Category: Race News
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Racing is an art, and thanks to Winslow BMW, one artist’s work will be featured at the 98th 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 98th running of the Race to the Clouds.
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator and Historian
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
(719) 685-4400
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:
- Joshua J. “JC” Agajanian
- Sonny Anderson
- Bill Brokaw
- The Donner Family
- Davey Durelle
- Rodney K. “Rod” Millen
- Spencer Penrose
- Frank J. & Judith K. “Kaye” Peterson
- James J. “Jim” Reilly
- Alfred C. “Al” Rogers
- Nicholas J. “Nick” Sanborn, Jr.
- Randy L. Schranz
- Glen W. Shultz
- Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima
- Charles L. “Charley” Tutt, IV
- William Thayer Tutt
- Louis “Uncle Louie” Unser, Jr.
- Robert W. “Bobby” Unser
- Leonard & Barb Vahsholtz
- Jeff Zwart
The Hall of Fame is located at The Penrose Heritage Museum, across the street from The Broadmoor Hotel at 11 Lake Circle in Colorado Springs.
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator
(719) 685-4400
Based upon official qualifying times, the 2020 Run Order has been released for the 98th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.
Check it out HERE!
‘Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1’ to bring race day from America’s Mountain into fans’ homes
Event will feature guest interviews and be broadcast for free via the
Mobil 1 Facebook page on August 30
SPRING, Texas – From 14,115 feet to your mobile device, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, will be broadcasting live from America’s Mountain as part of an innovative partnership with the Mobil 1™ brand of advanced synthetic motor oils. The experience, dubbed, “Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1,” will bring fans closer than ever to the racing action, including live commentary, special guests, exclusive giveaways, and more.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place without fans for the first time in the hill climb’s history. As a partner going back to 1934, Mobil™ branded products have a proud heritage of performing in the extreme conditions only Pikes Peak can pack into a single run. This year, those runs will be streamed live exclusively on the Mobil 1 Facebook page, providing free unique access for motorsport fans to enjoy the racing action on America’s Mountain from anywhere.
Further fueling the passions of its fans, the livestream will feature play-by-play commentary courtesy of legendary motorsport broadcast announcer, “The Voice,” John Hindhaugh. Hindhaugh serves as the host of Radio Le Mans, and he’ll be bringing that same detailed coverage in his role as master of ceremonies of the “Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1” broadcast. This commentary will extend to welcoming long-term partners of the Mobil 1 brand who have collectively driven millions of miles with Mobil 1 advanced synthetic protecting their engines – some in conditions as extreme as Pikes Peak.
Partners of Mobil 1 to appear on the stream will include:
- Clint Bowyer
- Ryan Tuerck
- Patrick Long
- Jason Fenske
- Nick Tandy
- Magnus Walker
- David Tsurusaki
- Other acclaimed drivers, enthusiasts, and racers.
The broadcast will begin on Sunday, August 30 at 7 a.m., and conclude at 1 p.m. MDT. Those tuning in early will have the chance to enter to win limited-edition giveaways, and even have their questions answered by partners of Mobil 1 during their interviews.
“Just as drivers and race teams constantly need to adapt to changes at high altitudes and ever-evolving weather conditions, so too has our involvement through our Mobil 1 brand,” said Andrew Hanna, global motorsports and sponsorship advisor at ExxonMobil. “Reflecting the same innovative approach we take with every one of our products, ’Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1’ is a new solution to a new problem as we remain committed to the safety of fans and competitors above all else. Doing so while providing a unique access point to this historic event is how we’re keeping focused on our consumers and delivering them unique experiences they can’t get anywhere else.”
In 2020, Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oils will again be an integral part of Porsche Motorsport’s entry in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division. All vehicles competing in the program rely on off-the-shelf Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. Meanwhile eight-time event winner Jeff Zwart will also return to the mountain this year, piloting the new Porsche 935 that features Mobil 1 ESP X3 0W-40 under the decklid. This race car by Porsche is one of only 77 made and will be racing as part of the Time Attack 1 division which pits production-based sports racers against each other. The Mobil 1 products featured in both divisions are production-ready as well, and are available at your local Porsche dealer today.
“This new livestream format that allows us to help keep our fans and competitors safe is a dream come true,“ said Megan Leatham, executive director of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Through our long-standing partnership, it’s fitting that Mobil 1 is the brand helping our team bring this innovative fan experience to life. And since America’s Mountain is rather daunting, having global motorsports authority John Hindhaugh provide his entertaining insight and perspective while interviewing some of the world’s most renowned motorsport and automotive personalities will be like nothing we’ve ever done before. There are going to be spectacular camera angles, historic film clips, and live timing, so we hope people don’t miss what’s in store so they can plan to come see us in-person next year.”
To connect everyday enthusiasts with those on the mountain, participating Porsche dealerships nationwide will have the same Mobil 1 products used during the 98th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb available for oil changes. Consumers who prefer to change their own oil can also find these products for purchase at their local Porsche dealer, or at their preferred automotive retailer.
For more information on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, visit PPIHC.org. To catch “Pikes Peak Live presented by Mobil 1,” log on to the Mobil 1 Facebook page from 7 a.m. through 1 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Sunday, August 30.
About Mobil 1
Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, has been factory fill in the most powerful Porsche vehicles for over 20 years. In fact, over that time more than 1,000,000 Porsche engines have trusted Mobil 1 from day one. Mobil 1 motor oil features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 full synthetic motor oil to meet or exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers like Porsche, to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximize engine performance and help extend engine life.
For more information, visit mobil1.com and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
2020 PPIHC Merchandise Has Arrived
New Designs Available Now
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is quickly approaching! What better way to commemorate the event than checking out our brand new merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats and more! There are brand new designs for 2020 to commemorate the 98th running of The Race to the Clouds.
SHOP ONLINE NOW
Drifting Champion Dai Yoshihara Returns to Pikes Peak on August 30
98th Running of the Race to the Clouds
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo holds true to welcoming competitors from around the world. Despite the current pandemic, a handful of competitors representing countries other than the United States will attempt to master the mountain.
Originally from Japan, Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara will return to Pikes Peak for the 98th running of the Race to the Clouds in his 2013 Toyota 86. Yoshihara first heard of Pikes Peak back in the 1990s when he was just a kid. He recalls that the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was a very well-known event in Japan and when he initially learned about it, he knew he wanted to compete. “It was a dream come true when I competed last year for my first time,” shared Yoshihara. Although he was unable to reach the summit during his rookie attempt in 2019, that run serves as his motivation to finish with his target time this year in the Unlimited Division.
Yoshihara’s impressive resume includes Formula Drift points championships, stunt driving in films and commercials, as well as drift driving instruction and judging. Yoshihara is widely known in the drifting world where he is a well-respected champion with years of experience under his belt. He has raced everything from Lexus to Nissan, mainly in Formula Drift. His expertise has also been recognized by the Professional Asia Drift Series.
In explaining the crossover from drifting to hill climb racing Yoshihara explains, “Of course I try not to get sideways on Pikes Peak, but it helps to have overall car control skills, especially because the road is unlike race tracks – different grip levels, elevation changes, and bumps.” Each factor is quite unique to the road surface that competitors experience while racing on a mountain towering more than 14,000 feet in elevation, but Yoshihara’s extensive mountain driving experience in Japan helps with overall confidence when racing his 800 horsepower car on Pikes Peak.
On August 30, drivers from Australia, Japan and 15 US States will challenge Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in six divisions. Due to the COVID pandemic, no spectators will be admitted this year. Visit PPIHC.org and find out how to follow the action on race day.
Photos Credits: Louis Yio & Larry Chen
Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator and Historian
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
(719) 685-4400
PPIHC Announces New Video Series
Mastering the Mountain
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is thrilled to launch an exciting new YouTube series where competitors break down a past run up Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Mastering the Mountain episodes reveal not only what the race looks like from behind the wheel, but feature turn-by-turn competitor commentary. The Race to the Clouds is a unique venue where the course climbs 4,725 feet in elevation over 12.42 miles encompassing 156 turns. Fans will hear stories, challenges and strategies with exclusive analysis and much more.
Robin Shute, King of the Mountain, kicks things off by taking us through his 2019 winning run in the series premiere.
Tune in and learn what it truly takes to make it to the Summit from some of the best racers in the world in Mastering the Mountain.
Porsche and Pikes Peak Organizers Announce Assault on Records with New 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and 935-19; Return of Clubsport Cayman GT4 Clubsport Division
Porsche Presence at Pikes Peak Continues with New Models and Division Continuations.
Colorado Springs, Colorado. Porsche first appeared in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo in 1958. The German marque won its class for the first time in 1960 and has since left its mark on the “Race to the Clouds” capturing 27 class victories and twice turning the quickest time for the overall win. In 2020, the sports car manufacturer will return to contend in four divisions for honors as the fastest among its peers up “America’s Mountain”. The 98th running of one of motorsports truly unique events is scheduled for Sunday, August 30. Pikes Peak will be the scene for both the return of storied names to the 12.42-mile Colorado Springs, Colorado race course as well as new faces. Thirteen Porsche-built sports cars will anchor the 51-car entry list.
One of the most exciting entries to carry the Porsche crest is the No. 11 Porsche 935-19 which “Mountain Master” Jeff Zwart (Aspen, Colorado/Long Beach, California) will pilot up to the 14,115-foot finish line. The eight-time winner of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (1994-’98, 2002, 2010, 2015) saw the benefits of using the limited production track and race car for his return to the “Race to the Clouds” in the Time Attack 1 Division.
The Porsche 935-19 is a single-seat race car based on the Porsche 911 GT2 RS road car. The lightweight 3,042 lbs. (1380 Kg) rear-engine machine is powered by a 700 HP, 3.8-liter flat-six boxer engine with twin-turbochargers. The seven-speed PDK gearbox transfers the power to the rear-wheels only. The weight-optimized bodyshell is created from an aluminum-steel composite with carbon-fiber and Kevlar parts added to improve aerodynamics and overall stability. Zwart, a recent inductee into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame, successfully tested the car at Willow Springs Raceway (California) earlier this summer.
The one-make Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama comprises four entries in 2020. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport and the previous generation Cayman GT4 race car are both eligible to compete in the division. Appropriate performance balancing will assure an equal field. All cars within the division will utilize Yokohama’s ADVAN A052 high-performance, street legal tires. Yokohama is a longtime partner of PMNA and supported the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division the past two years as well. The Japanese tire manufacturer is also the sole-supplier to the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA.
Colorado Springs’ own George Hess III will be behind the wheel of a 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport as will first-timer Charles “Chas” Wirken (Mesa, Arizona). Kathryn Mead (Austin, Texas) will be in the newest Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, model year 2019, for her debut at Pikes Peak and the sole female competitor in the field this year. Veteran Blake Williams, who lives in Murrieta, California, but representing Australia in this year’s event, will race a 2018 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
Zwart will reprise his role as coach to the four invited drivers. Zwart’s experience has proven invaluable to division drivers since its inception in 2018. Travis Pastrana (Davidsonville, Maryland) currently holds the division-record up the mountain with a time of 10-minutes, 33.897-seconds accomplished in 2018.
Privateer Porsche entries are a hallmark of the world’s most famous hill climb and 2020 will be no exception. Japan’s Akio Kobayashi, a veteran Porsche racer, has entered a modified 2000 model year Porsche 911 GT3 in the Pikes Peak Open division. Chris Strauch (Colorado Springs, Colorado) will pilot a 1970 Porsche 914 “wide body” in the same division. Fellow Colorado Springs resident Fred Veitch will also race in the “Open” division with a 2001 Porsche 911 “TT” (type 996). Don Wickstrum will bring a 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car from Monroe, Wisconsin to challenge for “Open” honors.
Joining Zwart in Time Attack 1 will be a pair of Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport race cars as well as two modified Porsche 911 models. The purpose-built Porsche Motorsport machines will be raced by Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame member David Donner (Colorado Springs, Colorado) and David Donohue (West Chester, Pennsylvania). Donohue is not only a Pikes Peak class winner and record setter but also a 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and 24 Hours of Daytona overall winner. He finished second in the Pikes Peak Open division, fourth overall, in a modified 911 GT3 R race car in 2019. Andy Kingsley (Buena Vista, Colorado) will drive a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo in the division while Robert Prilika (Larkspur, Colorado) will guide a 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car up Pikes Peak in the Unlimited division.
The first Pikes Peak Hill Climb was run in 1916 on a gravel circuit carved up to the Mountain’s summit. By 2012, the full 12.42-mile, 156-turn circuit was paved over, up to the 14,115-foot pinnacle. The race itself starts at the seven-mile marker giving competitors a 4,725-foot elevation change during their timed run.
Dr. Daniel Armbruster, President and CEO, Porsche Motorsport North America.
“Pikes Peak has such a long motorsport history in North America that it is only natural Porsche wishes to strengthen our legacy here. Pikes Peak allows us to showcase the versatility of our Clubsport line, both the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, in a very special and unique location. Through this ultimate testbed, we have made the public aware of not only how performance-oriented each of these models is but also how versatile as well. We are able to do this with ‘turn-key’ products from Porsche Motorsport. These are thoroughly tested cars which provide the highest levels of safety and cost-effectiveness. Pikes Peak is very special and we are proud to face its challenges each year.”
Jeff Zwart, Driver, No. 11 Mobil 1/Michelin/Road Scholars Porsche 935-19.
“I have been coaching the Porsche GT4 Clubsport class at Pikes Peak the last few years and I wanted to continue coaching but also race again this year. That meant I needed something which was not too complicated to run. Underneath the amazing 935 bodywork and Porsche Motorsport chassis, there is basically the Porsche 911 GT2 RS road car which allows it to be a full ‘turn key’ race car with plenty of power delivered for the horsepower. I have run Pikes Peak in all of its configurations, meaning full dirt, half dirt/half asphalt and now full asphalt. After 16 years at Pikes Peak and 12 different Porsche models, I like when there is a good story involved. The 935 is built to maximize performance in the current Pikes Peak conditions. So, naturally when the new 935 was released I was attracted to it visually and the stories it could tell. At the same time, it seems like a great package to take on Pikes Peak. I really look forward to driving a full factory-built package with the latest upgrades and in the 935 bodywork. It should really be something special to drive.”
“Porsche has been winning on Pikes Peak for decades. We’re excited to watch our elite competitors as they demonstrate what’s possible when they challenge America’s Mountain in a variety of Porsche race cars. For the first time, members of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame will return to competition following their induction. David Donner and Jeff Zwart’s vehicles will sport white Gran Turismo windshield banners to honor this milestone.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Larry Chen, Leif Bergerson, Louis Yio,
Contacts.
Frank Wiesmann
Porsche Cars North America
Manager, Product Communications
Office. 770-290-3414
Tom Moore
Motorsports Public Relations
Mobile. 615-509-5000
Three Race-Ready Model 3s to Challenge America’s Mountain
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo is pleased to welcome three Model 3 Tesla’s to the field on August 30. America’s Mountain will play host to three unique Tesla racecars driven by Blake Fuller, Josh Allen and Randy Pobst, and the competition is sure to be electrifying.
“For decades, Pikes Peak has served as a proving ground for automotive technology,” states Megan Leatham, Executive Director, “but it also offers race teams an opportunity to showcase vehicle and driver performance and share those milestones with the world.”
In 2003, five engineers had a vision for a cutting edge, fully-electric vehicle that wouldn’t sacrifice power or performance for clean energy. With a unique business strategy, a company named after Nikola Tesla planned to target multiple groups of buyers for different models and partially use profit from earlier, low volume luxury vehicles to drive production of the higher volume based models such as the Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 sets the bar for not only safety but performance. With a dual motor and All-Wheel Drive, the performance model 3 has 0-60 time of only 3.2 seconds and maximum speed of 162 MPH, making it a top selling plug in electric car in the US and Europe.
Blake Fuller – Two-time winner on Pikes Peak, Fuller returns for his sixth attempt at the famous summit. Founder and CEO of GO PUCK, Blake Fuller has always been a pioneer in the electronics world. With demanding needs for power ever on the horizon, Fuller found himself getting crafty with batteries and power solutions. As an inventor, he discovered he could lighten up industrial batteries for his electric cars without compromising the power they stored. He was shocked to find that the automotive battery industry had been so lackluster with ingenuity and began reducing the weight to a fraction of the industry standard for powering electric cars. These inventions gave Fuller an advantage and powered his vehicle to a win and class record in 2016 on Pikes Peak. He wanted to be one of the first to create a Tesla racecar, originally starting with a Tesla Model S. Not only did he make it work, but he made it win, producing a record-breaking run. Fuller has his sights set on breaking his current Electric Production record of 11.48.264 on Race Day. According to Fuller, “In 2016 when we set the Production Electric record, it was done in the Tesla Model S P90DL. At the time, it represented the most capable performance vehicle available from Tesla. This year we are using the Tesla Model 3 Performance, a vehicle we feel best showcases the progression of technology in Tesla’s electric vehicles.”
Josh Allen a rookie at Pikes Peak this year, made the Model 3 famous by setting track records in California with his modified machine at the Tesla Corsa event. The car may be top-notch for the Tesla-only track, but how will it do on Pikes Peak? Allen made adjustments and upgrades to the brakes, suspension and braking systems, thanks to Unplugged Performance, to maximize efficiency and aerodynamics in hopes to secure the Electric Modified record. He has an extensive background in the car world beginning with his experience with a software design company that was big in the automotive and aerospace realms. He moved on to the Formula 1 world where he learned a lot about the auto industry, applied that knowledge to racing projects and eventually led him to race at Pikes Peak.
Randy Pobst is no stranger to Pikes Peak. Finishing in second place in the Exhibition division last year, behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Pobst will compete this year in the same division but piloting the third Tesla. When asked about the difference in race vehicles, Pobst shared, “It’ll sure sound different! The Dodge had a thundering roar, and the Tesla is silent. We’re going from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, riding the electric wave of the future up the Peak. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity with top Tesla tuner, Unplugged Performance. It’s a full race build, featuring their body and suspension products. We’re going for the win in Exhibition Class. High altitude doesn’t slow down electrons!”
Still a Model 3, the upgraded Ascension-R as seen at SEMA will be joining the field to test its true potential as an all-around racecar. Pobst was a part of the team that created the Model 3’s Performance TrackMode and will be showcasing the available Ascension Kit designed to enhance the cars drivability with improved aerodynamics and handling from the suspension and alignment.
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Event Coordinator & Historian