Category: Race News

THANK YOU TO ALL MILITARY VETERANS

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, is proud to honor our military veterans this Veterans Day. Whether a current or former race official, volunteer, race fan, board member, sponsor, driver or crew member, your service to the nation is appreciated.

As the second oldest auto race in the United States, we are built on tradition, dedication and performing at the highest level. The race has been run every year since 1916 with the exception of 1917-1919 and 1942-1945 when racing was halted during the two World Wars.

In 1942, Colorado Springs’ own US Army Garrison, Ft. Carson, at that time, Camp Carson, was established. Soldiers from the base have been some of the biggest fans of the Race to the Clouds.

Les Mulnix, a US Army Air Force recruiter, is pictured above at Glen Cove with third place finisher, Johnny Mauro, in 1948 in his Phil Kraft Special Alfa Romeo 308.

Mulnix was also photographed at the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain with his recruiting sign the same year.

Cooperation and support from Ft. Carson for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb have included volunteer personnel in roles from radio communication to medical tents.

In 1950, a soldier is pictured monitoring the race from his position near Elk Park as Johnny Good races by.

Twin brothers, Frank and Nick Sanborn, former soldiers at Camp Carson, showcased their division-winning Oldsmobile Tornado in 1968 at the army post.

Shortly after SSG Talia Smith (first photo) of the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division Band honored America with the National Anthem, a convoy from the 10th Special Forces Group transported the checkered flags from start line to summit, delivering them to Derek Jordan, the finish line flagman.

Watch them on course at minute 6:30 on 2024’s Pikes Peak Live by Mobil 1.

Thank you for your service to our nation, our community and our historic event, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Photo Credits: PPIHC Archives; Larry Chen Photo, Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski; Alec White – (first photo)

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FOUR PPIHC DRIVERS AND RIDERS ALONG WITH PHOTOJOURNALIST WELCOMED TO OFF-ROAD MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, sends congratulations to the twelve inductees to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. We are particularly pleased to have four Pikes Peak Hill Climb competitors in this year’s class. The ceremony was held Sunday, November 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

KEN BLOCK

Ken Block made his racing debut on Pikes Peak in 2005 in the Rally Group N class with co-driver, Alex Gelsomino, finishing the class in 5th place with a time of 13:19.17. His highly anticipated return to competition on the mountain in 2022 had fans and media buzzing. Although a race week mechanical issue took him out of competition, his fans showed up in droves to welcome him to Fan Fest in Colorado Springs.

His wildly popular short film, Climbkhana, brought worldwide attention to the 156 turns on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain as Block showcased his masterful drifting style.

Block’s legacy in motorsports, in business, and a variety of creative endeavors continues to inspire. Through the 43 Institute, founded in his memory, Block’s ideals continue to provide pathways and resources for underserved, highly driven ‘motivated misfits’ whose aspirations lie in action sports, motorsports, and the creative arts.

JIMMY LEWIS

In 2000, Jimmy Lewis joined a team of Italians who wanted to showcase what their scooter, yes, scooter, could do on the mountain. The factory team brought three 2000 Gilera Runners to challenge the 12.42-mile course to the 14,115’ summit. Lewis competed in the 250cc Motorcycle division aboard his #41 Gilera, alongside teammates Cristian Matte, #64, and Maurizio Virtuani, #55, on like models. He reached the top, despite the thin air, clocking a time of 17:46.94. (Gilera scooters are pictured alongside #10, Greg Adams aboard his Kawasaki , also competing in the 250cc division.)

ROD MILLEN

New Zealand’s Rod Millen’s first attempted Pikes Peak in 1981, entering a 1981 Mazda RX7 in the Rally division. From 1984 through 1988 he ran in the Open Rally class, slicing nearly two minutes from his finish time in the interval. Still competing in a Mazda, Millen returned in 1989 in Pikes Peak Production, claiming his first division win and record. A repeat performance was in store in 1991 when Millen notched his first sub-12-minute run.

A Toyota Celica was next for Millen and, in 1994, his win in the Unlimited division and new course record of 10:04.060 would make headlines in the racing world. As one of Pikes Peak’s most popular heroes, he is perhaps best known for this record. Set on the all-gravel course, it will never be broken as the course was fully paved in 2012.

Four consecutive King of the Mountain wins, all behind the wheel of a Toyota, were recorded from 1996 through 1999, including two in a Toyota Tacoma. Millen was inducted to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame in 2016 during the 100th Anniversary celebration and returned to Pikes Peak for the 100th Running of the Race to the Clouds in 2022 bringing back the fan-favorite Tacoma. He finished third in the Unlimited division, 8th overall, and despite dismal racing conditions, clocked a time of 11:06.152.

MIKE PEARLMAN

In 1997, in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Race to the Clouds, Mike Pearlman entered his Triumph in the Vintage Motorcycle division. He went on to compete on Pikes Peak for nearly a decade, experiencing the course as it transitioned from a gravel surface to pavement in some sections.

His best time was in 2004 on his Triumph when he finished in 15:28.92 for third in the Vintage division.

During his racing career on Pikes Peak, Pearlman achieved four podium finishes.

JOHN RETTIE

John Rettie was honored as a media pioneer. From Dakar to the Sonora Rally, the all-female Rally Jameel in Saudi Arabia, to Greece, to the Hong Kong to Beijing Rally, he was always there to compete, capture the action, or both!

Rettie has been hailed as a volunteer, a racing enthusiast and supporter, and a photographer. He shared stories of the off-road industry from the late 1960s through the 2022.

On assignment for Road & Track magazine, he covered the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 2012 and 2013.

Photo Credits: Larry Chen; PPIHC Archives; Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame

Contact:

Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

FRANCE IS HOME TO 2024 OLYMPICS PPIHC IS HOME TO FRENCH DRIVERS

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has hosted competitors from around the globe for over a century. In the waning days of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, it seems fitting to recognize French drivers who have left an indelible mark on America’s Mountain in the PPIHC.

Competitors making their home in France, or representing their nation while living elsewhere, have raced on two wheels and on four up the 12.42 miles to the breathtaking 14,115′ summit. From Time Attack to Unlimited, motorcycles to sidecars, drivers and riders challenged the mountain and a few have conquered it in record fashion.

With a retired Time Attack 1 record of 09:23.721 in 2019, Raphael Astier drove a 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Turbo. Likewise, Cyril Combes aboard his 2011 Suzuki KTM JF Prototype set a quad record in his rookie year, 2016, with a time of 11:05.554.

Electric Power & Overall Course Record – Romain Dumas

Romain Dumas, 5-Time King of the Mountain, holds the overall record, set in 2018 in a Volkswagen all-electric I.D. R – 07:57.148 – the first and only time below the 8-minute mark.

Dumas also holds the current record for the Unlimited Division, for an Electric Prototype/Purpose Built vehicle, and for an All Wheel Drive vehicle. In 2023 he set a record for an Electric Production Truck/Van in an effort with Ford Performance in the Ford SuperVan 4.2, an 08:47.682.

Gas Powered Record – Sébastien Loeb

With a time of 08:13.878, Sébastien Loeb holds a record for an internal combustion engine set in 2013 over the newly-paved course. Loeb drove a Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak to crush the previous course record.

Diesel Powered Record – Gregoire Blachon

After a few years of battling the infamous Pikes Peak weather, Gregoire Blachon’s dream of beating the diesel record finally came true on America’s Mountain in 2021 behind the wheel of his Radical SR Diesel. His time of 10:25.071 beat the previous record by almost a full minute.

Queen of the Mountain

And who can forget Michèle Mouton who is the only woman to win the event and set a course record. Mouton competed in 1985 in her Audi Sport Quattro, finishing in 10:25.390.

Photo Credits: PPIHC Archivies, Rob Miscowitch, Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Louis Yio, Luis Garcia

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

PPIHC CELEBRATES OUR 2024 COLORADO COMPETITORS

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has been contested on America’s Mountain since 1916, and drivers from Colorado have always been a part of the action.

In honor of Colorado Day, celebrated on August 1 to recognize the day Colorado became the 38th state in 1876, we are shining the spotlight on competitors from the Centennial State.

New Division, Familiar Faces

Robb Holland, an eight-year PPIHC competitor, racing out of Denver, Colorado, entered the inaugural Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division. He successfully navigated the mountain’s 156 turns in his #99 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RD Clubsport in 10:56.880, finishing second in the normally aspirated class.

“My favorite thing about Colorado is the mountains. I’ve always been a huge fan of mountains and Colorado has got some of the best in the world. It’s what made me move here in the first place. The fact that I get to drive up one of them at a high rate of speed is just a bonus.”

Englewood, Colorado’s Chris Becker competed in his sixth PPIHC. Becker competed in the new Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division, finishing third in the normally aspirated class in the sole Ford entry. His 2024 Ford Mustang GT4 (S650) finished in 11:06.202, his best time ever on the 12.42-mile course.

“The most ‘Colorado’ thing I like to do is driving in the snow!” 

Father and Son

Dan Aweida, of Boulder, Colorado competed for the 9th time on Pikes Peak, alongside his son, Trevor. Dan raced his #66 2012 Ford Mustang BOSS to a 5th place division finish in the Pikes Peak Open division clocking a personal best time of 10:48.870.

Trevor Aweida made his fourth appearance on America’s Mountain. Like his father, he competed in the Pikes Peak Open division. He finished in fourth place, just edging out his father, with his own personal best time of 10:48.402. Trevor’s #117 Audi was popular with car enthusiasts.

Four Fast 15 Qualifiers

Racing out of Georgetown, Colorado, Jimmy Ford, a second generation PPIHC competitor, piloted a new entry this year. In a switch from his John Wells-built, Leonard Vahsholtz-winning, 1994 Ford Bronco, his entry for the past year two years, Jimmy strapped in to a 2017 Ford Mustang. The entry, owned by former PPIHC Stock Car champion, Joel Newcomer, ran in the Pikes Peak Open division. Jimmy claimed second place in the division behind PPIHC icon, Romain Dumas. His impressive clocking of 09:40.660 was his first sub-10-minute finish on the mountain, a personal best time, and enough to land him among the top 10 finishers overall. He also earned his spot among the elite Fast 15 qualifiers for the second consecutive year.

Competing on Pikes Peak for the sixteenth time, Colorado Springs-based Dan Novembre was running strong in the Unlimited division, after qualifying in the Fast 15 for the fourth consecutive year, when he suffered his first ever mechanical failure. His Wolf GB08S TC Special remained parked near Devils Playground for the remainder of the race. Always a strong contender, Novembre’s best time was 09:27.611 in 2023 in the same car, landing him in second place last year.

In a driver switch for 2024, the #72 Mitsubishi Evo X, formerly driven by Derek Boyd, was piloted by experienced racer, and former Boyd crew member, Dominick Tapia of Colorado Springs. Although Tapia was a Pikes Peak rookie, he laid down a great qualifying time to place him among the Fast 15 qualifiers. His impressive finish time of 10:20.479 placed him 13th overall, and 5th in the Unlimited division.

Third-generation PPIHC competitor, Codie Vahsholtz, of Woodland Park, Colorado, and son and grandson of PPIHC Hall of Famers, Clint, Leonard and Barb Vahsholtz, challenged the mountain for the 13th time. He raced from 2011 through 2019 in the motorcycle division, then switched to the 2013 Ford Open in 2021. Vahsholtz has earned his spot every year as one of the Fast 15. He currently holds the Open Wheel division record of 09:19.192. Vahsholtz suffered his first DNF when a brake line failure sidelined him near Ski Area.

Denver Area

Scott Crouch makes his home in Boulder, Colorado and has raced for more than a decade on Pikes Peak with 2024 marking his 14th appearance. He has raced 12 solo events, and two as a co-driver for Tanner Foust. This year, his Time Attack 1 entry, a 2014 Subaru WRX, reached the summit in 10:46.133, good enough for fourth in his division and a new personal record. “The most ‘Colorado’ thing about Colorado…Subarus!”

David Hackl of Arvada, Colorado, steered his fan-favorite 1983 Audi Quattro to the summit in 11:28.198 for 8th place in the Pikes Peak Open division. It was his 11th year of competition in the Race to the Clouds.

“My favorite thing about Colorado is that every day of the year there is something for everyone. All seasons, all terrain, and some of the nicest people in the world.”

Also running out of Arvada is Ben Ryan. Ryan raced on the mountain for the first time in 2023’s Time Attack 1 division in a 2006 Mini Cooper S. He entered a 2013 Audi TTRS in the same division this year, shaving well over a minute from his previous time. Ryan finished in 11:51.124, placing ninth in the division.

“Telluride is definitely my favorite place in Colorado, offering some of the most amazing views you will ever see. It’s such a unique town that’s rich in history and offers some of the best food anywhere. I try to visit twice a year, once in summer and then again in winter. During both seasons there are so many different things to do, and some of the best snow in winter for skiing and snowboarding. The drive up from the city offers some of the best scenery and mountain backroads to explore. The Million Dollar Highway is one I highly recommend…you will not be disappointed.”

Denver-based, Jack Penley, made his first appearance on Pikes Peak in June. Behind the wheel of a 2004 Volkswagen R32, Penley’s first race day attempt was thwarted by a red flag on the course and he was turned around to restart. Between runs, a problem was detected which could not be remedied before he took the green flag. Undeterred by the DNF on race day, Penley, and his team, are already looking forward to next year.

“My favorite place to go in Colorado…any cold mountain stream filled with trout!” 

Sterling Chase, car owner, also shared, “My favorite place to go in Colorado is Manitou Springs. Loved that place when I was a kid. My aunt took me to the Penny Arcade and Margo’s Vienna Station for hot dogs.”

Another competitor out of Denver, Spencer Steele, strapped in to his 1994 PVA Peak Special for his 20th attempt in the Open Wheel division in June. Steele, three-time Open Wheel champion, reached Cog Cut on race day before experiencing a mechanical issue. His best time was in 2015 when he clocked a 09:53.494.

Matus Huska makes his home in Sedalia, Colorado, but his roots are in Slovakia. Huska made his third appearance on Pikes Peak in his 2010 Audi TTs, clocking a personal best time of 10:49.233, and finishing sixth in the Pikes Peak Open division.

“The most ‘Colorado’ thing about Colorado? Think shorts…on snowy days!”

Brotherly Love (of Racing)

Earl O’Maley, along with brother Rodney, make their home on the Westside of Colorado Springs, at the foot of Pikes Peak. Both have followed in their father’s footsteps who also competed in the PPIHC. Earl raced for the third year in the Open Wheel division in his 2015 O’Maley Special Spec IV setting a personal best 11:30.523, and finishing 4th in the division.

“Pikes Peak is my favorite place in Colorado. When you see it from a distance, you know you’ve found home, with its wonderful views calling you to explore. It is purple mountain majesty.”

Younger brother, Rodney O’Maley, has been racing on America’s Mountain since he was a teenager. He ran for the 14th time this year in the Open Wheel division finishing in 2nd place, and 11th overall in his 2018 O’Maley Special Spec VIII, setting his best time ever, a 10:15.446.

“My favorite thing about Colorado is that within an hour from almost anywhere you can be in the beautiful mountains enjoying everything they have to offer!”

Colorado Springs – In the Shadow of Pikes Peak

Ethan Hunter, of Colorado Springs, was a first-time driver on Pikes Peak in June. With a time of 10:47.501, Hunter finished on the podium in third place in the Pikes Peak Open division in his 2013 Port City Stock Car.

“My favorite thing about Colorado is that we have a very motorsports-friendly home here with 10+ active, thriving race tracks!” 

Racing the 2007 O’Maley Open Wheeler, David Meyer of Colorado Springs took on the 12.42 mile course for the 13th time. He’s formerly competed in powersport and UTV divisions, but switched to cars ten years ago. It was his first year racing in the Open Wheel division. Unfortunately, his luck ran out on race day and his run ended near Halfway Picnic Grounds.

In the Mountains

Buena Vista’s Andy Kingsley raced to the top in the Unlimited division in his 2002 Porsche 911 GT-R Pikes Peak in 10:38.061 for 8th in his division. It was also his 8th year on the mountain, and his top time ever. Kingsley is a regular competitor in the Colorado Hill Climb Association series.

“My favorite things about Colorado are the small town community mindset and, of course, the views.”

Gardner Nichols of Basalt, Colorado, slashed his own record, set in 2023, for the fastest Electric Production Truck/Van in his 2024 Rivian R1T. His time of 10:53.883 bested his 2023 mark by 30 seconds. Gardner finished 4th in the Exhibition division.

PPIHC Hall of Famer, Jeff Zwart, competed in the Race to the Clouds for the 19th time in June. Well-known in the Porsche racing world, Zwart has claimed several division wins and, prior to this year, had never placed below third. As he passed under the start line banner, Zwart experienced a mechanical failure causing him to crash, ending his day before he got to the first turn. Despite his first ever DNF, no doubt, Zwart will be back on the mountain next year.

“Being a driver, one of my favorite things about Colorado is experiencing the roads. We have some of the best mountain passes.”

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhou, Jason Zindroski

PPIHC License Plates Available in Colorado

Live in Colorado? Join more than 1,200 locals who are already displaying their love of the PPIHC.

Order this special license plate at the DMV. Yes, you can personalize it!

Join Us to Experience Colorado!

Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

PPIHC ROOKIES IN EXHIBITION AND PIKES PEAK OPEN MAKE THE SHOW

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has long been a grueling testing ground for manufacturers, and 2024 was no different. Both Hyundai and Ford Performance brought the latest EV technology to prove what they could do on America’s Mountain. Hyundai hosted two newcomers who posted new records.

Exhibition

Both Exhibition rookies were part of the multi-car Hyundai effort driving IONIQ 5 N models, and brought very different racing backgrounds.

First up was Dani Sordo, one of the most experienced drivers in the FIA World Rally Championship, where he’s been part of Hyundai’s factory team since 2014. Sordo is on the all-time top 10 lists for WRC starts, points, and podiums. He drove a modified version of the IONIQ 5 N to the fastest division time, 9:30.852, for third place overall, claiming the Electric Modified SUV/Crossover record in the process.

Driving a production version of the IONIQ 5 N, meanwhile, was Ron Zaras, one of the key forces in the Hoonigan media machine for more than a decade. After leaving his role as SVP there to strike out on his own with The Driver’s Era, Zaras has been getting behind the wheel more frequently. His 10:49.267 scored him third place in the division, and set the benchmark for an Electric Production SUV/Crossover.

Pikes Peak Open

One of multiple rookies in the 4D Engineering stable, Ethan Hunter’s weapon of choice was a 2013 Port City Stock Car. Hunter was one of six drivers on this year’s entry list to call Colorado Springs home, and alongside teammate, Dominick Tapia, one of two hometown rookies. Despite being added from the waitlist merely a month before race day, Hunter led the rookies in Pikes Peak Open with a third-place division finish and a time of 10:47.501.

With nearly 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, Rob Dahm brought a massive audience to his first PPIHC. From building the world’s first AWD 4-rotor Mazda RX-7 to rotary swapping a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, his shop took their RX-7 build to the next level for Pikes Peak. Dahm trained in everything from Radical prototypes to rally Subaru BRZs to get ready for the event. The scope of his accomplishment was clear after he made it to the summit on race day. He clocked in at 11:04.797 to finish seventh in his division, and is already planning for a faster time next year.

Jeremy Lowder and his Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE were a busy pairing of man and machine this spring. Lowder was fifth in the Unlimited class at Super Lap Battle from Circuit of the Americas, where he faced off with PPIHC veterans like Cole Powelson and Brett Dickie. He also took on the Pine Mountain Hillclimb in the Appalachian Hillclimb Series, finishing fourth in class and just under a second off the podium. On Pikes Peak, Lowder’s slow-roll testing day crash kept his crew busy, but didn’t stop him from competing on race day where he placed ninth in the division with a time of 11:31.622.

Rick Lind, a multiple land speed record holder, showed up with “Tammy,” his 1967 Chevrolet C-10 based on a NASCAR Truck Series platform. Lind was originally selected to compete in last year’s race before having to delay his debut by a year, but the truck’s retro look was worth the wait for fans of all ages. Lind’s 12:31.257 was good for 13th in the division.

Rayteam Motorsport and Hungarian driver Laszlo Keskeny made the trek from Massachusetts to Colorado with one of the most popular and iconic platforms in PPIHC history underneath them – the Audi S1 E2. The Audi Sport Quattro dominated during the mid-1980s, with Michѐle Mouton, Bobby Unser, and Walter Röhrl each setting PPIHC records with their respective wins. Picking up speed with each practice run all week long, Keskeny placed 14th in the division with a 12:57.142.

Entering a 2004 Volkswagen R32 nicknamed “Gertie,” Jack Penley and Sterling Autowerks were immensely popular with the local crowd. Team namesake Sterling Chase is one of Colorado’s most ubiquitous and beloved motorsport figures, with his distinctive cowbell and Afro firing up the fans and cheering for the drivers all week long.

Despite a strong start to their run, a red flag forced them to return to the start line and refuel, and a mechanical issue arising between runs prevented their restart.

Although race day was disappointing for Penley’s team, Sterling Chase, the eternal optimist, shared “Oh yeah! We hope to be back on the mountain in 2025!”

2024 Official Race Results

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Jason Zindroski

Contributor: Chris Leone

Contact:

Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

PPIHC ROOKIES IN TIME ATTACK 1 AND OPEN WHEEL ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE OF RACING ON PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The talent and skill of the rookies on hand for The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, ran deep. Five rookies in the Time Attack 1 division and one in the Open Wheel group made their initial assault on the 12.42 mile course in June.

Time Attack 1

The lone Romanian on the entry list, Jerome France, brought the support of the RD Limited Team, founded by all-time PPIHC record holder Romain Dumas, to the event. Earlier this spring, France and the team’s Porsche 911 GT3 RS competed at the Saint-Jean-du-Gard Hill Climb. Both France and teammate Philippe Marion made it to the finish, but it was France who claimed a podium finish, placing third in the division with a time of 10:44.501 behind the wheel of his Porsche 997 GT3 RS.

Katherine Legge has been one of the fastest women in American racing ever since she burst onto the scene with an Atlantic Championship win in her debut race at Long Beach in 2005. Since then, she’s won multiple IMSA races, qualified for four Indianapolis 500s, and inspired countless women on their racing journeys. Her first Pikes Peak experience saw her take the wheel of the all-new Acura Integra Type S DE5, Honda’s newest race car, to a fifth place division finish with a time of 10:51.359.

Zach Sober was one of many Time Attack experts on the grid this year, bringing his familiar orange 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI to the mountain. The Texan holds Global Time Attack records in the Enthusiast AWD class at both Buttonwillow and Road Atlanta in the car, both of which were set on his way to the 2022 class championship. In his first PPIHC, Sober placed seventh in the division with an 11:14.233 run.

New Hampshire native Chris du Bois rounded out the Time Attack 1 rookie finishers, but he may have the most hill climb experience of the group. He’s been a regular at the Mt. Washington Hillclimb over the past decade, most recently finishing eighth in the P3 class in its last running in 2021. It was du Bois who rounded out the TA1 top 10 with a time of 12:32.938.

If you think the name Jim Hall II sounds familiar, you’re spot on. Hall’s father was an iconic racer before becoming the driving force behind the legendary Chaparral build that won everything from the Indianapolis 500 to the Nürburgring 1000km. Hall II, meanwhile, became a double World Karting champion, and ran the Jim Hall Kart Racing School for more than three decades. However, the mountain wasn’t kind to him in his first attempt, as he spun out at Engineers Corner ending his run.

Open Wheel

Racing the American X Kart Crosskart, which made its return to the mountain for the first time since 2021, Ryan Cheek made her Pikes Peak debut as the only Open Wheel division rookie. With an extensive resume of time trial, autocross, and hill climb events over her career, Cheek’s no stranger to precision driving. In fact, she’s no stranger to the summit of Pikes Peak either—she volunteered to work at the 14,115′ finish line in 2023. Unfortunately, her first attempt ended due to a mechanical issue. She’ll have to wait until next year to see those checkered flags welcoming her back to the top of America’s Mountain.

2024 Official Race Results

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski

Contributor: Chris Leone

Contact:

Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

PPIHC ROOKIES PROVE THEY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES IN THE 2024 UNLIMITED DIVISION

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, welcomed 21 rookies to America’s Mountain in June. The Unlimited division included seven of those newcomers, with an impressive four drivers wheeling their way into the Fast 15 qualifiers.

At the top of the list of first-time PPIHC racers in the Unlimited division, was five-time European Hill Climb Champion, Christian Merli. He took on the mountain in one of the newest cars in the Unlimited class, a 2024 Wolf Aurobay GB08 2.0 HP. The Italian driver is at the height of his powers in Europe, having swept all eight races last year in an Osella FA30 in the premier class. His success in Europe easily transferred to the Race to the Clouds, first with a Fast 15 qualifying time followed by a blistering 9:04.454 on race day—good for best in division, second overall, and 2024 Rookie of the Year.

After Derek Boyd took the Halona Farms/4D Engineering 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X to a fifth place division finish last year, Dominick Tapia wheeled the car for 2024. Tapia was a crew member at previous PPIHC events for more than a decade, including on this car last year, and has driven the car in previous events including Gridlife at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Tapia made a strong statement about his driving ability when he qualified in the Fast 15 his first time on the mountain. On race day he claimed a fifth place finish in the division, and 13^th place overall, posting a time of 10:20.479.

As part of his first PPIHC effort, Tom Tang helped Toyo Tires develop the Proxes R, an all-new DOT Competition race tire that he used to take on his first Race to the Clouds. The new tires were outfitted to an 2002 BMW M3 nicknamed “Ursula” and built by Trackspec Autosports. Tang’s race record includes plenty of road racing success, including podiums at endurance races like the NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill. With an impressive qualifying run, he was listed as one of the Fast 15. He would notch a seventh place division finish in his first PPIHC with a time of 10:31.372.

Mary Barker drove Mechanical Advantage Racing’s second car, a 2000 Subaru Impreza GC8 nicknamed “Blue Steel” that underwent a full restoration for the event. After watching her fiancé Kendall Samuel set a time of 11:40.859 as a rookie in the Impreza last year, she got to compete alongside him this time around—with their wedding, officiated by “Fastest Pastor” Don Wickstrum, awaiting them at the finish line! Barker’s 12:20.556 was good for tenth in the division, just one spot behind her husband.

Chris Johnson rounded out the list of Unlimited division rookie finishers with his Nissan Skyline GTR R32. A familiar face at Global Time Attack and Gridlife events, Johnson’s car may say it’s from 1991, but his Attacking the Clock Racing team thoroughly modernized the build for Johnson’s first attempt on Pikes Peak. He made it to the summit in 15:45.707 after facing issues during his race run.

Edmonton’s Jay Esterer has been racing for more than 30 years, with a current focus in spec Radical SR3 and the Mazda Miata series in Canada alongside his rookie run at PPIHC. Before that, he took part in everything from ice racing in a Volkswagen Rabbit to 360 Sprint Car action on both dirt and asphalt. Despite promising practices all week, including an impressive Fast 15 qualifying run, he wasn’t able to make it to the finish line on race day as he spun out in the 2023 Empire Wraith at Devils Playground.

France’s Bruce Jouanny, who boasts an extensive resume in both racing and automotive media, brought the all-new Quarkus P3 to the mountain. He’s competed in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and top open-wheel development series, and he also served as the development and test driver for Superleague Formula. Behind the microphone, Jouanny has provided racing commentary and TV hosting, including Top Gear France. Unfortunately, gearbox issues brought his Sunday run to an early halt.

Photo Credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia

Contributor: Chris Leone

2024 OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS

Contact:

Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719-685-4400
www.ppihc.org

PPIHC TO BE FEATURED ON MAVTV BEGINNING JULY 11

Colorado Springs, Colorado — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, announces four 1-hour episodes showcasing the 2024 Race to the Clouds. Programming will air beginning Thursday, July 11.

2024 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Review

Episode 1

July 11, 10:00 PM / July 12, 1:00 AM (ET)

See highlights from the inaugural Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division, including Laura Hayes, Nuno Caetano, Robb Holland, and Chris Becker – and look for the best of Time Attack 1 with David Donohue, Katherine Legge, Kathryn Mead, and more.

Episode 2

July 18, 10:00 PM / July 19, 1:00 AM (ET)

The impressive line up in the Unlimited division includes Italy’s Christian Merli, “Fastest Pastor” Don Wickstrum, and “Fastest Plasterer”, Duncan Cowper of the UK. And don’t miss the story of romance at 14,115′.

Episode 4

Dates To Be Announced

Pikes Peak Open competitors, including 5-time King of the Mountain, Romain Dumas, will take center stage in this episode. Look for PPIHC rookie, Rob Dahm in his Mazda RX-7, and Porsche afficionado, Jeff Zwart.

View the MAVTV Schedule

Need more PPIHC?

If you missed any of the action, revisit the 2024 Race to the Clouds on Pikes Peak Live, presented by Mobil 1.

Contact:

Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
719- 685-4400
www.ppihc.org

Photo Credits: PPIHC; Larry Chen Photo; Israel Amezcua; Payton Smith