Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Often called "The Race to the Clouds," it is an annual automobile and motorcycle hillclimb to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, United States. First contested in 1916, it is one of the oldest motorsports events in North America and is sanctioned by ACCUS-FIA. The challenging course ascends over 4,700 feet on a public toll road featuring 156 turns, testing vehicle durability and driver skill against thin air and variable weather.

History

The event was founded in 1916 by Spencer Penrose, a prominent Colorado Springs businessman who had recently financed the construction of the Pikes Peak Highway. The inaugural race was won by Rea Lentz in a Romano Demon race car. After a hiatus during World War I, competition resumed in 1920 and has been held nearly every year since, making it a cornerstone of American motorsport. A pivotal moment in its history was the 2011 completion of paving the entire course, transforming it from a treacherous gravel and dirt track to a fully asphalted surface, which dramatically altered vehicle setup and record times. The event is organized by the non-profit PPIHC Board of Directors and has been a stage for technological innovation, particularly in the development of high-altitude turbocharging and aerodynamics.

Course

The competition utilizes the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile toll road starting at an elevation of 9,390 feet and finishing at the 14,115-foot summit. The race course itself covers 12.42 miles of this road, featuring 156 distinct turns with famous sections like the "Bottomless Pit" and "Devil's Playground." The extreme elevation gain results in a approximately 40% reduction in air density and engine power at the summit, presenting a unique engineering challenge. Weather conditions are notoriously unpredictable, with competitors often encountering sunshine, fog, rain, or even snow within a single run. The finish line is located just below the summit house, with the sweeping vistas of the Front Range providing a dramatic backdrop.

Event format and classes

The event is a time-trial hillclimb, where individual competitors start at intervals and race against the clock to set the fastest time in their class. Vehicles are divided into multiple divisions, including the premier **Unlimited** division for the overall title, **Time Attack**, **Open Wheel**, and **Pikes Peak Open**. Motorcycle categories include **Electric Motorcycle** and traditional divisions. A significant and growing category is the **Exhibition** class, which often features experimental and electric vehicles, such as those from Rimac Automobili. Each division has specific regulations governing vehicle modifications, engine size, and propulsion type, overseen by officials from ACCUS-FIA and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Notable competitors and records

The race has attracted legendary figures from across global motorsport. Michele Mouton of Audi Sport became the first woman to win the overall title in 1985. Nobuhiro Tajima, known as "Monster Tajima," holds the record for most overall victories with nine. The current overall record was set in 2018 by Romain Dumas driving the Volkswagen I.D. R, a fully electric prototype, with a time of 7:57.148. Other notable winners include Ari Vatanen, whose dramatic 1988 climb in a Peugeot 405 T16 was immortalized in film, and Sebastien Loeb, who shattered the record in 2013 in a Peugeot 208 T16. In motorcycle competition, riders like Carlin Dunne and Codie Vahsholtz have set remarkable benchmarks.

In popular culture

The event's dramatic setting and challenge have secured its place in global media. The most famous depiction is the 1988 short film *Climb Dance*, featuring Ari Vatanen's record run for Peugeot. It has been featured in numerous video games, most notably the *Gran Turismo* and *Forza Motorsport* franchises. Television coverage has been provided by networks like ESPN and MavTV, bringing the spectacle to international audiences. The race also serves as a frequent backdrop for automotive advertising and testing, used by manufacturers such as Tesla and Toyota to demonstrate vehicle performance under extreme conditions.

Category:Hillclimbing motorsport events in the United States Category:Sports in Colorado Springs, Colorado Category:Recurring events established in 1916