2020 – Save the Date!
The date for the 2020 race has been set:
Sunday, June 28 (Fan Fest, June 26)
Category: Race News
STATEMENT FROM THE PPIHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
July 26, 2019
2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will not include a motorcycle program while analysis for long-term viability is conducted
The Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb recently convened to review the 2019 event. It was decided that in order to determine the long-term viability of the motorcycle program there will be no motorcycle program offered in 2020 so that race organizers can gather data and analytics to review more thoroughly the impact on the overall event in the absence of this program.
“Motorcycles have been a part of the PPIHC for the past 29 years, and their history on America’s Mountain dates back to the inaugural running in 1916,” said Tom Osborne, Chairman. “That said, the motorcycle program hasn’t been an annual event. They have run 41 of the 97 years we’ve been racing on Pikes Peak. It’s just time to take a hard look at every aspect of the race, including the motorcycle program, and determine whether or not the event may change,” he added.
PPIHC staff and board members will continue to track all metrics related to the annual race and make a final determination in late 2020 about whether or not the inclusion of a motorcycle program will take place in future years.
For a complete history of motorcycle racing on Pikes Peak, click HERE.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
by
Romie Gallardo, Carlin Dunnes’ Mother
It’s been two weeks now since my son left us. In my heart I knew the instant that Carlins time did not register in the 4 th
and final section of the race that I’d lost my baby boy (Yes, at 36 he was still my baby boy). Dear Lord, take care of my
boy, he is truly in your hands now.
From the moment of his crash, the entire Pikes Peak International Hillclimb officials handled the situation with my full
support. They exhibited the utmost privacy, respect, and dignity, and continue their steadfast support today. Media was
instantly shut down and an outpouring of love and support was extended from the moment that I arrived in Colorado
Springs. Megan Leatham, Executive Director of The Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, Tom Osborne, Chairman of the
Board of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, Paul and Becca Livingston Owners of Spridergrips, Jason
Chinnock, CEO Ducati of North America and Ducati Motor in Bologna, Italy, all took care of me, protected me, and more
importantly protected my son. I will forever be grateful.
Carlin was beloved by all who knew him. He was everyone’s friend. Whether playing the role of little brother, big
brother, son, or best friend. From a young age, I shared him with the world because I knew he was bigger than me,
bigger than our mother-son bond. He fiercely pursued his passions with my full blessing and complete support. He held
the security and confidence of knowing, “Mom will take care of the homestead.” He was never reckless in action or
deed. I trusted him implicitly. Many years ago, he evolved beyond me. The funny thing is, Carlin never thought of himself
as a “big deal.” I did, but I was “just the mom.” He still did his own laundry, picked up Sonny’s dog poop. He always said,
“please” and “thank you.”
Carlin loved the mountain. She challenged and enticed him, calling him back again and again. He gave her due respect.
He was fully aware of her ability to “take.” With that being said, I know for a fact that he would not want the motorcycle
program to end. He would want us to learn from this tragedy. He would encourage the official accident reconstruction
authorities do what they are trained to do, and for the race officials to implement additional safety precautions
required.
Three days after Carlin’s crash a reporter asked me, “How do you feel about the race now?” To which I replied, “The
same way I felt on June 29th , the day before he crashed.” All his life I’ve known that losing him was a possibility. We went
into this with eyes-wide-open. We were aware of the flip side of this sport. I was committed to him and his dreams. He
was doing what he loved. So, who are we to take away other racers’ dreams of racing Pikes Peak International Hillclimb?
In closing, I would like to give a massive worldwide THANK YOU to all of Carlin’s extended family and friends near and
far! Our family is humbled beyond words. All of your love, support, stories, videos, and pictures without a doubt have
helped me – and continue to help me. I am truly touched by your love and the ways in which you honor my son. Carlin
would have been in awe at all the attention. He would have loved everyone coming together in harmony. He truly lives
on in each and every one of us.
Rest easy baby boy, we’ve got this. We’ve got Sonny. As you told your little sister many years ago, “Just keep pedaling.”
That’s what we are going to do – just keep pedaling. I’ll see you when I get there.
Colorado Springs, Colo, — Following the tragic death of the Spider Grips Ducati motorcycle rider on June 30, 2019 while racing at The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, Ducati North America and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have created a GoFundMe online fundraising account to support Carlin’s mother, Romie, during this difficult time. His loss is felt throughout the international motorcycling and racing community.
Carlin was a 4-time champion of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, won Rookie of the Year in 2011 and broke the 10-minute barrier the following year, setting a new course record that stood for five years. He then selflessly volunteered two race seasons as part of Ducati’s Squadra Alpina Team, with the Race Smart program, mentoring rookie riders as they first came to race the mountain. He was loved, respected and admired by all those whose lives he touched. Watch Carlin’s Saturday preparation video which is a true picture of who Carlin was as a man and a competitor. https://youtu.be/r3kjd-SCPd0
Following the race, at the Awards Ceremony on Monday, competitors paid tribute to Carlin as a mentor, a friend, a competitor, a racing icon and spoke of the impact he made on their lives. Awards Ceremony Video
In addition to his efforts at Pikes Peak, Carlin’s passion for two wheels took on all forms. He raced and won the Score Baja 500, competed in the Score Baja 1000, was one of the first two riders to traverse the La Carrera Panamericana, competed in the Super Hooligan series Bonneville Land Speed Racing, was a pioneer in Freeride Mountain biking, served as a partner in Ducati Santa Barbara and performed motorcycle stunt work for both television and film, among many other accomplishments.
All proceeds raised through the GoFundMe account will go directly to Carlin’s mother to help with expenses and to honor his legacy with a celebration of Carlin’s life in Santa Barbara a month from now.
The PPIHC Board of Directors have donated $932 to represent Carlin’s incredible estimated time of 9:32 had he crossed the finish line. This would have been a new motorcycle course record, beating the current by 12 seconds. We ask you to consider matching the 9:32 unofficial time with a $932 donation to honor Carlin’s remarkable run on Sunday. We would appreciate any donation to support Carlin’s mom with funeral expenses and Carlin’s celebration of life.
This is the only official channel for donations and support.
The Official GoFundMe account can be found here: Carlin Dunne GoFundMe Campaign
Carlin Dunne Accident Information
July 2, 2019
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb’s Race Director and Race Safety Team have completed their investigation regarding the racing accident with Carlin Dunne that occurred on June 30, 2019 during the 97th Running of the Race to the Clouds.
The motorcycle was inspected and there were no signs of a mechanical failure.
After reviewing footage from the incident, it appears that the rider highsided coming into the last turn before the Finish Line.
“We mourn the tragic death of Carlin and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family. Carlin was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. We not only lost one of the greatest ever to compete on Pikes Peak, but more importantly an irreplaceable friend to this organization,” said Megan Leatham, Executive Director.
2019 PPIHC Official Results
Following the conclusion of the 97th 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!
The collective hearts of the Colorado Springs community and the Board of Directors of The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, along with Ducati North America, share the grief and pain of Carlin Dunne’s family, friends and fans over his untimely death.
Throughout the 97 years that this unique race has been conducted on America’s Mountain, we have experienced the ultimate joy in victory, the disappointment of failure and now, the unexpected heartbreak of the loss of a competitor, whose love of the race brought him to Pikes Peak. We mourn the tragic death of Carlin and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family. Carlin will be remembered as a warm hearted mentor with a competitive spirit. He was a gentle and thoughtful man who touched everyone who met him. We will always remember his contagious smile and genuine love for sport.
“There are no words to describe our shock and sadness. Carlin was part of our family and one of the most genuine and kind men we have ever known. His spirit for this event and love of motorcycling will be remembered forever as his passing leaves a hole in our hearts,” said Jason Chinnock, CEO Ducati North America.
With our deepest condolences,
The Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Ducati North America
Based upon official qualifying times, the 2019 Run Order has been released for the 97th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.
Check it out HERE!
Colorado Springs, CO—–Acura is taking Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain by storm on June 30th. In addition to fielding five entries, a 2019 Acura NSX will be the Official Pace Car in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. The driver of the Official Pace Car will be six-time Pikes Peak champion, David Donner.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this historic hill climb event, and to have local legend David Donner behind the wheel of the NSX Pace Car is a great addition. The NSX made its competition debut at Pikes Peak in 2016, and has raced to the summit every year since.” Jon Ikeda, Acura Vice President and Chief Brand Officer.
“It will be an honor to drive the 2019 Acura NSX Pace Car to the top of Pikes Peak on race day. While I’ll be trading in my race helmet for a street drive up Pikes Peak, I’m very aware this car fits into the class of Supercars everyone wants to experience. The hybrid technology employed by Acura is truly state-of-the-art,” stated Donner, “Thank you to Acura and the race organizers for giving me this opportunity. I’ll try not to break my current production car record!”
Donner, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert Donner, Jr., and his brother, Bobby Donner, both race winners, has been a top finisher on Pikes Peak since the late 1980s. This will be David’s 25th appearance on Pikes Peak racing everything from purpose-built Wells Coyote and Donner/Dykstra machines to Porsche GT3 Cup cars. Donner holds the record for the Time Attack 2 Production Class set in 2016 in a 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S – 10:26.896.
“Acura has been a great supporter and partner of our event since 2013,” according to Megan Leatham, PPIHC Executive Director, “and they have provided the Official Pace Car for the past five years. We are so pleased to have the NSX pacing our race again this year, and it’s great to have Pikes Peak champion, David Donner, behind the wheel.”
ABOUT THE 2019 ACURA NSX
Hand built in the Acura Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, Acura’s one-of-a-kind hybrid exotic is the only supercar made in America and features an innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid electrified drivetrain. Combined with a bespoke, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, the NSX produces an impressive 573 horsepower and launches from 0 to 60 MPH in just three seconds. Coated in an eye-popping Thermal Orange Pearl, and updated for 2019, the NSX is even more responsive to the will of the driver, thanks to the chassis enhancements elevating performance driving in all circumstances – whether on the street, at the track or climbing to the 14,115 summit of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain.
June 25, 2019 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Dunlop Isle of Man Champion Withdraws from 97th Running of the Race to the Clouds
Colorado Springs, CO—–World-class rider, Michael Dunlop has officially withdrawn from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb due to a previous racing accident. “All of us at the PPIHC wish Michael and his navigator a speedy recovery and hope to see him return to Pikes Peak next year,” said Megan Leatham, Executive Director.
An official statement was released from his team, MD Racing, Wunderlich and ProKASRO, “Michael and his navigator were involved in a high speed, heavily impacted accident on Saturday, June 22nd at the Donegal International Rally in Ireland. Neither party was at fault. Michael suffered serious injuries which will leave him out of action for two weeks. A further update of his condition will be made in the near future.”
Dunlop was scheduled to compete in the 97th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, on Sunday in the Motorcycle Heavyweight Division. His teammate, Lucy Glöckner, 2018 PPIHC Motorcycle Rookie of the Year, and currently the fastest woman to compete on Pikes Peak, will return this year riding a 2019 BMW S1000R.