Colorado Springs——–The 18th Annual Fan Fest, presented by Toyo Tires and Budweiser, will make downtown Colorado Springs the place to be on Friday, June 28th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., as the city prepares for the 2019 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, on Sunday, June 30.
“The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb brings thousands of visitors to our city year after year and remains a proud tradition in Colorado Springs. As the most prestigious hill climb in the world, it has been a significant part of our city’s history for over a century, and it energizes our entire community with both the event and the associated Fan Fest downtown celebration,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.
“In addition, the Hill Climb offers a great opportunity to showcase our natural beauty to visitors and viewers from across the world,” added the Mayor.
This year’s Fan Fest entertainment package includes the Budweiser Beer Garden, the Fire Fighter Chili Cook Off, sponsor booths, food trucks and vendors for the fans. Sam and Kathy Guadagnoli will present the Red Bull Motocross Team, a true highlight of the evening. Fan Fest spectators will see some of the best riders in the world performing jaw-dropping aerial tricks while jumping a distance of 75′ and soaring 35′ in the air!
“The Hill Climb team is tremendously grateful for the support and contributions of Sam and Kathy Guadagnoli to Fan Fest,” said PPIHC Executive Director Megan Leatham. “The Guadagnolis are once again presenting the appearance of the Red Bull Motocross Team. We could not make Fan Fest the tremendously popular event it has become without their generous financial support.”
“The Pikes Peak region is steeped in a long-standing history of motorsports and world-class events that entice travelers from across the globe. We are excited for yet another summer of full-throttle thrills during the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb week,” said Doug Price, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From Fan Fest to race day there are so many reasons this renowned event has stood the test of time and continues to infuse valuable tourism dollars into our local community through international travel.”
Fan Fest, free and open to everyone, celebrates the 97th running of the famed race with fun, food and thrills for some 35,000 fans who will take part in the gala street festival, spanning seven blocks of Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs. This year, Budweiser is proud to present the beloved Budweiser Clydesdales on display from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Bring the family to see these majestic horses – a part of the Budweiser legacy since 1933.
Fire departments in Southern Colorado will compete in the annual Chili Cook Off with ladles in hand for the title of Best Green Chili, Best Red Chili, Best Booth Design, and Most Money Raised. Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 5 will host the Cook Off during Fan Fest with donations benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association/Rocky Mountain region. The spicy recipes of southern Colorado’s finest firefighters are sure to set off alarms!
This year’s race will feature 62 autos and 29 motorcycles in the field, with competitors from 16 nations.
Fans can meet many of the competitors and see their cars and motorcycles as they prepare to take on the world’s toughest hill climb on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The PPIHC is the USA’s second-oldest motorsport event behind the famous Indianapolis 500.
Driver James Robinson, Raymond, Ohio, is looking forward to taking part in his ninth Fan Fest on June 28. He’s entered in the Time Attack I division behind the wheel of a 2019 Acura NSX. He finished fourth last year and was third in class in 2017.
“Fan Fest is an awesome opportunity for the teams and the competitors to interact and connect with thousands of fans. It gives us lots of energy and excitement to compete. I really look forward to it,” Robinson says.
Keep up-to-date on all PPIHC activities, news and ticket purchases at: www.ppihc.org or on the Official PPIHC App.
Mike Moran
PPIHC Senior Media Consultant
1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite E
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 338-9161
