MICHÈLE MOUTON HONORED IN PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB HALL OF FAME
Colorado Springs, CO — The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is proud to announce the induction of the legendary Michèle Mouton into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame. This well-deserved honor coincided with the 40-year anniversary of her success behind the wheel of the Audi Sport Quattro in her groundbreaking appearance on America’s Mountain.
In 1985, Mouton captivated the racing world by not only dominating the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb but also setting a new overall record of 11:25.39. Her unparalleled skill on the entirely gravel course solidified her legacy, making her the first and only woman to earn the prestigious “King of the Mountain” moniker.
During the race week celebration of Mouton, the racing world paid tribute to her truly remarkable career and how that momentum has continued for decades, inspiring generations of rallying and motorsport enthusiasts.
Among those who took inspiration from Mouton were 2025 competitors, Emmanuel Cecchet, Alex Kim and David Hackl, who proudly displayed their race cars at the induction ceremony.
To commemorate the occasion, Mouton received a specially-made timepiece from B.R.M North America featuring an image of her iconic Audi, and her winning time.
North Drinkware also created a customized set of Pikes Peak-themed glasses and coasters embodying the mountain she tamed in 1985.
Mouton was also a featured panelist at the Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) reception in Colorado Springs. Mouton, along with Burcu Cetinkaya, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, and three current PPIHC competitors, Loni Unser, Emelia Hartford and Tracy Gaudu, discussed their racing careers.
Led by moderator, Lyn St. James, seven-time Indy 500 competitor, speaker and 2025 PPIHC Grand Marshal, panelists described their challenges, successes, and future plans.
Responding to a question about whether she’d ever thought about quitting, Mouton responded frankly, “Once you start, you don’t think about stopping. It’s not easy to reach the top, so you don’t even think about stopping.”
At Fan Fest, Mouton was cheered by fans as she was introduced from the OPTIMA Batteries stage. She signed hero cards, posters, memorabilia and posed for photos throughout the evening.
“To be able to welcome Michèle Mouton back to the mountain this year, and see her enshrined in our Hall of Fame is epic,” shared Melissa Eickhoff, CEO Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Her love of motorsport, and her desire to see women compete and win at the highest level, is unmatched. As a pioneer for women in auto racing, we’re honored to celebrate her achievements on this mountain.”
Mouton was highly sought-after on Race Day as well. She sent Loni Unser off the line with a green flag wave, reviewed her racing career on the RACER Network live broadcast, and reminisced about her record-setting run with KRDO NewsRadio during their radio broadcast of the event.
Photo Credit: PPIHC – Larry Chen, Cecília Veréb
