Feel the need for speed at 14,115 feet above sea level.
There's more than one way to get high in Colorado. Head over to Pikes Peak on June 30 for thrills, chills, and some seriously fast cars taking on the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). The event is in its 97th year, and it just keeps getting better, drawing car and motorcycle racers to test their skills and wills.
The race will kick off at 7:30 a.m., and fans can watch time-trial participants rocket up the 12.42-mile track, tackling climbs, spirals, twists, and turns up to the summit. These high-performance vehicles will take on 156 corners in all before crossing the finish line. The high-performance vehicles will hit the track in an attempt to beat the current record holder, Romain Dumas, who finished the harrowing course in 7:57.148. However, just finishing can be a real test of driver skill and vehicle performance.
"The PPIHC is a race ran on a 12.42-mile course on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, that begins at 9,390 feet (2,862.07 meters) above sea level and finishes at the 14,115-foot summit of spectacular Pikes Peak – America's Mountain. As the drivers climb toward the Summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps muscle strength in addition to robbing internal combustion engines of up to 30 percent of the power they were capable of at the Start Line. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape and condition simply to finish, let alone win," says the PPIHC Facebook page.
Courtesy of PPIHC (Facebook)
Spectators will have to get up early to get the best views of the race, as the gates open at 2:30 a.m., with the green flag dropping at 7:30 a.m. Please make note that all spectators must view the race from designated spectator viewing areas, which are the Start Line, Glen Cove, and Devils Playground. This an attend-at-your-own-risk event, as spectator viewing areas do not ensure safety. You can check out the Spectator Guide for more information on what to expect, including tickets, camping areas, and more.
If you are a super fan, you can also attend the practice/qualifying days, June 25-28, to get your speed fix before the race to the top. You'll need tickets for each day.
For ticketing information and details about the event, visit the event website.
In addition, fans can get revved up for the climb at the Fan Fest on June 28 from 5-10 p.m., downtown Colorado Springs. Red Bull motorcycle jumpers and street-party vendors and more will be on hand to prime your engine for the big race day.
And if motorcycles are your thing, and you are a Ducati owner, the All Roads Lead to Pikes Peak celebration might be your jam.
"Come join Ducati and your fellow Ducatisti from all over North America as All Roads Lead to Pikes Peak. We will celebrate Ducati’s return to the iconic mountain for what will prove to be one of the most epic years in racing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. During the course of the weekend, we will have a series of activities that provide you with exclusive experiences with the team, the mountain, the race itself, and plenty of time to explore the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Set in beautiful Colorado Springs, we're excited to provide you with an action-packed weekend of fun leading up to the big race," says the event's Facebook page, where you will also find tickets.
Check out more about the event, courtesy of PPIHC (excerpt from Race to the Clouds DVD):
