Race News Archives - Page 23 of 32 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2020

MOTORTREND’s ALL-NEW SERIES REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH PIKES PEAK: ON THE EDGE

–All-New Series World Premieres Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Exclusively on the MotorTrend App–

(Los Angeles) – Automotive thrill seekers, get excited! MotorTrend is taking viewers to new heights in the fast-paced, all-new three-part special PIKES PEAK: ON THE EDGE, premiering Wednesday, December 16 on the MotorTrend App, the leading subscription streaming service dedicated entirely to the motoring world. PIKES PEAK: ON THE EDGE documents the inside story of this year’s Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, as seen through the eyes of competitors risking their lives on America’s most dangerous race course.

More than 12 miles long, Pikes Peak is a death-defying challenge for the most experienced drivers. At high speeds they must navigate blind turns with very few guardrails in a climb reaching more than two-and-a-half miles above sea level in Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb requires months of preparations and, for some, more than a year of work just to qualify.

In Part one, “14,115 Feet Up,” of PIKES PEAK: ON THE EDGE, six drivers—some who are amateurs seeking glory and some who are pros seeking redemption—prepare for America’s ultimate racing challenge. Veteran driver Dai Yoshihara hopes his team can get his Toyota 86 to perform while former powerboat racer Chris Becker hopes he’s prepared enough to stay out of the trees this year. All have their eyes on the summit of Pikes Peak, 14,115 feet into the sky.

Part two, “You Don’t Spin at Pikes Peak,” starts with a challenging 3:00 A.M. practice session where multiple cars crash and some drivers struggle with cars that continue to break down. Who will survive to race day? In Part three, “The Mountain Decides,” each driver gets just one shot to make it up the mountain, but not all will reach the summit. One driver surprises himself by destroying a record while another driver comes up just short.

Stream all three parts of PIKES PEAK: ON THE EDGE beginning Wednesday, December 16, 2020, exclusively on the MotorTrend App.

Additionally, the MotorTrend App offers more than 8,000 episodes and more than 3,600 hours of world-leading automotive series and specials including the most complete collection of classic TOP GEAR (200+ episodes and specials spanning seasons one thru 27), the upcoming TOP GEAR AMERICA and the all-new NASCAR 2020: UNDER PRESSURE, plus every season of SPEED RACER, WHEELER DEALERS, ROADKILL, FAST N’ LOUD, BITCHIN’ RIDES, HOT ROD GARAGE, TEXAS METAL and many more. The MotorTrend App is available on media players and streaming devices including Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast and on the web, as well as across iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices.

PIKES PEAK: ON THE EDGE is produced for MotorTrend Group by TangentVector. JF Musial, Matt Hardigree, and Reed McDonagh are executive producers for TangentVector, the company behind the hit Netflix film APEX: The Story of the Hypercar. For MotorTrend Group, David Lee is executive producer and Mike Suggett is head of programming and development. Alex Wellen is global president and general manager for MotorTrend Group.

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 in 2022.

About MotorTrend Group

MotorTrend Group is the largest automotive media company in the world, bringing together Discovery’s fast-growing MotorTrend TV, formerly Velocity, and a vast automotive digital, direct-to-consumer, social, and live event portfolio, including MOTORTREND, HOT ROD, ROADKILL, AUTOMOBILE, and more than 20 other industry-leading brands. With a monthly audience of 26 million across web, TV, and print, and 110 million social followers, culminating in 2 billion monthly content views across all platforms, the company encompasses television’s #1 network for automotive superfans, a leading automotive YouTube Channel, and the MotorTrend App, the only auto-dedicated subscription video-on-demand service. MotorTrend serves to embrace, entertain, and empower the motoring world.

About Discovery

Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and nearly 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps and Discovery Kids Play; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and Motor Trend OnDemand; digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media and a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour to create the Global Home of Golf. Discovery’s portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, and Science Channel, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit https://corporate.discovery.com/ and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.

Media Contact:

Rob Quigley

Sr. PR and Social Media Manager

MotorTrend Group

Robert.Quigley@MotorTrend.com

310-363-4086

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is now accepting applications from competitors and race teams for the 99^th running of the Race to the Clouds on Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain on June 27, 2021. Drivers from around the world have traditionally challenged this famous course. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on motorsports racing across the US, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb ran on a postponed date.

“The ability to stage the race in August in the midst of a pandemic proved our dedication to the historical significance of this great event,” shared Megan Leatham, Executive Director, adding, “Each year brings incredible competition, technological innovation and worldwide attention to Colorado Springs. We are eager to welcome competitors and fans back to Pikes Peak next summer in the race leading up to our milestone 100^th running in 2022.”

The number of drivers invited to participate in the 2021 event will be capped at 85.

Competitors may apply between November 12, 2020 and January 15, 2021. More information is available at www.ppihc.org.

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Event Coordinator and Historian

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

(719) 685-4400

lisa@ppihc.org

Photo Credit: Larry Chen Photo

The 2020 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo playlist has just added:
- The entire Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1, 8-hour livestream coverage
- Competitor on-board videos and exclusive summit interviews listed by driver
- The Class of 2020 PPIHC Hall of Fame Tribute Videos
- And COMING SOON – race highlights from the Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1 livestream
Our Mastering the Mountain playlist lets drivers explore a notable run and share how they made it happen, check these out:
- Robin Shute breaks down his King of the Mountain run from 2019
- Robb Holland breaks down his 2017 run and 90-day car build
- Layne Schranz breaks down his 2016 run and more
- More COMING SOON – make sure to subscribe with notifications on so you don’t miss the next driver’s exclusive insights.

Official PPIHC YouTube Channel

Colorado Springs, Colorado- The 98^th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed only one female competitor, Kathryn Mead, to the field in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama Division. Behind the wheel of her 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Mead finished 3^rd in the division with a time of 11:36.345 which was cause for celebration at the summit. Mead’s biggest goal was just to get to the top and have a clean run and did she ever. Laying down the quickest time of all rookies on the mountain Mead earned 2020 Rookie of the Year honors.

When asked about the best part of her experience on Pikes Peak this year Mead recalled, “If I had to choose one thing, it was race day and the feeling I had when I crossed the finish line. Without the hard work to get there, it would not have felt so rewarding.”

Racing as a rookie in anything is tricky, but being a rookie at the Race to the Clouds provides an added level of difficulty. Luckily for all the newbies to the mountain, the world of hill climbing is a welcoming community with many drivers willing to offer advice to first-time racers. Mead says the best advice she received was from Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame driver, Jeff Zwart, “He coached me in practice and told me to always leave time on the table in each practice run so I could learn and get faster each session. He also emphasized that you race the mountain, not the other competitors.”

Mead’s racing career began in 2016, however the first time she heard of the mountain itself when she was an active runner and heard about the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. When she began auto racing and learned about the opportunity to run the mountain on four tires instead of her own two feet, it seemed totally crazy and not something she would do. Yet, sometimes things just work out, and when the Porsche division was created and her car fit the profile she knew she had to go for it. Her original plan to visit Pikes Peak in early April to check out the course and the mountain had to be scrapped due to the pandemic. She had practiced in a driving simulator and spent hours watching onboard videos in her hometown of Austin, Texas but it was not until early August that she actually experienced the race course in person.

Not only did she compete, but Mead designed the wrap for her racecar. She stated, “With so many things outside my control, the one thing I could control was how this car looked. I think it looks happy. Every time I get behind the wheel, I know it makes me happy.” Mead was happy to finish, happy to capture third in her division and happy to be named Rookie of the Year on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. “My goal was to get to the summit on race day. Getting a trophy for fastest rookie was the cherry on top. Beyond that, it would take too long to explain. It was about more than just racing.”

Mead is already making plans to return for the 99^th running on June 27, 2021.

Photo credits: Larry Chen

CONTACT:

Lisa Haight

Event Coordinator & Historian

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

(719) 685-4400

lisa@ppihc.org

September 23, 2020

The Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has announced that the decision of whether or not to include motorcycle competition in future years will be postponed until after the 2021 race.

In July of 2019, it was decided that in order to determine the long-term viability of the motorcycle program there would be no motorcycle competition offered in 2020. Race organizers planned to review all aspects of the event by gathering and analyzing data to determine the impact of the absence of the motorcycle program. However, the COVID pandemic forced changes to the race in 2020 resulting in a program that was far from the norm including a 60-day postponement, the loss of nearly all international competitors and, most importantly, the absence of spectators.

“While we had hoped to make a decision post-race in 2020, there were just too many variables this year,” explained Tom Osborne, Chairman. “We worked very hard to stage the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year in the midst of the pandemic so that the tradition of this famous race could continue and it wouldn’t be a fair assessment of motorcycle program viability to make that decision now.”

For a complete history of motorcycle racing on Pikes Peak, click HERE.

Colorado Springs, Colorado—The 98^th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo yielded great success for acclaimed local driver, Clint Vahsholtz, competing for the 29^th time. His first victory came in 1993 when he won the Open Pro motorcycle division aboard a 1992 Wood-Rotax 600. He would add two more wins in as many years in the same division, including 1995 on the weather-shortened course.

In 1996 Vahsholtz, following in his legendary father Leonard’s footsteps, strapped in to a stock car and launched a new legacy on Pikes Peak. Behind the wheel of a 1996 Ford Mustang, Vahsholtz not only claimed the division win, but was named Rookie of the Year. His #18 stock car, a reversal of his father’s famous #81, finished in 12:10.83.

Over the next 10 years, Vahsholtz stormed the mountain in the Super Stock Car division, winning every time. 2007 marked the sole DNF in his Pikes Peak career. In 2008, entering again in his tried-and-true Ford Mustang, Vahsholtz stood atop the podium in the Super Stock Car division where he would remain through 2012.

By 2013, with the newly paved course on Pikes Peak, Vahsholtz and the team began work on an open wheel racer better suited to asphalt than to the gravel surface that was the hallmark of Pikes Peak. Modifying the winningest stock car ever to compete, Vahsholtz Racing entered and won the Open Wheel division in 11:07.305.

Performance and aerodynamic adjustments made the Ford one-off racer even faster in 2014 and Vahsholtz earned not only the win, but a division record on the paved surface in a blazing time of 9:54.700, his first sub 10-minute finish.

In 2015, a rare third place finish didn’t deter Vahsholtz as he charged back up the mountain in 2016 claiming victory once again in the Open Wheel group. In 2017 the now famous #18 returned, not only winning the division, but notching another division record of 9:35.747.

Offered an opportunity to race with Flying Lizard Motorsports behind the wheel of a 2014 McLaren 12C, Vahsholtz was back in 2018 sporting not only a new racecar and team, but a new number – #45. A second place finish in the Time Attack 1 division behind David Donohue, son of famed racer Mark Donohue made for exciting racing action. Competing again in 2019, this time in a 2014 McLaren 650S, Vahsholtz was bumped to second place for the second time behind France’s Raphaël Astier in Time Attack 1.

Returning to his family’s roots with Vahsholtz Racing, Clint returned to challenge the 12.42 mile course in 2020 with his proven 2013 Ford Open. Backed by his Pikes Peak Hall of Fame parents, Leonard and Barb who were inducted in 2018, his brother Ben, his wife Shelly, his Pikes Peak motorcycle champion son, Codie, and the entire Vahsholtz family, along with his dedicated crew, Vahsholtz once again claimed an Open Wheel division win. After years of remarkable success as a division champion, Vahsholtz received King of the Mountain honors for the first time. Not only is this a first for Clint, but for the entire Vahsholtz family, further reinforcing their established legacy on Pikes Peak.

Vahsholtz resides in Woodland Park, Colorado, a mere 6 miles from the famous mountain. His dedication to his sport and his desire to win, like many of his contemporaries, draw him back to Pikes Peak year after year. With the 2021 Race to the Clouds comes the opportunity to return for his 30^th race when all eyes will be focused on Clint Vahsholtz, King of the Mountain!

Photo Credits: PPIHC Archives and Larry Chen

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Event Coordinator & Historical

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

(719) 685-4400

lisa@ppihc.org

Colorado Springs, CO — A week of early practice and qualifying sessions on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain built excitement for the 98^th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo on August 30.

By Friday, three contenders were out of the race, and two more were scrambling to repair their racecars after crashes on the mountain. Randy Pobst and Steve Goeglein, backed by their crews, worked day and night determined to make it happen – both returning on race day. Pikes Peak rookies, Joshua Allan in a Tesla and Don Wickstrum in a Porsche, weren’t so lucky, and withdrew their entries prior to the race. Likewise, Tommy Boileau, the 2019 Rookie of the Year, was unable to compete on Sunday after a crash near Boulder Park earlier in the week.

Saturday’s pit set up took place in the wind and rain as a storm moved over the mountain in the afternoon and continued into the evening.

Sunday dawned clear and sunny, but revealed up to half an inch of ice coating the road on parts of the upper section. Heavy equipment moved in to clear the slick surface as crews worked diligently to make the course race-ready.

As drivers, teams and race officials geared up for action, the Acura TLX Type S Prototype pace car left the Start Line piloted by three-time Pikes Peak class winner and Acura engineer, Nick Robinson.

Romie Gallardo, mother of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb champion, the late Carlin Dunne, waved the first green flag sending Scott Birdsall off the line in his 1949 F1 diesel-powered truck, “Old Smokey”.

Open Wheel Division:

Clint Vahsholtz with 23 division and class wins on Pikes Peak stepped to the top of the podium not only as champion of the Open Wheel division, but as King of the Mountain, recording the fastest time of the day and setting a new Open Wheel division record. “I wasn’t as fast as I’ve been on the lower section,” said Vahsholtz, “so on the middle and upper sections I just went 100%.” Vahsholtz bested his previous Open Wheel record set in 2017 with a new record time of 9:35.490 set in the same racecar, a 2013 Ford Open. Vahsholtz is the first American to be crowned King of the Mountain since David Donner in 2005.

Another Pikes Peak champion, Paul Dallenbach, claimed second place with 9:36.181 finishing less than a second behind Vahsholtz in the 2006 PVA-03 Dallenbach Special.

Third place went to Cole Powelson in a 2020 Sierra Alpha finishing in 9:37.449, just one second behind Dallenbach.

Exhibition Division:

Blake Fuller claimed the Exhibition division title in his Tesla Model 3 and set a new Electric Production vehicle record of 11:02.802, improving on his former record set in 2016.

Randy Pobst, only two seconds behind Fuller, garnered second place in the division in his Tesla. Pobst’s team put forth a monumental effort to rebuild his race car after a spectacular crash at Bottomless Pit earlier in the week.

Scott Birdsall finished third in the division, besting the previous diesel powered record set by Uwe Nittel in 2015, with his own record time of 11:24.065.

Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama Division:

Originally, a group of eight was slated to compete, but due to travel complications of COVID-19, the field was whittled to four.

Blake “Bilko” Williams claimed the top spot on Sunday after being forced by adverse weather to run a shortened course in his first appearance on Pikes Peak in 2019. Williams, of Nitro Circus fame, with a time of 10:52.622 was still well off the record pace set by Travis Pastrana in 2018 at 10:33.897.

Colorado Springs resident, George Hess III received second place, and Kathryn Mead, the only woman to enter the 98^th running not only garnered third place but was crowned 2020 Rookie of the Year. Mead’s time of 11:36.345 was fastest of the eight rookies competing.

Time Attack 1 Division:

Two Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame members returned to racing on America’s Mountain this year, both from Colorado and both choosing Porsche racecars. Driving one of the most gorgeous cars to ever challenge Pikes Peak, the 000 Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport, David Donner took top honors with a time of 9:36.559, the best time he’s recorded on Pikes Peak. The eye-catching art car was a nod to the Rare Shades™ event series.

Jeff Zwart, eight time Pikes Peak division winner, was behind the wheel of a 2019 Porsche 935 – one of only 77 produced. The #11 Porsche, sporting a throwback Mobil 1™ Pegasus livery, finished second in 9:43.921.

Third place went to James Robinson driving a 2019 Acura NSX. James held the record for a hybrid-fueled vehicle set in 2018 and improved on that time charting a new record of 10:01.913.

Pikes Peak Open Division:

Three vastly diverse vehicles claimed the top three positions in the Pikes Peak Open division – a NASCAR-style Chevy SS, a Palatov D2tt and a 2001 Porsche 996 TT. One of only seven racers finishing in under 10 minutes, Layne Schranz won the division in his 2019 Chevy SS in 9:45.360. Schranz, like Vahsholtz and Donner, is a second generation competitor in the Race to the Clouds.

Unlimited Division:

One of the most exciting moments came as the last racer, Formula Drift champion, Daijiro Yoshihara, left the start line behind the wheel of his Toyota 86 and blasted to the summit in 10:05.006 claiming first place in the division.

Derek Boyd finished second in his 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X in 10:11.446. Boyd occupied the top spot most of the day and looked like the winner until Yoshihara crossed the finish line knocking him down one step on the podium.

Third place was awarded to Kevin Wesley in the 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat for his finish time of 10:25.915.

2020 Race Results

Race Records

The Parade of Champions was led back down America’s Mountain by a custom-wrapped BMW M8 Competition Coupe driven by Laura Hayes, a BMW Performance Center driving instructor.

Although the 98^th running of the Race to the Clouds was conducted without spectators on the mountain, plenty of race fans followed Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1 for the first time on Facebook with legendary Radio Le Mans host John Hindhaugh commentating. “Being able to offer our loyal fans a new way to experience the racing action was something we were really excited about,” explained Megan Leatham, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “We were determined to do everything we could to continue the 98-year legacy of this motorsports tradition.”

Event organizers, competitors, fans and motorsports enthusiasts from around the world can now set their sights on the 99^th running next year and the spectacle that is sure to be the 100^th running on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in 2022.

Photo Credits: Leif Bergerson, Larry Chen, Louis Yio, Jason Zindroski

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Event Coordinator & Historian

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

(719) 685-4400

lisa@ppihc.org

Following the conclusion of the 98th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, the official results have been posted.

Click here to view them!

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Racing is an art, and thanks to Winslow BMW, one artist’s work will be featured at the 98^th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. WRAPsody 2.0 presents artists with the unique opportunity to design a vehicle wrap for a BMW M8 Competition Coupe that will lead competitors back down from the summit after the race on August 30 in the Parade of Champions.

About the BMW M8: The M8 Competition Coupe sports BMW’s most powerful production engine. Loaded with a 4.4-liter V8 motor, the coupe is capable of acceleration from 0-60 mph in a cool three seconds flat thanks to the 617 horsepower with different exhaust modes, precision shifting, and powerful brakes making for optimal performance and endless opportunities with the twin-turbo.

About the WRAPsody 2.0 Winning Design: The livery featured on the M8 was chosen by a team of judges from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Artists were invited to seek inspiration from the elements of racing, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb or Colorado’s Pikes Peak region. Mary DeMars created this winning design which stays true to the Colorado roots of the race with the added element of racing excitement that is always present on Pikes Peak. Boasting the colors of the Colorado flag and BMW Motorsports in a sleek, yet abstract, eye-catching design, the blues, reds and yellows really pop on a white background with black accents. The lines running along the side represent the speed and coarseness of the asphalt with darker shades to demonstrate the shadows created by the towering peak.

In addition to the honor of seeing her artistic vision showcased on the M8 for the Parade of Champions, DeMars will claim a $5,000 cash prize, and an additional $1,000 contribution will be made in her name to her favorite Colorado 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The second place winner will receive a $3,000 cash prize as well as the $1,000 contribution to the Colorado charity of their choice.

The custom-wrapped M8 Competition Coupe will be promoted on social media, in the Winslow BMW showroom and at special events.

About the Driver – Laura Hayes: From Sacramento, California, Laura Hayes began her driving career at only eight years old where she learned to appreciate vehicles and their capabilities racing Quarter Midgets. She graduated to Karting, and currently races a BMW 128i and M3 in endurance races. Her passion has turned into a successful career leading her to the BMW Performance Center as an internationally certified driving instructor in South Carolina. She also plays a part in organizing winter driver training in Sweden. Laura is very excited about her impromptu opportunity, stating, “I know this will be an incredible experience. The M8 Competition has been my favorite BMW since its recent appearance in the lineup, and I can’t wait to see the winning artwork design.”

About the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: Since 1916, when this world-class motorsports event was founded by Spencer Penrose, competitors from around the world have come to Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain to challenge the 12.42-mile course comprised of 156 turns to the 14,115’ summit. August 30, 2020 marks the 98^th running of the Race to the Clouds.

Contact:

Lisa Haight

Event Coordinator and Historian

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

(719) 685-4400

lisa@ppihc.org

Colorado Springs, CO—-The Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame, presented by Rebellion Timepieces, congratulates five outstanding individuals on their induction as the Class of 2020 on August 27.

Taking spots in the prestigious ranks of competitors, officials, organizers and others who have contributed to the success of the world’s toughest automotive hill climb and America’s second-oldest motorsport event behind the Indianapolis 500 are:

Al Unser: Unser competed on the Peak starting in 1960, winning the crown in the Open Wheel Class in 1964 and 1965. He also won the Indy 500 four times during his amazing career in the motorsport world, and he won the national championship in 1970, 1983, and 1985. A life-long ambassador for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Unser currently operates the Unser Racing Museum in Albuquerque, NM.

Carlin Dunne: Perhaps the finest motorcycle racer ever to perform on Pikes Peak, Dunne became the first racer to break the motorcycle ten-minute mark in 2012 with his winning time of 9:52.819 aboard a Ducati Multistrada. The next year, he beat every motorcycle to become King of the Mountain on an electric motorcycle. He won four titles overall before a tragic crash last summer that took his life and cut short one of the most amazing stories in the history of the race.

William J. Hybl: Bill Hybl is recognized for his significant contributions to the fabled Race to the Clouds over several decades as a partner and friend through his positions with El Pomar Foundation and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. Hybl, the President Emeritus of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, is also a member of the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame, inducted with the inaugural Class of 2000.

Art Walsh: Walsh, a legendary race official, waved the checkered flag atop Pikes Peak for nearly 40 years, beginning in 1969 when the great Mario Andretti won the Open Wheel crown. He became a fixture at the summit in all kinds of weather and was a friend to scores of racers who took their turns in challenging America’s Mountain. Walsh, who died in 2011, was a loyal supporter of the Hill Climb and its legacy. He was honored by the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2010 with its inaugural Jerry Van Dyke Memorial Award for “outstanding contributions to motorsports by an individual.”

Stan DeGeer: DeGeer is arguably the greatest and most influential historian for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He photographed and documented the race in its early years and later researched, wrote and published four books on the race that served as the foundation for the race’s historic preservation. His books include: Pikes Peak Is Unser Mountain, The Pikes Peak Race 1916-1990, Pikes Peak or Bust 1916-1996 and Race to the Clouds 1916-2001, the Pikes Peak Challenge. DeGeer died in 2009 at the age of 93.

The Museum Hall of Fame is committed to honoring and preserving the achievements of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Race to the Clouds; whether they are competitors, organizers, officials, members of the press or volunteers. Anyone who shares a passion for speed and competition in addition to a great respect for Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a tribute to their passion, competitive spirit and support for this world-famous motorsport competition.

Distinguished members of The Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame are: