FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BBi Autosport Leads a Triple-Porsche Race Effort at the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb
Famed Drivers Raphaël Astier, David Donohue and Tanner Foust Bring BBI’s Heightened Porsche Technology to ‘The Mountain’ with Three Separate Porsches in Three Divisions
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (05.10.2021) BBi Autosport returns for the 6th time to take on the Pikes Peak mountain in the 99th running of America’s second oldest race, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo June 27, 2021 – regarded as one of the most famous and arduous racing events in the Rockies and the world. For this year’s 2021 effort, BBi returns to ‘the Mountain” with three Porsche race cars and BBI’s impressive and updated aerodynamics to three divisions: Open Class, Time Attack 1 and the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy division by Yokohama.
“We have learned so much competing at the PPIHC from our past experiences and to apply those learnings on three different Porsche platforms takes it all to a new level” says Betim Berisha, Owner of BBi Autosport. “This event is extremely special to us as we are able to incorporate our full range of know-how while fulfilling our passion for racing. The Porsches and the team go through some of the toughest environments and conditions imaginable,” according to Berisha. “We take this home and apply it to our everyday operation, our development and products for fellow enthusiasts.”
The BBI Team
“Lucy”, the OPTIMA Batteries Porsche GT3 “TurboCup” which set the TA1 record in 2019 is back again, this time in the Open division and is once again being piloted by French rally car driver, Raphaël Astier. BBI has improved the OPTIMA “Turbocup” from the 2019 configuration to remain competitive in the new division.
David Donohue returns for another attempt in “Sunny” the Audrain Motorsport GT2 RS Clubsport after an incomplete run in 2020. Learnings from the 2020 effort have allowed BBI’s team to improve speed and bring more advanced technology to the updated 2021 BBi EVO variant of the GT2 RS Clubsport. The Audrain Motorsport GT2 RS once again runs in the highly competitive Time Attack 1 group.
Finally, Tanner Foust will be piloting the OPTIMA Yokohama Porsche GT4 Clubsport in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division. Foust, a 4-time competitor, is no stranger to the mountain, racing on it in prior years before the course was fully paved. BBi has partnered with Porsche Motorsport North America to support Foust’s effort.
This year BBi has key technical partners that bring forward technological advancements and help achieve the performance needed.
All three cars are supported by Yokohama and are equipped with the ADVAN A005™ slicks on the TurboCup and GT2 RS CS and A052® tires on the GT4. BBi will be the first to demonstrate the new proactive damper technology from Suspension Research Innovations and JRZ, outfitting all three race cars with the new dampers. Airtech, industry leader in composites manufacturing, is supporting BBi with 3D printed molds for carbon fiber components and supplying the brand new NEXX carbon fiber material. Aerosim-Research along with Verus Engineering have been key in finding downforce and reducing drag though aerodynamic studies and part development. The team at Oilstain Lab has been leading the creative on livery development for all three race cars.
BBi is joining The Little Warrior Foundation to help raise awareness, funding and finding cures for childhood cancers, with a specific focus on Ewing’s Sarcoma. The organization funds projects and research that have high potential for saving kids’ lives. Lucy Spada is one of many kids affected by this cancer and BBi is dedicating “Lucy” the OPTIMA GT3 TurboCup and the other two race cars in the lineup to putting a spotlight on the cause. For more information, view: http://www.little-warrior.org
RACING FOR GOOD
As the BBI Autosport Team at Pikes Peak makes its mark on ‘The Mountain,’ for 2021 the team will also be gaining additional recognition by raising awareness and funds for two meaningful charitable causes, benefitting local organizations for Ewing’s Sarcoma and Parkinson’s Disease, through BBi’s support for two nationally recognized foundations: THE LITTLE WARRIOR FOUNDATION and DRIVE TOWARD A CURE.
BBi is joining The Little Warrior Foundation to help raise awareness, funding and finding cures for childhood cancers, with a specific focus on Ewing’s Sarcoma. The organization funds projects and research that have high potential for saving kids’ lives. Lucy Spada is one of many kids affected by this cancer and BBi is dedicating “Lucy” the OPTIMA GT3 TurboCup and the other two race cars in the lineup to putting a spotlight on the cause. For more information, view: http://www.little-warrior.org
Additional funding will be provided to non-profit Drive Toward a Cure, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease research AND patient care. Inspired by the camaraderie found within the automotive culture, the Foundation’s mission benefits equally from both enthusiast communities and industry professionals and since 2016 has raised more than a half million dollars including contributions that benefit various Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence on local, regional, and national levels through Drive Toward a Cure’s “Access to Care” program. 100% of BBI’s contributions to Drive Toward a Cure will benefit the University of Colorado Movement Disorders Center located in Aurora, located on the campus of the largest health center in the Rocky Mountain Region. For more information view: www.drivetowardacure.org
TEAM BACKGROUND
Drivers
Raphaël Astier
French rally car driver Raphaël Astier has raced for 11 years with championship wins in the French Rally Cup, WRC3 and FIA RGT Rally. This year will be his fourth race at Pikes Peak. In 2019, Astier piloted the OPTIMA GT3 TurboCup to set the TA1 record. Pikes Peak is close to his heart and he is looking forward to more division wins.
David Donohue
David Donohue has firmly established himself as a champion racing driver with an impressive resume that includes time spent in Touring Cars, Prototypes, NASCAR Stock Car and Craftsman Truck Series. He was an integral part of the Brumos Racing family, driving a Brumos Racing Daytona Prototype in every Rolex Sports Car series race from 2003 through 2010. In 2009 he co-drove to victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Donohue and co-driver Darren Law joined Action Express Racing in 2011, sharing three podium finishes and a 3rd place finish in DP driver points. Donohue returned to Action Express Racing in 2012 with an all-new Corvette Daytona Prototype finishing 4th in points. He was the 2013 Rolex-24 Hour GX class winner in Napleton Racing’s Porsche Cayman.
Tanner Foust
World-record holder Tanner Foust is a versatile and multi-talented driver known for his supreme car control and a proven track record of podium placements, national and global championships. He is a three-time U.S. RallyCross champion (2012, 2011, 2010) who has also won four X Games gold medals (2013, 2010, 2007), and two Formula Drift championships (2008, 2007).
Foust is the first American driver to win a round of the European RallyCross Championship and finished both 2011 and 2012 ranked in the top three. In North America, Foust has been a dominant rallycross driver since the sport of rallycross was first introduced to the United States in 2010. His varied race experience includes multiple years of open wheel competition, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, rally racing, various types of sports car racing and the SCORE Baja. He has represented the USA in the annual Race of Champions three times (2010, 2009, 2008).
BBi Title Sponsors
Audrain Motorsport
David Donohue in the GT2 RS Clubsport
Audrain Motorsport is a carefully curated assortment of immersive automotive experiences for the enthusiast. It is all about the chance to share extraordinary experiences centered around the way you want to engage with cars and motorcycles. No matter where your passion connects, on a tour, rally or back country drive; exploring the limits of your car and your talent against the clock on a track; as an insider at the world’s leading Concours d’Elegance and historic races; or sharing conversation with the movers, shakers and legends of the motoring world in an intimate setting, we are here to make it possible.
OPTIMA Batteries
Raphaël Astier in the GT3 “TurboCup”
Tanner Foust in the GT4 Clubsport
https://www.optimabatteries.com
With a 40-year history of technological innovation and engineering, OPTIMA® products offer unstoppable power for extreme enthusiasts and others who require THE ULTIMATE POWER SOURCE. In the 1970s, OPTIMA Batteries introduced the first maintenance-free lead acid batteries for commercial and military use and the first high?performance AGM automotive batteries. OPTIMA revolutionized the industry with the introduction of its unique SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® as well as developing its first digital battery charger and maintainer.
Yokohama Tires
Tanner Foust in the GT4 Clubsport
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Since expanding to the United States in 1969, they have been an industry leader in tire technology and innovation across the globe. All three BBi Porsche race vehicles are running on Yokohama tires this year. The OPTIMA GT3 TurboCup and Audrain GT2 RS Clubsport on ADVAN A005 race slicks and Foust’s GT4 on the ADVAN A052 tires. Yokohama is providing critical technical support to keep the cars at peak performance when it comes to grip and safety
About BBi Autosport:
BBi Autosport, founded in 2005, specializes in Porsche service and race engineering, blending motorsport and street performance throughout the BBi product line and comprehensive workshop services. Located in Huntington Beach, Calif., BBi is the premier Porsche service facility in Southern California. BBi develops a comprehensive line of performance aftermarket and safety upgrades for all Porsche platforms and offers bespoke street and race engineering services. Through industry partnerships and new technology, BBi pushes the envelope in engineering and performance.
The Pikes Peak race and experience has captivated the team since the first race effort with Jeff Zwart in 2013, running the Porsche 997 “TurboCup”. This is one of the hardest events to prepare for given the unpredictable and brutal nature of the environment, limited access and complexity of the racecourse. Taking on the diverse challenges is what has been so intriguing for the team along with the general Pikes Peak sportsmanship and “family” of racers, teams and supporters. So many come together from across the world as there is no other race like the “Race to the Clouds” at Pikes Peak.
Audrain Motorsport, OPTIMA Batteries, Yokohama Tire, Little Warriors Foundation, Porsche Motorsport North America, Porsche Colorado Springs, RDS Automotive Group, Airtech, PFC, JRZ, Suspension Research Innovation, Rotiform, Verus Engineering, Aerosim Research, Garrett, Motul USA, Innovative Pro Design, Pankl Racing, Obsidian Motorsport Group, M-Engineering, Arobahn, Oilstain Lab, Creaform3D, ScanHub3D, Flying L Racing, STEK USA, Milwaukee Tools, Bill Rader Motorsports
Media Partners
Hoonigan / 000 Magazine / Linkage Magazine
BBi Media and PR Portal:
https://www.bbiautosport.com/bbihc2021
PR Contact: Dmitriy Orlov 301.675.2634
Brett Dickie
Laurent Millara
Codie Vahsholtz
King of the Mountain, the title given to the fastest driver each year was bestowed on Unser ten times, more than any competitor in nearly 100 years of racing on Pikes Peak. He raced and won in the Open Wheel, Sports Car, Stock Car and Rally divisions. After a 12-year hiatus Unser returned to competition in 1986 determined to best the overall record of 11:25.390 set in 1985 by France’s Michèle Mouton. As usual, he accomplished what he set out to do, and once again his name was etched in the record books. He raced the Audi Quattro Sport to the summit in 11:09.220.
Bobby Unser was among the first inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame in 1997. His tribute reads:
Colorado Springs, CO – International race driver, Johan Schwartz, will join a host of elite competitors for the 99th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.
Schwartz traveled to America to complete his master’s degree, but after few years in corporate America, he decided to dedicate his time and energy to racing. Schwartz started Endurance Karting, an arrive-and-drive karting program for individuals and corporate events. His passion for pushing the envelope led him to sell his karting company and join BMW as a factory driving instructor. He is known for being a BMW fanatic in the drifting world, and his skill has landed him multiple Guinness World Records, including:
Since 2018 crosskarts have been part of the field on Pikes Peak. Cole Powelson captured the best crosskart finish to date in 2020 behind the wheel of his Sierra Alpha. Powelson took third place in the Open Wheel division in a remarkable sub-10-minute clocking of 9:37.449. Powelson’s teammate, John McInnes, will return to Pikes Peak following his 2020 debut behind the wheel of his 2020 Sierra RX3.
To break the record, the car will have to complete the nearly 5,000 ft climb, which includes 156 corners, at an average speed of more than 78 mph to cross the finish line in less than nine minutes and 36 seconds. To help achieve this ambitious target, Bentley has once again turned to three-time Pikes Peak champion and former “King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen (NZ) – who holds individual class records. It was with Millen that Bentley captured its two existing Pikes Peak records – the Production SUV record attained in 2018 with a Bentayga W12, and the outright Production Car record scored in 2019 with a Continental GT.
As it was in 2020, Porsche is in-line to make a challenge for the overall win when the race returns to its traditional date in June. Leading the effort will be Dumas who returns to Pikes Peak in a Porsche. As announced on February 15, the Frenchman will team with longtime dealer and motorsport partner Champion Porsche to field a 911 GT2 RS Clubsport in the popular livery of the Florida operation. While his all-time record may remain safe, the outright victory is within the grasp of the track-only variant of the road-going Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Major competition in the Time Attack 1 Division will come from David Donohue (West Chester, Pennsylvania) who was a leading contender in the BBi Autosport-prepared Porsche in 2020. A third Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport – a twin-turbocharged machine capable of 700 Hp – has been entered by Germany’s Christoph Breuer. It will be his first attempt at the event which is also wildly popular in Europe and Asia.
The Pikes Peak Open Division is home to three Porsche-based entries. Astier – who calls Huntington Beach, California home – returns to try and better his production-car based event record in the BBi-built turbocharged, modified 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. Andy Kingsley (Buena Vista, Colorado) faces down the challenge in a modified twin-turbocharged 2002 Porsche 911. Colorado Springs’s own Chris Strauch looks to impress his neighbors in the division with a 1970 Porsche 914 “Wide Body” he has modified.
“He will be remembered for his ability to attract sporting events to the Pikes Peak region, from the Warrior Games, to premier cycling events, the Colorado Classic and the USA Pro Challenge,” stated Doug Martin, Chief Operating Officer. “Tom’s love of this city and the sporting venues it offers was the catalyst in bringing new events, tournaments, and national governing bodies to Colorado Springs.”
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is pleased to announce the return of reigning course record holder, Romain Dumas in a Porsche Clubsport specially-prepared by Champion.
