THE WORLD’S RACE
AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN
A COLORADO LEGACY
Colorado Springs, Colorado — In celebration of the 104th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, the theme for next year’s race is official!
The concept includes a patriotic flair as a salute to America’s 250th birthday. Taking place on America’s Mountain, this renowned annual event attracts top drivers, eager fans and premier media outlets from Colorado, the USA, and nations around the world.
Coinciding with the celebration of America is the 150th birthday of Colorado. Nicknamed The Centennial State, Colorado was recognized with statehood 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Drivers calling Colorado home include Jeff Zwart, Paul Dallenbach, David Donner, Clint and Codie Vahsholtz, Robb Holland, Dan Novembre, the O’Maley brothers, and scores of others.
Recognized around the globe as the premier hill climbing event, the PPIHC is beloved by fans and drivers all over the world. Spanning more than a century, it’s a generational event for acclaimed motorsport families like the Unsers and Millens, as well as auto racing icons Michèle Mouton, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima, Sébastien Loeb and current course record holder, Romain Dumas.
The PPIHC is also an annual tradition for fans, race officials and volunteers. Some have been attending the Race to the Clouds for more than 50 years. Others have volunteered for generations, bringing the younger ones along in hopes they’ll maintain the custom in future years.
Anchored in Colorado as a legacy event, this race bears the vision of its founder, Spencer Penrose, who set out in 1916 to bring visitors to the Pikes Peak region. His idea was to provide a racing competition in a venue never before witnessed. In fact, he built the highway to the top of Pikes Peak and wanted everyone to enjoy this mountain and the views it offered.
But, his dream wasn’t limited to Pikes Peak, or auto racing. It expanded to include both summer and year-round events that continue to this day. His Penrose Stadium hosts the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, polo matches and other equestrian events near his upscale hotel, The Broadmoor.
As incredibly generous philanthropists, Spencer and wife, Julie, were visionary community stewards who later invested their fortune in the well-being of people in Colorado by creating El Pomar Foundation. Their mission is to support nonprofits and government entities in the areas of arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services in significant ways in the Pikes Peak region.
As celebrations roll out across the nation, join the PPIHC in saluting America, the State of Colorado, Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, and the field of exceptional drivers who will set their sights on the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak on June 21.
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Louis Yio
Others: Rayteam Automotive, El Pomar Foundation (Penrose), PPIHC Archives
