Pikes Peak Hill Climb Brings Big Stars to Race
Imagine a local car race in your hometown during the July 4th holiday. Imagine a race which has had winners such as Al Unser, Bobby Unser, Robby Unser, and Mario Andretti. If you’ve lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, you haven’t had to go to the Indianapolis 500, or some other famous race, to see such a race; you could have watched such a race in your own hometown.
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is the second oldest consecutively run auto race in the United States and will be contested for the 84th time on July 1, 2006. The race is considered by many to be one of the classic races in the world, and some consider it second only to the Indianapolis 500, even though it might not be as well known as races such as a NASCAR event such as the Daytona 500.
The race is followed by racing enthusiasts worldwide and is also known as “the race to the clouds.” The 12.4 mile course begins at 9,200 feet and finishes at the summit of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in the world, at 14,110 feet. During the race there are 156 hairpin turns, 2,000 foot drops off cliffs, and no guardrails. You read that right, no guardrails. In some parts of the course, drivers exceed 100 miles-per-hour.
In the Hill Climb, there are races for four classes of cars, five classes of motorcycles, modified trucks, and ATV quads.
In this year’s event, racing legend Ivan Stewart, the president of Ivan Stewart Enterprises will have 20 Protrucks in the event. During a 28-year career Stewart has had 84 career victories, 17 Baja 500 wins, 10 career driver’s championships, 3 Baja 1000 wins and 8 Mint 400 wins. Stewart also holds another record-the all-time record (17) for Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group victories.
Stewart began his own Protruck series years ago. He is building vehicle number 47. By competing in the Protruck event in the Hill Climb, Stewart will be competing in one of the biggest classes in the history of the race.
For the first time in his 28-year career Stewart, who is also known as “Ironman,” will race in the event. For years he as raced on July 4th in Barstow California, in a 250-mile off road desert race. Now his team will race in the part pavement, part dirt road event in a place with oxygen that is much thinner than where he usually races.
The Protruck engines cost $15,000 to $20,000. Vehicles that may be used include Ford, Dodge, Chevy, GMC, and Toyota.
The best time will win the Protruck event.
The various classes of races begin at 5 a.m. on the famous mountain that can be seen from hundreds of miles away. The Peak is also known as “America’s Mountain” and provided the inspiration for the song, “America the Beautiful.”
While the race has its danger for competitors, it has a good safety record for fans who watch in person. Spectators are encouraged to stay off the course, not to stand or sit where a vehicle could hit them, and high impact areas that are marked off. Some people not used to the high altitude might also experience altitude sickness, including dizziness, nausea, and fainting.
For those planning on going to the race, Devil’s Playground provides a great view above tree line-for those who can tolerate the extreme wind and cold. The highest spot below tree line is Cove Creek. Another popular spot below tree line is Glen Cove.
Unser family members have won the Hill Climb many times. Louis Unser Jr. won the first race in 1934. Bobby Unser Sr. won the event 13 times. One six year string of victories was stopped by brother Al.
The local car race with the international following has brought a lot of memories to racing fans over the years. What will happen this year?
