MONTHLY SHAKEDOWN

PPIHC TICKETS AND CAMPING PASSES ARE GOING FAST!


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 Glen Cove or Devils Playground on one of the new Fan Buses, there's a ticket for you! Choose a Family Pack for the best value, or the Fan Bus for a comfortable ride up the mountain, and leave the driving to us.


Join us on Race Day, June 22, 2025.

MOUTON TO ENTER PPIHC HALL OF FAME IN JUNE

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is honored to welcome Michèle Mouton into its Hall of Fame, acknowledging her enduring legacy and her significant contribution to the history of the Race to the Clouds.


Michèle Mouton’s name is synonymous with courage, skill, and groundbreaking success in motorsport. Her 1985 overall victory on the iconic mountain stands as a testament to her extraordinary talent and unwavering determination. Driving an Audi Sport Quattro, she not only won the event but set a new course record, 11:25.39, a feat that solidified her place in the history of this iconic motorsports event.

LYN ST. JAMES ANNOUNCED AS 2025 GRAND MARSHAL

Lyn St. James, Co-Founder/President of Women in Motorsports North America, legendary race car driver, author, mentor, and motivational speaker will serve as Grand Marshal for the 103rd Running of the Race to the Clouds.

 

St. James has 21 national and international speed records and was a seven-time competitor in the world’s largest sporting event - the Indianapolis 500.

POSTER ART WINNERS

In a fitting tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Audi's triumph on Pikes Peak with Michѐle Mouton behind the wheel, both winning entries incorporated a historical milestone with this year's theme, 156 Turns to Glory.

Tim Cribbs submitted the winning entry titled Mouton Climber and was awarded $1,000. He shared, "My goal was to capture the raw aggression and determination of the drivers as they battle for control of both the track and their cars. No place is this more apparent than in the tight corners of Pikes Peak.


"The poster draws its color palette from the Colorado flag, in shades of blue, red, and white. I put the twisting course of the climb in the foreground—weaving the course throughout the elements of the artwork the same way drivers must weave through the turns.


"As a Colorado Springs resident," Cribbs continued, "I have the pleasure of seeing the majesty of Pikes Peak nearly every day. Whether it's on the commute home or after hiking to my favorite overlook at Palmer Park, the view never gets old."


The artist will be signing free copies of his poster for fans on June 20 at Fan Fest, in Downtown Colorado Springs, while supplies last.

Graysen Sullivan was the recipient of the $250 People's Choice Award.


This piece, titled A Century of Proving the Possible showcases the intense and victorious sight of a driver reaching the summit, and recognized the feat Michèle Mouton accomplished.


Seventeen-year-old Sullivan shared, "Along with being an aspiring artist and graphic designer, I'm proud to be part of an avid automotive-centric household. I've been attending car events across the state for almost my entire life."

FAMILY EXPLORATION DAY

Join us on Saturday, June 7, for a day of immersive fun at Penrose Heritage Museum! Explore PPIHC race cars, meet a Hill Climb driver, Build-Your-Own Lego race car and more!

The votes have been counted, and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb made USA Today's 10Best Motorsports Races in 2025, officially finishing at #5.


Thanks for voting!

MASH MECHANIX REVEALS THE NEW BREW

It's almost summer and Mash Mechanix Brewing Company has released their 2025 Hill Climb Hero International Lager.


PPIHC staff, race officials and drivers were on hand to take part in the brew prep. Now the beer has been tapped and labeled and it's ready to sample, just in time for June.


This craft brew is available at the brewery and at Fan Fest in the Hill Climb Hero Beer Garden.


FRAMEABLE MOMENTS WITH

LARRY CHEN

Ready for early mornings on the mountain? They're coming at you! Luis Garcia captured this image of the sun's first rays, illuminating one of the 156 turns on Pikes Peak.


Photo: Kathryn Mead made her fifth appearance on Pikes Peak in 2024 behind the wheel of her 2022 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. She finished in 2nd place in the Time Attack 1 division with her time of 10:37.010.

Luis Garcia - Larry Chen Photo

COOL STUFF

Browse all PPIHC Official Merch from hats and beanies to a variety of t-shirts both long and short sleeved, jackets, flannels, even a BRAND NEW commemorative coin featuring this year's theme 156 Turns to Glory!


And check out our new backpack cooler, insulated RTIC tumblers and ceramic mug!


Back by popular demand, the irresistible, plush Yellow-Bellied Marmot!

North Drinkware presents the 2025 Collection featuring Pikes Peak - the 103rd Running. Order your pint glass, tumbler, coaster or box set while supplies last.

EXPLORING HISTORY

PIKES PEAK AND OUR TROOPS

1936 - Les Mulnix, a Camp Carson soldier, is listed among the entries for the 1936 and the 1937 races. Both years show Mulnix racing a Pulver Special, scoring two DNF results.


It's interesting to note that Les was a friend of Johnny Mauro, another PPIHC competitor, and was likely a part of that team. In fact, Johnny Mauro was best man in Les's wedding!


Mulnix is pictured with an Army recruiting poster at the summit of Pikes Peak. Do you think anyone signed up?


A second and third generation of Mulnix family made their mark on Pikes Peak as well. Les's son, Frank, was Chief Steward in the early 1970s, and grandson, Barry Mulnix, was a crew member for popular local racer, Chandler Bruning.

1947 - Stanley DeGeer notes in his book, Pikes Peak is Unser Mountain, that communications for the race would be handled by personnel from Camp Carson and 15th Air Force Headquarters.

1955 - When servicemember, Art Walsh, separated from the military, he returned to Colorado Springs and discovered a love of racing. Despite working full time and raising a family, he volunteered as a flagman on Pikes Peak, and throughout Colorado, for 40 years. His first year as a volunteer was 1969, when Mario Andretti was crowned King of the Mountain.


Art became recognizable by his unique, black and white checkered vest, handmade by his mother.


He had a style and flair all his own and became a welcome sight as racers crossed the finish line.

(Rod Millen is pictured below.)

1968 - After winning the Stock Car division in 1968, Nick Sanborn, Jr., who served in the U.S. Army, brought his winning Oldsmobile Toronado to Ft. Carson.


2024 - In 2024, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) brought a convoy of military vehicles and a group of elite soldiers to the mountain to deliver the checkered flags to Derek Jordan, finish line flagman.


The 10th SFG(A) will return in 2025, once again, to make their special delivery to the 14,115' summit of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.

THE LONG BLUE LINE


The PPIHC is proud to support the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Long Blue Line in 2025, and honor those servicemembers who are a part of our event and our community.


Mary Burichin, Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation shared, "We are thrilled to partner with the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb—where boldness, precision, and excellence take the spotlight.


"Just like the fearless drivers ascending the Peak, our Long Blue Line of over 55,000 Air Force Academy graduates is breaking boundaries—on the ground, in the air, and across the space domain."


Ready to climb higher? Support today’s cadets and tomorrow’s leaders. Learn more here.

WHAT WE'RE CELEBRATING

MAY BIRTHDAYS

5/2 Dani Sordo

2025 PPIHC Competitor, Exhibition Division

Electric Modified SUV / Crossover - RECORD 09:30.852

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5N TA SPEC (EV)


5/6 Robin Shute

7-Time PPIHC Competitor, 4-Time King of the Mountain


5/8 Ethan Hunter

PPIHC Competitor, Pikes Peak Open Division


5/13 Daijiro Yoshihara

5-Time PPIHC Competitor

2019 Unlimited Division Winner


5/13 Henry Hill

2-Time PPIHC Competitor

2022 Rookie of the Year


5/16 Ron Zaras

2024 PPIHC Competitor

Electric Production SUV/Crossover - RECORD 10:49.267

2025 Hyundai IONIC 5N (EV)


5/16 Alex Kim

2025 PPIHC Rookie

Pikes Peak Open


5/16 Don Wickstrum "Fastest Pastor"

4-Time PPIHC Competitor

Unlimited Division


5/22 Ralph Murdock

HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY!

Ralph is the oldest competitor to ever race on Pikes Peak at 82!


5/24 Jeff Zwart

20-Year Competitor, 8-Time Division Winner, PPIHC Hall of Fame


5/29 Duncan Cowper

2-Time PPIHC Competitor, 2-Time 3rd Place - Unlimited Division

PPIHC VOLUNTEER RECEIVES SERVICE AWARD

Congratulations Christina Chafe on receiving the inaugural KOAA News5 Lighthouse Award.


Christina's volunteer spirit is appreciated on Pikes Peak, and at Care and Share.


She serves as a volunteer for the PPIHC to assist spectators on race day. Thank you Christina!

MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SPEED

The Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska officially opened the Unser Collection with a ribbon cutting on April 25.


Be sure to add this 250,000 square foot, all-things-automotive museum to your summer road trip bucket list!

COLORADO MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2025

Congratulations to the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 including three PPIHC competitors. The induction ceremony will take place in January, 2026.

With a racing career established in 1974, Michael Pettiford's impressive resume includes racing a motorcycle on Pikes Peak in 2009 in the 1205cc division. He finished fourth with a time of 15:01.307 aboard his 2009 Buell XB12TT.


Pettiford owns and operates Go4It Racing School in Louisville, Colorado.

Mark Woodward first raced a motorcycle on Pikes Peak in 1995 and continued through 2012.


Woodward's always raced aboard a Kawasaki on Pikes Peak.

Paul Dallenbach, a member of the PPIHC Hall of Fame, and 3-time King of the mountain has raced on Pikes Peak for decades. His professional driving skills have expanded beyond racing as he's brought exciting motorsports action to life in many popular feature films.

TRIVIA

Q: At what elevation does the Start Line for the Race to the Clouds begin?


A) 10,560' above sea level

B) 9,390' above sea level

C) 9,160' above sea level

D) 9,960 above sea level


(Keep reading to find the answer!)

IN OTHER RACING NEWS

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

The racing season is underway at PPIR! From track attack, to drifting clinics, to ladies-only events, and a variety of themed motorsport festivals, there's something for everyone.


Check out Summer Vibes on June 7th!


And the Summer of Smoke Burnout series continues with Round #2 on June 28.

COLORADO

HILL CLIMB ASSOCIATION


Join us at Pikes Peak International Raceway for the PPIR Hill Climb, June 14-15.


This off-track course gives local fans a chance to watch the action up close or to volunteer!


Contact CHCA to find out how you can compete or catch the action.

INAUGURAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN VINTAGE RALLY ADDS PIONEER CLASS FOR SEPTEMBER EVENT

Starting and ending in Colorado Springs, in the shadow of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, the first Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally kicks off in September. The rally is billed as European endurance racing on American soil.


A new Pioneer class was recently added to the event allowing any car or truck to enter this non-competitive version of the event. Get a taste of what TSD rallying is all about.

NEW - ROCKY MOUNTAIN HILLCLIMB SERIES

A new, Colorado-based racing series is coming at you. Introducing the Rocky Mountain Hillclimb Series featuring competition on both asphalt courses and dirt roads throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The 2025 schedule will be revealed soon!


If you're interested in being a part of our inaugural season, sign up to volunteer or come out and catch the action!


Email RockyMtnHillclimb@gmail.com for more information.

Now streaming!


A new film featuring PPIHC's Sebastien Loeb.



Dakar - Race Against the Desert - Official Trailer

GET OUT THERE!

COLORADO SPRINGS SPORTS CORP PRESENTS

The Pikes Peak APEX is a unique multi-day, off-road challenge on the slopes of Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain.


Riders can choose to race one, two, or all three days! Look for an exciting new gravel race, with two distance options.


The event features exhilarating, exceptionally-crafted routes through dirt roads, jeep trails, and the amazing alpine singletrack that is quintessential Pikes Peak. The terrain is challenging, but not overly technical. This Rocky Mountain adventure in Colorado’s backcountry draws both professional riders and amateur cyclists.


JUNE 6-8

Welcome to the Colorado Senior Games! These Olympic-style multi-sport events are held at the local, state and national level across the United States encouraging athletes ages 50+ to get active and stay competitive.

Many Senior Games athletes try a sport for the first time in their 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond – it's never too late!


With seventeen sports to choose from, there's something for everyone.


JUNE 6-8

PIKES PEAK OR BUST RODEO

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has been a Colorado Springs tradition since 1937. Since 1946, Rodeo proceeds support local military and their families with quality-of-life initiatives. This practice continues to be the organization's main mission.


This year's NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo promises edge-of-your-seat excitement featuring over 200 of the most talented contestants in the business.

HDSA SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT

Come on out for a day of clays shooting fun, breakfast, lunch, and a live auction too!


This event is presented by the Teller County Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association. Contact LT Bunting for more information 719-687-9652 or buntingr@tellercounty.gov



Friday, June 13

9:00 to 2:00


Pikes Peak Gun Club

450 S Franceville Coal Mine Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80929

ICYMI

The Road to Pikes Peak with Jeff Zwart

The Road to Pikes Peak with BBI and Jeff Zwart

TRIVIA ANSWER:


B) The Start Line on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain is located at 9,360' above sea level. The 12.42 mile course ends at 14,115'. Drivers must optimize performance for a 4,755' elevation gain.


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Photo credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. PPIHC Archives

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