Cole Powelson Wins PPIHC Open Wheel Division

POWELSON CLOCKS SUB-10 RUN TO WIN 2024 PPIHC OPEN WHEEL DIVISION

Colorado Springs, CO – The 102nd Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, saw records fall and new champions crowned. In his seventh year of competition on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, Utah's Cole Powelson claimed his first victory. With his clocking of 09:33.222, his second career sub-10-minute run on the mountain, Powelson clinched the Open Wheel division win, a 4th place finish overall, and his personal best time.

Powelson's racing experience is vast and varied. He was the 2021 SCCA Rallycross National Champion and also competed in Time Attack, finishing first at COTA and second overall at the Long Beach Grand Prix. The same year, he claimed a class win, and set the second overall fastest time in the 2021 Mt. Washington Hill Climb.

CHANGE OF PLAN

Since his first entry on Pikes Peak in 2015, Powelson has been behind the wheel of either a Nissan GT-R or a Sierra race car. He originally entered a 2025 Sierra Echo R-Spec for 2024, but just days before race week, was forced to make a last-minute shift to his tried and true Sierra Alpha.

Powelson, describing the lead up to his Pikes Peak run, explained, "This year was full of surprises! Less than 48 hours before the truck was scheduled to head to Colorado, I discovered I would need to use a different car. I dusted off my 2021 SIERRA ALPHA as it was the closest car I had that was ready for competition. I hadn't run that car since 2020, but I did achieve a personal best that year, making my first sub-10 minute run and my first Pikes Peak podium."

TEAMBUILDING

Although Powelson knew and trusted the car, he also realized it would take some work to get it back up to speed. "I first called my dad and brother to ask for help. My dad let me use his truck and trailer, my brother helped me start preparing and loading up. Shortly after that, we posted a video on social media asking for help. The response was incredible! I reached out to my race engineer Mike McGinnes to see if he could help support the program and he agreed. From that point on I knew we had a really great chance of doing something special. I had a new friend from Australia reach out and ask if he and his buddy could be mechanics on the team so they flew to Utah and stayed with us for the next 10 days. (Thanks Jordan and Lachy!)"

"It was amazing how everything was able to come together in such a short period of time. I am forever grateful for everyone who chipped in or volunteered to make this the most successful event of my Pikes Peak career."

"The biggest challenge this year was putting a winning team together in 48 hours. There is a saying in business that goes, 'Sometimes you have to jump off the cliff and build the airplane on the way down.' That is certainly how things went. Each day we worked as a team to build that airplane and by race day it paid off with a win." Cole Powelson

REFLECTING ON FIRST PPIHC WIN

From disappointing DNFs to his 2020 podium finish in his own purpose-built Sierra, Cole Powelson has experienced the highs and lows of Pikes Peak. After a solid run on race day it was just a waiting game to see who came out on top.

Powelson shared, "I never like to count my eggs before they are hatched! I was very happy with our time but there is always the chance that someone can go faster than you. I sat at the summit for what felt like an eternity as I watched each open wheel competitor make their run. Once everyone had finished, it really started to sink in that we had won. It was an unbelievable feeling and a childhood dream come true! I couldn't wait to wave to all of the fans on the way back down, and to share the moment with the team, and my family, especially my wife Ashley, and my kids, Ellie & Emmett."

MUST HAVE: FAMILY

Powelson's emphasis on the importance of his family in daily life and at the track is part of his racing strategy, explaining, "I have always considered myself a family man, but this year more than ever they played a major role in our success. My family keeps me supported and grounded. It's not always feasible for them to be present on race day but I am so happy they were there this year to share all the special moments - from Fan Fest to celebrating a race day win."

Powelson offered additional insight on the family aspect of Pikes Peak, explaining, "I also consider many of the Pikes Peak drivers and team members my family. From the highs to the lows, I have always felt supported at this event. I try to pay it forward to the rookies, make them feel welcome, share mountain wisdom and help solve their issues leading up to race day."

GET TO KNOW COLE POWELSON

Fun Facts:

"I love being a dad! When I am not racing I am most certainly spending time with my family outdoors."

"This year I made a goal to run a sub 4 hour marathon which I did in April. Running is hard!"

"Last year I sold a majority stake in my company SIERRA Cars and have taken on some wonderful new partners. I am learning so much about growing into a big company."

Do you have a name for your car?

"Elliott! It's the combination of my kids' names."

Three things you need to have in the trailer on race day:

"Must have warm Yokohama tires...(also works to keep breakfast burritos warm)!"

"My loved ones! I love having family and friends with me even though I'm 'in the zone.'"

"Headphones. I'm always reviewing footage and listening to music to get pumped!"

Favorite corner?

"Turn 1 because I've waited an entire year for that green flag!"

Most challenging part of the course?

"The upper section is fast, bumpy and hair raising, and requires discipline to finish."

Other than Pikes Peak, what is your favorite track to race?

"Spa in Belgium, but I'd love to drive Suzuka! It has been a bucket list track since I was a kid but I haven't found the right opportunity yet."

Do you have any superstitions or good luck charms?

"Every year I carry a trinket or coin to the summit to give to my kids after a successful summit."

Favorite place you’ve visited?

"Alaska. That place is incredible. I have barely scratched the surface but for someone who loves mountains and being outdoors it's an absolute dreamscape."

Watch 2024 Open Wheel Division Champion, Cole Powelson, in his Race to the Clouds!

Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski

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ABOUT THE PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

First staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America. The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds is held annually near the end of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The famous 12.42-mile (20 km) course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 4,725 feet (1,440 m), and reaches a finish line at 14,115 feet (4,302 m) above sea level. The PPIHC’s six race divisions feature a wide variety of vehicles - from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles. The current race record was set in 2018 by Romain Dumas and Volkswagen in the all-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak – 07:57.148.

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