Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rhys Millen's record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are those who thought that paving the upper slopes of Pikes Peak would render the event boring. That didn't happen this year: between the crashes, the electric racers and the broken records it was a year that won't soon depart from memory.

The biggest record of them all was taken by Rhys Millen, who took his 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car from bottom to top in 9:46.164, relegating Pikes Peak rookie Romain Dumas to second place by the whisper thin margin of 17/1000s of a second.

The video below is in-car footage of the entire run. Scroll down to watch.

Continue reading Rhys Millen's record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run

Rhys Millen's record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012+pikes+peak+hill+climbgenesis coupehyundaipikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2012pikes peak international hill climbrhys millenvideovideosyoutubeFri, 17 Aug 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/20302739/article-detail.xml 20302739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rhyspikesrun_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rhyspikesrun.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Monster Tajima's new electric race car whir up Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/watch-monster-tajimas-new-electric-race-car-whir-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/watch-monster-tajimas-new-electric-race-car-whir-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/watch-monster-tajimas-new-electric-race-car-whir-up-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The car we were most excited to see at this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb was undoubtedly Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's new one-off electric racer. The radically styled car, called the 2012 Monster Sport E-Runner Pikes Peak Special, represents a new challenge for the Japanese racer, who has won the event every since since 2007 and has set the overall course record twice including last year.

Of course, with a new race car comes unexpected problems. While Tajima managed to run each of the practice days trouble-free - and fast - he sadly wasn't able to complete the race this past weekend due to electrical problems. His quest to remain king of the mountain and hold the best time not only the Electric division but overall will have to wait until next year.

Monster's time on the mountain wasn't completely fruitless, though, as he came away with some great footage of his practice runs from various angles on the car courtesy of GoPro. Scroll down to watch the videos for yourself.

Continue reading Watch Monster Tajima's new electric race car whir up Pikes Peak

Watch Monster Tajima's new electric race car whir up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbmonster sportmonster sport e-runnermonster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbvideoWed, 15 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20300001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/15/watch-monster-tajimas-new-electric-race-car-whir-up-pikes-peak/20300001/article-detail.xml 20300001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/monster-sport-e-runner-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/monster-sport-e-runner-video.jpg <![CDATA[Records, snow fall at the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/#commentsFiled under:

Rhys Millen 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

When it comes to Pikes Peak, expect the unexpected. The legendary mountain is known for its ever-changing conditions, and one driving up to the top might experience warm sunshine and a snow storm all in a matter of minutes. That was the case this past weekend at the 90th annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb when race officials were forced to shorten the course due to snow, rain and near-freezing temperatures at the finish line on the summit. It is only one of three times since 1916 that the length of the race has been shortened.

Thankfully many of the drivers and riders did get to fully complete their runs up the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course, and due to the new fully paved course the times were faster than ever. Last year, Monster Tajima was the first to break the ten-minute barrier on the mountain, but it was clear early on that his record would fall. Romain Dumas, a winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but a rookie at Pikes Peak, blasted past the finish line in 9:46.181 in a Porsche 911 GT3R, setting a new record for the course.

The record didn't stand long, however, as Rhys Millen, driving his 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car, completed the course in 9:46.164 - just 17/1000s of a second ahead of Dumas.

Continue reading Records, snow fall at the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Records, snow fall at the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012+pikes+peak+hill+climb2012pikespeakhillclimbpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2012pikes peak international hill climbrhys millenMon, 13 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/20299092/article-detail.xml 20299092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/millen-pikes-peak-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/millen-pikes-peak-2012.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 3 saves the best for last]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/#commentsFiled under:

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

For the first two practice days of this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb, we spent our time on the bottom third of the mountain, first checking out the new contenders of the Electric Division, including Monster Tajima's E-Runner, and for the second day catching up with the old and new faces of the Unlimited and Time Attack classes.

For the third and final practice day we headed up the mountain to the middle section of the course that encompasses many of its switchbacks. Our decision was two-fold, first to continue following the diverse selection of Unlimited and Time Attack cars, and second to take in what we consider the most beautiful section of the mountain. This portion of the road is undoubtedly the most dangerous with few guardrails and sheer drop-offs, but it's also the most visually stunning. Standing well above the tree line and just below Devil's Playground, named for the lightning bolts that jump from rock to rock during thunderstorms, one can see a large portion of the course hundreds of feet below. It's a scene that's unrivaled in any form of motorsport, enhanced further by fantastic Colorado sunrises that usher in each day's practice session.

Pikes Peak Dacia DusterPikes Peak Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The competitors didn't disappoint those in attendance, blasting up each switchback at a furious pace, although it was evident that some cars were showing signs of struggling in the thin air of the higher elevations. Paul Dallenbach and Frenchman Jean-Philippe Dayraut continued their battle for fastest time in the Unlimited class, although it looks like the Frenchman currently has a slight edge on the Colorado native. While Dallenbach's home-built twin-turbo race car surely has more power, Dayraut's Dacia Duster looks to have the edge in handling.

Rhys Millen looked dominate in the Time Attack division in his 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and while results have yet to be posted from today's session we're confident he's at the top of the charts. Assuming Millen doesn't suffer any of the problems that plagued him over the last few years, he's a sure bet to set a new record in the class come race day.

You can see our photos from the third practice day of this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the gallery above, and check back next week for Sunday's final race results.

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 3 saves the best for last originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2012pikes peak international hill climbFri, 10 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/20297866/article-detail.xml 20297866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead-pikes-peak-2012-p3-1344707393_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead-pikes-peak-2012-p3-1344707393.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings out the big guns [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/#commentsFiled under:



During the first practice day of the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb we checked out Monster Tajima's new electric-powered E-runner and watched the Vintage and Exhibition divisions roar up the mountain. Our second day, however, was reserved for the fastest of the groups - Unlimited, Time Attack and Open Wheel - which were running in the bottom portion of the course that determines qualifying times.

While one might think that the Unlimited class would be less interesting without Monster Tajima and Rhys Millen in the mix, this year's grouping is perhaps more intriguing than ever. Two Ford RS200s are entered this year, Lovefab Motorsports has brought its radical 850-horsepower Acura NSX and the open-cockpit Palatov Motorsport D4 Pikes Peak Special is making its debut.

Some of the usual names have come back as well. Paul Dallenbach is aiming to take down the overall record once again with an updated version of his turbocharged 1,400-horsepower winged monster, and Jean-Philippe Dayraut has returned for a second year with his Nissan GT-R-powered Dacia Duster. The Frenchman looked quick enough to easily improve on his overall time of 10:17.707 set last year, setting the fastest time of the day with segment time of 3:54.96. Dallenbach was second fastest with a time of 3:59.70, followed by David Donner in the Palatov Motorsport entry with a 4:10.31.

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Returning to Time Attack (2WD and AWD have been combined for 2012) after competing in the Unlimited division for the last two years, Rhys Millen is looking to take back the class record set by his father, Rod Millen, last year. To do so he's brought an updated version of his Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car fitted with a new engine and wider body that can fit larger tires. The changes seem to have made a positive effect, as Millen blew away the Time Attack competition with a segment time of 4:06.24 - the fourth fastest of any class. Four-time SCCA World Challenge GT champion Randy Pobst was second fastest, putting in a run of 4:22.75 in his 2001 Audi A4, followed by David Kern's 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with a 4:25.23.

We'll have more coverage of the Unlimited and Time Attack classes when they take on the middle section of the course tomorrow morning for the third and final practice day. Until then, browse through our photos from today in the gallery above and check out the video of Millen's qualifying run below.

Continue reading 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings out the big guns [w/video]

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings out the big guns [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbpikes+peak+hill+climb+2012pikespeakhillclimb2012Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/20297633/article-detail.xml 20297633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-2012-p2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-2012-p2.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 1 is the beginning of a new era]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-1-is-the-beginning-of-a-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-1-is-the-beginning-of-a-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-1-is-the-beginning-of-a-new/#commentsFiled under:

2012 Monster Sport E-Runner Pikes Peak Special

2012 marks a special year for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. For the first time in the event's 96-year history, the entire course is paved, beginning a new era in the Race to the Clouds. While many are bemoaning the loss of the gravel and dirt (us included - the dirt was great for photography), the fresh pavement is bringing plenty of new faces and cars to the event. Interest in this year's hill climb was so great that organizers are contemplating expanding the event to two days for 2013.

Much of the new vehicles for this year are in the Electric division. Normally filled with one or two entrants, this class features some of the most interesting cars this year, including two Mitsubishi iMiEVs, a prototype from Toyota Motorsports GmbH and a BMW E36 M3 converted by EV West. The biggest news, however, is that reigning Unlimited Class champion Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima has swapped out his Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special for an all-new machine called the Monster Sport E-Runner. Our curiosity about this incredible looking vehicle was so great that we skipped out on our usual subjects from the Unlimited and Time Attack divisions to see the new electric racer in action along with the Pikes Peak Open, Stock Car, Exhibition and Vintage classes.

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

The Japanese driver didn't disappoint, setting blistering times of 4:14.8 and 4:13.3 in the two practice sessions. To compare, Tajima set times of 4:45.9 and 4:33.8 last year, albeit those were partially on dirt.

Unfortunately, another driver in the Electric division didn't fare so well. Hiroshi Masuoka, driving the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution, overshot a corner and crashed in the second practice session.

Also of note is the Porsche 911 GT3R being driven by Frenchman Romain Dumas in the Pikes Peak Open division, the Lexus IS F CCS-R being driven by Ken Gushi and a mean looking Lister Knoop/Mann Special being driven by Rick Knoop in the Exhibition class.

You can see our photos from the first practice day of the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the gallery above. Check back tomorrow to see our coverage of what's new in the Unlimited and Time Attack classes.

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 1 is the beginning of a new era originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbmonster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes+peak+hill+climb+2012pikespeakhillclimb2012Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20296585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-1-is-the-beginning-of-a-new/20296585/article-detail.xml 20296585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-2012-p1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-2012-p1.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution Crash

Mitsubishi had high hopes for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, entering a production i-MiEV and a radical racing version called the i-MiEV Evolution into the ever-growing Electric Division. We had our eye on the Evolution model in particular, as the car was specially developed for the hill climb with a tube-frame chassis, sleek carbon fiber body and an all-wheel-drive system.

Things haven't started quite as Mitsubishi planned, though, with the i-MiEV Evolution crashing during today's second practice session on the lower third of Pikes Peak. The car overshot one of the many hairpins on the course, ending up in a ditch several feet off the road. There's no word on whether the incident was due to a mechanical problem or driver error, but the car looks to be pretty heavily damaged. Fortunately, driver Hiroshi Masuoka, one of Mitsubishi's test drivers and two-time Dakar Rally winner, was unhurt in the accident.

We don't know whether the crew at Mitsubishi will be able to repair the car in time for this weekend's race, but we hope to see it on the mountain come Sunday.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbi-miev evolutionmitsubishimitsubishi i-miev evolutionpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbWed, 08 Aug 2012 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20296513/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/20296513/article-detail.xml 20296513 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evo-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evo-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi RS5 Pikes Peak Hill Climb car Facebook teaser shot

Audi has released a teaser shot of its entrant in the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb on its Facebook page. The teaser of the menacing coupe is also accompanied by a nice little video of Audi's past dominance. It's a nice refresher going into this weekend's hill climb, which was postponed by wildfires.

The first Audi entrant in the Hill Climb was in 1984, with Michele Mouton piloting an Audi Sport Quattro. Mouton won the even in 1985, and was unseated by Bobby Unser in 1986 in an Audi Sport Quattro S1. The S1 featured a turbocharged five-cylinder making 600 horsepower

From what we can tell from this shadowy shot, this RS5 has the gaping grill and lower valences typical of a vehicle wearing the Four Rings and an RS badge. At this angle, it looks similar to the RS5 that you can get from a dealer. The stock RS5 makes 450 horsepower from the brand's venerable 4.2-liter V8. Chances are this hill-climber will be putting out much more than that, though. We'll know for sure when it competes in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on August 12, but while you're waiting, you can check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video]

Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi rs5a5audihill climbpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill cimbquattrors5s5videoTue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/20294413/article-detail.xml 20294413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-rs5-pikes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-rs5-pikes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed due to Colorado wildfire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been officially postponed after race officials met with the U.S. Forest Service yesterday afternoon. The event was originally scheduled to run on July 8th, with technical inspections starting July 3rd, but a wildfire in the area, which began on June 23rd, is less than five percent contained and has currently burned over 18,500 acres. The decision to postpone the race was less about direct interference with the fire - the blaze is currently heading away from Pikes Peak - and more about taking away resources desperately needed by the city of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.

"At the end of our meeting today, it was clear that we would not be able to go as scheduled," said Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the PPIHC, in a statement released yesterday. "Our deepest concern is for the safety of the public and the competitors, and it was obvious that several agencies charged with public safety would not be able to commit the resources and manpower required to ensure those requirements because of the critical need for their resources at this time. Our city is in an unprecedented struggle right now and we are deeply sensitive to it."

The 211 competitors, many of them from outside the United States, have already been notified of the event's postponement, and a new date will hopefully be selected within the next two weeks. Race officials have assured that any tickets already purchased will still be honored and all agreements with sponsors and vendors will be fulfilled.

You can read the official announcement from the PPIHC below.

Continue reading Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed due to Colorado wildfire

Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed due to Colorado wildfire originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbThu, 28 Jun 2012 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/20267896/article-detail.xml 20267896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pikes-peak-2012-postponed_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pikes-peak-2012-postponed.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb facing cancellation over Colorado wildfires?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Waldo Canyon Fire

The 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is in danger of being postponed or cancelled altogether as wildfires close in on Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire, which began several days ago and is ravaging the mountains just west of the city, has already burned more than 15,000 acres and is only five percent contained. Unusually hot weather, a lack of rain and persistent winds have made the blaze difficult to control, and more more than 32,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate. Highway 24, the road leading up to the base of Pikes Peak, is currently closed.

"We are cautiously optimistic concerning the running of the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8 after an informative and thorough meeting this morning with Mayor Steve Bach and officials from the City of Colorado Springs," said Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, in a statement released by the event yesterday. "We are in consistent touch with these officials, and monitoring the constantly developing situation related to the wildfires."

Autoblog spoke with Mike Moran, senior media consultant for the PPIHC, about the current status of the event today, and he is still uncertain what will happen. "This is now under the control of the federal government and other agencies," he told us. "We met yesterday with the mayor and came away optimistic, but we don't know what nature is going to bring here. The authorities are well aware of the hill climb and the resources needed to support it, but the first thing in our mind is safety."

Moran says organizers will let race fans and participants know about the status of the hill climb as soon as they can.

"We'll know in plenty of time to let everyone know, and we're getting to that point. I expect in the next 24-48 hours we will know something."

Continue reading Pikes Peak Hill Climb facing cancellation over Colorado wildfires?

Pikes Peak Hill Climb facing cancellation over Colorado wildfires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbcolorado firepikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbppihcwaldo canyonwaldo canyon fireWed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/20267641/article-detail.xml 20267641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/waldo-canyone-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/waldo-canyone-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Paul Dallenbach use 1,400 HP to race up Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Paul Dallenbach has been practicing for the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in an Unlimited-class competitor that looks like it drove straight out of Wacky Races, powered by a 1,400-horsepower Chevrolet engine from Banks Power.

Before one run up the lower slopes, the crew affixed cameras all over the race car, and the resulting video is a good demonstration of the speed, the sound and the shakes a driver needs to master over the 12.42 miles and 160 turns of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. It is also the only racing video we've seen to feature a flying camera and an ant.

Scroll down to watch, and you'll want to mind the volume.

Continue reading Watch Paul Dallenbach use 1,400 HP to race up Pikes Peak

Watch Paul Dallenbach use 1,400 HP to race up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banks powermotorsportspaul dallenbachpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbvideovideosyoutubeThu, 21 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263046/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/20263046/article-detail.xml 20263046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-21-at-10.40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-21-at-10.40.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota converts all-electric 'Ring racer to Pikes Peak hill climber [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TMG EV P002

The number of electric race cars entered into this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb continues to grow with Toyota Motorsports GmbH announcing today that its TMG EV P002 race car will compete at the 90th annual climb to the clouds.

While this will be Toyota's first trip to the Peak with the TMG EV P002, this won't be the car's first motorsports outing. Last year it set the lap record for an electric car at the Nürburgring, a time that still stands today. Since then, Toyota has updated the electric powertrain, which now puts out 469 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque running through a single-speed gearbox.

Toyota will have its hands full with competition, though, as the reigning unlimited class champion Monster Tajima will also be bringing his Monster Sport Sport E_RUNNER to race in the electric division at Pikes Peak. Perhaps less potent although no less interesting will be Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution and an electric 1995 BMW M3 built by EV West.

Scroll down for a video that accompanies Toyota's official announcement

Continue reading Toyota converts all-electric 'Ring racer to Pikes Peak hill climber [w/video]

Toyota converts all-electric 'Ring racer to Pikes Peak hill climber [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbtoyotatoyota ev p002Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253776/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/20253776/article-detail.xml 20253776 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/tmg-ev-p002_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/tmg-ev-p002.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus heading to Pikes Peak Hill Climb with IS F CCS-R race car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/lexus-heading-to-pikes-peak-hill-climb-with-is-f-ccs-r-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/lexus-heading-to-pikes-peak-hill-climb-with-is-f-ccs-r-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/lexus-heading-to-pikes-peak-hill-climb-with-is-f-ccs-r-race-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lexus IS F CCS-R Race Car

The contingent of race cars that will compete in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb continues to grow, with the latest coming from Lexus. Today, the automaker announced that its IS F Circuit Club Sport Racer will compete in this year's race to the clouds.

First seen at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, The IS F CCS-R will be looking to to prove it's more than just a show car. Thankfully, it's properly equipped to tackle the 14,114-foot peak with items like a full roll cage, racing brakes, a lowered suspension and a slathering of carbon fiber throughout the car. The rest of the IS F has been lightened as well, with items like power windows, power door locks, rear seats and roof lining all removed. The powertrain remains the same as the standard IS F production car, however, its 5.0-liter V8 producing 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet torque.

We'll have live photos of the Lexus IS F CCS-R taking on Pikes Peak next month, but until then, you can view the car's full list of specs below.

Continue reading Lexus heading to Pikes Peak Hill Climb with IS F CCS-R race car

Lexus heading to Pikes Peak Hill Climb with IS F CCS-R race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climblexuslexus is flexus is f ccs-rpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbThu, 07 Jun 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/lexus-heading-to-pikes-peak-hill-climb-with-is-f-ccs-r-race-car/20253121/article-detail.xml 20253121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/lexus-is-f-ccs-r_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/lexus-is-f-ccs-r.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Things are getting yet more interesting for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the addition of Le Mans winner Romain Dumas and off-road racer Beccy Gordon. Dumas was part of the winning team in the Audi R15 TDI in 2010 and has taken the top spot at the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring in various Porsches. He will tackle the Colorado incline in a Porsche 997 GT3-R.

Gordon has been racing off-road for years now, forms half the duo in All American Girl racing, and has taken two SCORE off-road victories. Her off-road expertise won't give her the full benefit this year since the mountain road has been completely paved, but that's probably better for the car she'll be driving: the 2012 Mitsubishi i-Miev. Gordon will be in the same Electric Auto Division class with Monster Tajima.

Scroll down below for the press releases, and get ready to tune in July 8 for the action.

Continue reading Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ

Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3-rbeccy gordonii-mievmitsubishimotorsportspikes peakpikes peak hill climbporscheromain dumasTue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220591/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/20220591/article-detail.xml 20220591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dumasgordonpikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dumasgordonpikes.jpg <![CDATA[Monster Tajima to tackle Pikes Peak in an all-electric prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/#commentsFiled under: ,


This year, Pikes Peak will, once again, be crawling with electric vehicles. Mitsubishi will be there with its i-MiEV-based racer, and the Pikes Peak EV Challenge Committee has just announced it will bring a new all-electric car to scale the 14,110-foot peak in Colorado this July.

The prototype vehicle will be developed by Team APEV, where APEV stands for the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles, and will be driven by the legendary Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. Tajima has won the contest six years in a row, breaking the ten-minute barrier for the first time last year.

But that was in a gas-powered Suzuki, which isn't nearly as eco-chic as doing it with zero emissions. The coolest part, for real, is that Team APEV and Monster Sports will be participating to help victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake disaster as well as promoting environmental education projects for children and "projects to promote active participation from the senior citizens of Japan."

In 2011, two EVs, a Nissan Leaf and a custom EV from AC Propulsion, made the climb.

Monster Tajima to tackle Pikes Peak in an all-electric prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APEVelectric race carevmonster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbThu, 29 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20204202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/20204202/article-detail.xml 20204202 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pikes-peak-tajima-team-apev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pikes-peak-tajima-team-apev.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb contemplating expansion to two-day event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

2012 will be the first year that the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held on an entirely paved road, and while many who have long been involved with the event are bemoaning the loss of the gravel sections, the full tarmac course has piqued interest in the race. In fact, event organizers are considering adding a second race day for 2013. This time last year only 46 racers has expressed interest in participating in the event, but that number is already up to 170 for next year's race.

"The interest is astronomical compared to last year," says Tom Osborne, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb board chairman. "We're seeing all kinds of unique new cars." Osborne says that the race will likely have to hold a qualifying for 2012 to limit the number of entries into each class.

While you can count us in the group that will miss the gravel, we're duly excited to see what sort of new cars show up to Pikes Peak in the next several years.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb contemplating expansion to two-day event originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbrace to the cloudsMon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/20132286/article-detail.xml 20132286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/pikes-peak-hill-climb-1324417559_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/pikes-peak-hill-climb-1324417559.jpg <![CDATA[Jeff Zwart's record-breaking run up Pikes Peak in a Porsche 911 GT2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeff Zwart at Pikes Peak
Jeff Zwart's 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS at Pikes Peak - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Last month we showed you a video chronicling Jeff Zwart's 1,132 mile road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak in his quest to break his own 2WD Time Attack record in a stock Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The second video, showing Zwart's run up the mountain, has now been released. The footage of the attempt is excellent.

While Zwart didn't manage to come up home with the title, it would be difficult to not consider his drive a success. He smashed the Pikes Peak record for stock production cars, and his time of 11:07.869 bested his previous attempt in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car by 24 seconds. Only Zwart's good friend Rod Millen was able to top him on the day, albeit by a mere three seconds and with a fully-prepped race car producing over 700 horsepower.

You can watch Zwart drive his 911 GT2 RS up Pikes Peak in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Jeff Zwart's record-breaking run up Pikes Peak in a Porsche 911 GT2

Jeff Zwart's record-breaking run up Pikes Peak in a Porsche 911 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climb2011 pikes peak international hill climb2011 porsche 911 gt2 rs2011 ppihcpikes peakpikes peak 2011pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbporscheporsche 911 gt2 rsppihcSat, 09 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19986222/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/19986222/article-detail.xml 19986222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jeff-zwart-pikes-peak-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jeff-zwart-pikes-peak-2.jpg <![CDATA[Electric cars set new records at Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Leaf at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Electric cars at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

There were two electric cars on the entrant list for this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb, and both set new records as they crossed the finish line at 14,110 feet.

First up was a 2011 Nissan Leaf, the first production electric car to compete in the event, and - by default - setting the initial record. Veteran Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord was behind the wheel, and completed the 12.42-mile course in a respectable 14 minutes 33 seconds. "The Leaf was great fun to drive up the mountain," said Hord after the race. "With the instant torque from the electric motor, we were able to jump out of the many slow corners, and the performance was very consistent from the bottom to the top since the electric motor wasn't affected by the high altitude near the summit like the gasoline powered cars."

Next up was the custom open-wheel electric car built by AC Propulsion featuring a high-performance version of the battery system found in the Mini E. The car broke Pikes Peak's electric vehicle record last year with a time of 13:17.575, and for 2011, Japanese driver Ikuo Hanawa handily surpassed that with a 12:20.084 run up the mountain.

Electric cars set new records at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan leaf2011 pikes peak hill climbac propulsionleafnissannissan leafpikes peakpikes peak 2011pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2011Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/19977949/article-detail.xml 19977949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/electric-cars-pikes-peak-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/electric-cars-pikes-peak-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Wrapup: Monster Tajima breaks 10-minute barrier, captures sixth consecutive victory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/pikes-peak-wrapup-monster-tajima-breaks-10-minute-barrier-capt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/pikes-peak-wrapup-monster-tajima-breaks-10-minute-barrier-capt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/pikes-peak-wrapup-monster-tajima-breaks-10-minute-barrier-capt/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Race Finish
2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Finish - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Monster has taken the mountain. The wind was whipping wildly, yet the sun shone brightly on one particular Colorado peak. We imagine if felt like a spotlight for Nobuhiro Tajima - the Japanese Hill Climb pilot managed to reduce his 2007 Pikes Peak record time by just over 10 seconds. Monster had said his goal was simply to break his own record, but we all knew he wanted to get under the 10-minute barrier. He did just that - and then some. Clearly, the adjusted setup applied to the Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, has paid off. The new time to beat at Pike's Peak is 9:51.278.

Unfortunately, The rest of the Unlimited Class wasn't able to walk away smiling like Monster. Paul Dallenbach had recorded seriously quick times with his 1,300-horsepower hill climb machine during practice thanks to Banks Power, who supplied a pair of turbochargers. The Dallenbach team had high hopes for race day, but a stalled start was an early bad omen. Less than a minute later, a broken axle left him stranded just one mile into the race.

Rhys Millen and his RMR Hyundai-powered PM580 also ended the day with disappointment. For the second year in a row, mechanical issues caused Millen to run far slower than he's capable. Millen's brakes gave out with around four miles left in the course, which would be a game-ending occurence for lesser drivers. Rhys plugged on, and passed the finish line in 10:09.30. Rhys believes he was losing two seconds per corner due to the damaged stoppers, so the time was surprisingly quick for the hampered PM580.

Dacia's entry finished in third in the Unlimited class and fared quite well for it's first competition on a mountain. With Frenchman Jean Philippe Dayraut behind the wheel, the GT-R-powered Duster crossed the line with an impressive time of just 10:17.707.

Rod Millen, returning to the mountain for the first time in more than 10 years, managed to set a new record in the 2WD Time Attack Class. Millen used his son's Formula Drift Hyundai Genesis Coupe and ran from bottom to top in 11:04.912. His close friend and rival, Jeff Zwart, finished less than three seconds behind in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS. After the race, the elder Millen said this would most definitely be his last year to compete at Pikes Peak, although he greatly appreciated his son's invitation to drive the mountain one last time.

In the 4WD Time Attack Division, a wreck by Stephan Verdier in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI and a flat rear tire for David Kern's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution left the victory to Brianne Corn of San Marcos, Texas - one of five females to enter the race. Corn is the first woman to win her division since Michele Mouton in 1984.

Finally, Colorado Springs native Randy Schranz, 63, completed his 37th Pikes Peak Hill Climb, breaking the previous record of 36 set by Louis Unser. Schranz won the Pikes Peak Open division with a time of 11:55.132.

Pikes Peak Wrapup: Monster Tajima breaks 10-minute barrier, captures sixth consecutive victory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climb2011 pikes peak international hill climbmonster tajimapaul dallenbachpikes peak 2011pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2011pikes peak international hill climbpikes+peakpikespeakppihcrhys millenrod millensuzukitajima+pikes+peaktajimapikespeakMon, 27 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/27/pikes-peak-wrapup-monster-tajima-breaks-10-minute-barrier-capt/19976956/article-detail.xml 19976956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/pikes-peak-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/pikes-peak-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Jeff Zwart's road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Jeff Zwart's road trip in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Jeff Zwart dominated the 2WD Time Attack class at Pikes Peak last year, setting a new record of 11:31.095 in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. He's returning to the mountain this year, but will be driving a completely stock Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Unlike most competitors, however, Zwart won't be towing his car to Pikes Peak. Last week he picked up the 911 GT2 RS at Porsche Motorsport North America in Santa Ana, CA, and drove all 1,132 miles to the event in Colorado. Filmmaker Will Roegge tagged along, and has produced an excellent video chronicling the road trip. You can watch the video after the jump, or check out our photos of Zwart driving in the practice days earlier this week in the gallery below.

Continue reading Jeff Zwart's road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak

Jeff Zwart's road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climb911 gt2 rsjeff zwartpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbporscheporsche 911 gt2 rsppihcvideoSat, 25 Jun 2011 17:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976595/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/19976595/article-detail.xml 19976595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/jeff-zwart-road-trip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/jeff-zwart-road-trip.jpg -1 2