Goeglein to Mark 30 Years Racing on Pikes Peak

PPIHC
June 12, 2020

Colorado Springs, CO – Never underestimate the influence of a teacher. Steve Goeglein of Falcon, Colorado credits his junior high shop teacher with introducing him to auto racing on Pikes Peak. Goeglein will make his 30^th appearance on August 30 in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.

“My teacher, Mr. DesRochers was Bud Hoffpauir’s roommate,” Goeglein recalls, “Bud raced a Jeep in the early ‘70s. I was in the pits with them, just hanging out. That’s when I said, I want to do this!”

Experienced in 3-wheeler and quad racing, Goeglein didn’t move on to racing cars until he was 33 years old. Despite only four Colorado Hill Climb Association races before making his rookie attempt on Pikes Peak in 1991, he garnered Rookie of the Year honors. With advice from fellow competitor, Gay Smith, on how to memorize the road and support from the legendary Leonard Vahsholtz on set up, Goeglein was hooked on racing on Pikes Peak and hasn’t missed a year since.

Although a division win has eluded Goeglein, he completed the race an impressive 26 times with nine podium finishes. His fastest time was recorded in 2014, a noteworthy 10:30.704.

Goeglein credits three things for his long racing career – his crew, Chevrolet race cars and the many friends he’s made on Pikes Peak.

“I bought my first Pikes Peak car, a Chevy Monte Carlo, from Mark Weller and Rob Moberly. Mark headed up my crew that first year and he’s stayed with me 30 years,” said Goeglein. “Danny Wells was my neighbor and would stand in the driveway watching us work on the car. We invited him to help out and he’s been with me ever since, for 29 years. I couldn’t do it without them.”

Asked why he has chosen Chevrolet every year, Goeglein explained, “After I wrecked that Monte Carlo in 1992, I’ve run a Camaro ever since. It’s Chevy’s performance car. We’ve made modifications to take it from a dirt course set up to a racecar suitable for the asphalt surface.”

As Goeglein anticipates the 98^th running of the Race to the Clouds in August, he looks forward to the challenge of the mountain and everything it takes to get ready for the race, from shop time to practice sessions. “To compete against the world is just fun. I thoroughly enjoy it. I’d rather compete at Pikes Peak once than any other race.”