win exclusive 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb collectibles that commemorate the 99^th running of the race.

More details around prizes and special guests will be announced closer to the stream, and those details will be announced in the same place the stream will take place – the Mobil 1 Facebook page. The broadcast will begin on Sunday, June 27 at 7 a.m., and conclude at 2 p.m. MDT, and will also be available to stream on the Mobil 1 YouTube channel. Those tuning in early will have the chance to enter to win any of the limited-edition giveaways before anyone else, and even have their questions answered by Mobil 1 partners and guests during interviews.

“We were thrilled at the glowing response from fans after last year’s livestream event, so of course we had to be back,” said Andrew Hanna, global motorsports and sponsorship advisor at ExxonMobil. “We all needed to adapt to changes last year, and we’re thankful that our fans appreciated the hard work our team and those at Pikes Peak put in to bring race fans a good show. As anyone who’s been to Pikes Peak knows, the mountain decides. This year, we’re hoping that the fans who tuned in last year decide to join us again as we look to one-up ourselves, and that new fans tune in to see what’s so special about the race to the clouds.”

Not solely presenting the livestream, Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil also returns as a technology partner within the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division. All vehicles competing in the class rely on off-the-shelf Mobil 1 ESP X3 0W-40, the same motor oil available at Porsche dealers. Continuing the legacy of Mobil 1 factory-filled vehicles claiming world records on America’s Mountain, Bentley will again return with multi-time Pikes Peak champion Rhys Millen piloting a Bentley Continental GT3 protected by Mobil 1 FS 0W-40.

“It’s a tradition here at Pikes Peak that we’re a fan-driven organization, and when we listened to the feedback from last year’s stream, mission number one became partnering with the Mobil 1 team to deliver an even better stream in 2021,” said Megan Leatham, executive director of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “The Mobil brand has been a partner of the hill climb since 1934, and has more records here than any other motor oil brand. So we couldn’t be more thankful to build on that legacy with the livestream giving back to our fans, and our partners like Porsche and O’Reilly Auto Parts. For fans who enjoyed the experience last year, they’re in for a treat this year – but all I’m going to say is they better tune in early.”

For more information on the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, visit PPIHC.org.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, is factory fill in many of the world’s most powerful production vehicles. In fact, more than 1,000,000 Porsche engines have trusted Mobil 1 from day one. Mobil 1 advanced synthetic features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 advanced synthetic to meet or exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers like Porsche and Bentley, to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions.

For more information, visit mobil1.us and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.