The 101st Running Of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Is One Week Away

Colorado Springs, CO – 12.42 miles, 156 turns and a 14,115 foot finish line.  It is the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.  Brilliant machinery, daring drivers, and one King of the Mountain.  It is the second oldest race in the world with drivers completing a 12. 4 miles course in less than 8 minutes.  It is the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

“You are racing in a national park.  Longhorn sheep, the wildlife that are on the track during the practice, the test sessions, and even on raceday.   The altitude sickness that can happen.  There are so many challenges that can happen.  And as I say, it is World Rally Championship, Formula One meet Woodstock,” says driver Cam Ingram.

The inaugural hill climb took place in 1916 when a man by the name of Rea Lentz covered the course in a time of just less than 21 minutes.  Since then, this event has grown beyond anyone’s imagination.  In the 100 plus years, this event has seen some of the most famous names in auto racing take on this infamous mountain.  Racing families like the Mears, the Unsers and the Andrettis.  It has also seen everyday women and men get behind the wheel and take on this course which has 156 turns and climbs 5000 feet from beginning to end.

“It is a tremendous honor.  I can remember when my eyers were huge looking at everyone who raced and trying to learn all I could about racing the mountain.  Everything that could get me to the top safely.  It becomes kind of a family up there,” said veteran racer Derek Boyd.

While most who race cars want to finish first, for most who take part in this event, getting to the top is a win itself.

“I want to make it to the top.  Anyone will say that is a victory especially in year one.  As I mentioned, getting a machine to do that, that is hard. You can then tweak from there and make it competitive.  Most guys that are not factory funded, most of them did not make it to the top and these are guys are talented both driving and building.  It will be scary endeavor, but I am excited for it,” said rookie driver Kendall Samuel.