MONTHLY SHAKEDOWN

WHILE WE WAIT

In the dead of winter when the days are short and cold, and the nights are long and even colder, what are PPIHC competitors dreaming of? If they live in the southern hemisphere, they’re probably relaxing on a beach and making travel plans to get back to Pikes Peak. Otherwise, they’re likely dreaming of being selected to race in the 103rd edition of the Race to the Clouds. They might even be reviewing in-car video, or practicing on a simulator to better learn the “156 Turns to Glory.” A few may be racing on ice or snow, or entering competition in warmer locations around the world. We asked drivers what they're doing in January while they wait for the 2025 entry list to be announced on February 6.


"During the offseason, it is brainstorming to find new solutions to improve the performance of the car. So, a lot of conversations and new ideas, good or bad, to make the car quicker! 


In the end, we keep the best ideas and prepare to test in the spring."


Romain Dumas

5-Time King of the Mountain

Course Record Holder




"I am head-deep in designs for the new car!"


Robin Shute

4-Time King of the Mountain

"Living at 9300 feet, this time of year is slightly challenging to prepare for Pikes Peak, but reading the road and terrain on the mountain is always important. Snowmobiling, and a mountain bike ride at lower altitude, is always good for fitness and just reacting to things at speed. We always want to stay on top of race prep to make sure our schedule for initial testing does not fall behind, so being ahead of everything is important this time of year." 


Jeff Zwart

PPIHC Hall of Fame


"In the offseason I like to get a ton of chores done, and lots of family time, due to the demands Pikes Peak puts on everyone.


I feel like it’s a way of life, and you have to cherish all the off time you can get."


Codie Vahsholtz

Open Wheel Division Record Holder

“I’m trying to lose the holiday weight Gianna and I put on. Also, designing some "go faster parts" while trying fab up some "it needs to be stronger" parts as well. This year, the focus has been efficiency, how do we use what we have more efficiently, and then design smaller improvements that build on that. Also, I spend a lot of time just praying for the PPIHC staff, racers, and volunteers, which is the best prep any of us can do."  


Don Wickstrum

“Fastest Pastor”

“I’m trying to stay physically fit and drive the car as much as possible...which is currently less than I’d like. I drive a sim, but it’s not the same. And I think about what items to order so they are here in time to install and test. 


Racing is really about logistics and this time of year, that’s the focus.”


Kathryn Mead

2020 Rookie of the Year

"I'm going through a review of objectives for 2025, working on upgrades, and making sure we have plenty of time for early testing. To keep the driving skills sharp over the cold months, I'm running ice driving schools at Georgetown Lake and the Steamboat Springs winter facility in January and February. I'm driving a Quattro chassis that's similar to my racecar."

David Hackl

11-Time PPIHC Competitor, #2 Audi Quattro

"Race prep for 2025 started the day after last year's race. By this point in the new year, we're busy implementing our upgrade plans with hopes to finish by March so we can start testing to see if the outcome is as intended. It's good to move at a slower, more methodical pace to ensure things are done right the first time! We are also busy talking to potential sponsors to see if working together is beneficial."


Dan Novembre

Four Consecutive Fast 15 Qualifier Awards

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT TO ENTER

2025 RACE TO THE CLOUDS

It's not too late to enter! Drivers hoping to compete in the 103rd Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22, 2025 may submit a Request for Invitation through January 30, 2025.


The PPIHC welcomes applications from competitors around the world and will review approximately 100 submissions before issuing 70 invitations. Applications should include documents such as the driver's resume, racing references, vehicle specs and photos, and build sheets depicting roll cage safety requirements.


Interested teams and competitors may apply online HERE.






View the 2025 PPIHC Rule Book




View important dates and deadlines in the 2025 PPIHC Bulletin Book

2025 PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB TICKETS ON SALE NOW


Whether you want to camp out the night before the race and watch the sunrise on America's Mountain, or you're looking to grab a group of friends and head up to Devils Playground on the new Fan Bus, there's a ticket for you! Join us on race day, Sunday, June 22, 2025.

View Ticket Options and Purchase Here

AN EXCLUSIVE PPIHC VIP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE


Offered by Sports and Travel Entertainment (SET), this highly sought-after package sells out every year.


Stay at The Broadmoor, enjoy escorted race week tours and behind-the-scenes adventures. Perfect for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.


BOOK NOW!

ANNUAL POSTER ART CONTEST OPEN THROUGH APRIL 15

Project Theme

156 Turns to Glory

 

Prize

Winning Artist receives $1000 cash prize + 2 VIP Race Day Tickets + 2 Invitations to VIP Reception, and will make an appearance at Fan Fest to autograph copies of their winning poster on Friday evening, June 20.

People’s Choice Winner receives $250.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Open to all ages

Professional, Amateur, and Student Submissions welcome

Artists must live in, or have very strong ties to, the Pikes Peak Region.

SUBMISSION INFO HERE

OFFICIAL PPIHC MERCHANDISE



Check out some brand new merch, or grab your favorites from 2024! Sizes for men, women and youth.


View all Official PPIHC Merch and order HERE

FRAMEABLE MOMENTS WITH

LARRY CHEN

Life at Shutter Speed: 20 Years of Automotive Photography

by Larry Chen


Spanning more than 400 pages, with 2,000 images taken over a 20-year career, Life at Shutter Speed is a definitive retrospective of Chen's work documenting car culture and motorsports. Packed with never-before-seen photos and behind-the-scenes stories, the book offers readers an intimate look at the people, machines and moments that have defined a generation.


"This book helped me relive so many pivotal moments throughout my career, and perfectly encapsulates my mission to capture and celebrate car culture," Chen said. "After sorting through millions of photos to narrow down this collection, I'm excited to finally share my debut book with enthusiasts everywhere."


Two editions of Life at Shutter Speed are available now to preorder:


The Standard Edition ($125), a premium hardcover showcasing 2,000 rare and iconic images.


The Limited Edition ($275), a numbered and signed collector's edition with only 1,000 copies produced. Includes an exclusive autographed print, plus a unique book cover and 100 additional photos.

EXPLORING HISTORY

The evolution of racing helmets used on Pikes Peak is best depicted in photographs. From the early cloth and leather caps to cork filled, modified polo helmets, to metal components and finally to the modern carbon fiber helmets in use today, the focus on driver safety has made huge strides.

Head covering in 1916

Leather helmet used in the late 1920s

Al Rogers sports a 1940s design

Ak Miller's 1966 helmet

Gardner Nichols in 2024 in a helmet design used today.

Visit Penrose Heritage Museum in Colorado Springs to see a number of helmets worn over the past century.

And while we're talking history, and polo helmets, check out this one-of-a-kind Colorado Springs winter sporting match!


FEBRUARY 22, 2025


DETAILS HERE!


A Colorado Springs Sports Corporation Partner Event

WHAT WE'RE CELEBRATING

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

1/5 David Donohue

8-Time PPIHC Competitor

Time Attack 1 Division Record Holder


1/7 Derek Boyd

11-Time PPIHC Competitor


1/10 Mad Mike Whiddett

2023 Competitor


1/19 Cam Ingram

3-Time PPIHC Competitor


1/22 Raphael Astier

5-Time PPIHC Competitor


1/26 Aaron Kaufman

6-Time PPIHC Competitor

MOUTON RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Michèle Mouton was honored with the FIA Lifetime Achievement Award in December, 2024. Mouton has enjoyed a 50-year career in motorsport acting as a trailblazer for women drivers while playing a vital role in improving safety.


She is the only woman to set an overall course record on Pikes Peak. Her time of 11:25.39, clocked in 1985, in her Audi Sport Quattro, made headlines around the world.

WEST COAST STOCK CAR HALL OF FAME

The Unser Family will be honored in March, 2025 at the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held in Las Vegas, NV as part of their Heritage class.


Bobby Unser, Al Unser, and Al Unser, Jr., will be each be honored. Together, they hold nine Indy 500 championships. They all raced on Pikes Peak setting records and earning 13 collective King of the Mountain titles.

43 INSTITUTE TO BENEFIT FROM 000 MAGAZINE SWEEPSTAKES


000 Magazine is giving way a Porsche 911 Turbo S, the same model that triumphed at Pikes Peak in 2022, driven by David Donner. This 000 Commission is the latest collaboration between 000 Magazine and Porsche Sonderwunsch.


5% of all proceeds generated through 000magazine.com during the sweepstakes period will be donated to 43 Institute. To enter the sweepstakes, follow this link.


43 Institute is a non-profit founded by the family of late motorsports icon and Pikes Peak competitor Ken Block to create pathways for underserved, highly driven “motivated misfits” with aspirations in motorsports, action sports, and the creative arts.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

OPTIMA® Batteries

"OPTIMA Batteries plays an integral role at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), powering the excitement both on and off the track. In the OPTIMA Batteries Pits, we provide a prominent stage for all race day announcements, from the drivers' meeting and national anthem, to the live stream.

 

As the Fast 15 qualifier sponsor OPTIMA celebrates the top qualifiers each year with an autograph session. We enjoy connecting directly with enthusiasts through engaging activations, including giveaways, autograph signings with sponsored athletes, and hands-on opportunities to explore high-performance battery technology.

 

The extreme conditions on Pikes Peak provide the ultimate proving ground for OPTIMA’s battery lineup. The brand puts its existing products, as well as new innovations, to the test under the race’s grueling demands: high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and extreme performance requirements. This real-world testing ensures OPTIMA’s batteries deliver unmatched reliability, durability, and power in even the most challenging environments. By actively supporting the event and advancing battery technology, OPTIMA continues to support the motorsport community and cement its legacy as a leader in performance."

 

Cam Douglass, Director of Marketing

OPTIMA Batteries

TRIVIA

Q: Which PPIHC driver tucked a tiny pair of his daughter's baby shoes into his helmet for good luck?


A. Rhys Millen

B. Nick Sanborn

C. Bobby Unser

D. George Hammond


(Keep reading to find the answer!)

MEET PPIHC BOARD MEMBER

Meet Megan Leatham

PPIHC Board Member


Megan Leatham led the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as Executive Director for more than ten years before she was selected to serve as the President and CEO of Colorado Springs Sports Corporation (Sports Corp). This non-profit organization is committed to inspiring and advancing Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, and the greater Pikes Peak region through sport and community events. Sports Corp plays a critical role in bringing civic leaders together with some of the nation's premier sporting organizations to promote tourism and create positive economic impact through community development activities and event promotion.


“My love for the PPIHC runs deep,” shared Leatham. “In my decade of leading that organization, alongside my mentor, Tom Osborne, I learned so much. The partnerships and relationships that were built during those years remain strong. Every summer I look forward to witnessing the Race to the Clouds, and watching history in the making.”


Educated at Whitman College, Megan was an active member of the women’s basketball team during her undergraduate years. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Her passion for sports, coupled with expertise in relationship building and systems implementation, complements the initiatives of Sports Corp. 


With a proven track record of leadership excellence, business management, financial proficiency, and a talent for team building, Megan’s ability to envision and achieve success has been demonstrated consistently throughout her career.



Megan dedicates her free time to exercise, laughter, and quality moments with her husband and two daughters. An avid runner and Denver Broncos enthusiast, Megan also finds joy in list-making and continually raising the bar in all facets of life. Proudly hailing from Colorado Springs, she is deeply committed to enhancing the city for the benefit of future generations.

IN OTHER RACING NEWS

2025 CHCA RACE SCHEDULE

From 14,115' above sea level on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain to 89' in the Saudi Arabian desert at the Dakar Rally, several competitors made the impressive journey in 2025.

Nine-time world rally champion, and 2013 Pikes Peak Hill Climb King of the Mountain, Sébastien Loeb, entered Dakar for the ninth time in 2025.


Loeb triumphed on Pikes Peak in 2013 when he set an overall course record and was crowned King of the Mountain for his sub-nine-minute time of 08:13.878 driving a Peugeot 208 T16.

The Colorado-based father and son race team of Craig and Zach Lumsden challenged Pikes Peak in 2020, and again 2021, in their like-liveried Mitsubishi Ralliart race cars in the Pikes Peak Open division. This year, they set their sights on Dakar.



Fabrizia Pons, a well-known navigator and co-driver, also made an appearance at Dakar, guiding Luciano Carchero through the desert stages in 2025.


Pons has been a part of many top tier rally teams including Pikes Peak champions Ari Vatanen, and Michèle Mouton.


Pons navigated Pikes Peak for Mouton in 1984 when the duo won the Rally Open division and set a division record of 12:10.38 in the Audi Quattro.

ICYMI

MAVTV Recaps Romain Dumas' AMAZING

King of the Mountain Run in 2024

2024 PPIHC King of the Mountain - Romain Dumas

TRIVIA ANSWER:


D. George Hammond slipped his daughter Donna's tiny baby slippers into his helmet for good luck. He raced on Pikes Peak from 1932 through 1957, and his pictured here with his wife and daughter in 1938.


AVAILABLE ON THE MAVTV APP

A Four-Part Series


2024 Pikes Peak Challenge


Individual episodes feature GT4, Time Attack & Open Wheel, Pikes Peak Open and Exhibition, and an overall summary.

GET SOCIAL WITH PPIHC FOR FRESH, INTERACTIVE,

YEAR-ROUND CONTENT


Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE

PPIHC MARKETING DECK SHOWCASES EVENT SUCCESS


From spectator demographics, to historic milestones, Fan Fest activation, social media reach and fan engagement, this piece summarizes the 2024 event, and offers sponsors custom opportunities to partner with the PPIHC.

Photo credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. PPIHC Archives; CBS4 and Nexstar Media Inc., Alex Urban, Megan Leatham, 000 Magazine, Motorsport.com and Tom Howard.

Contributor: Don Sanborn

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