Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is an annual motor race to the summit of Colorado Springs’ 14,110 foot mountain, Pikes Peak.

This hill climb event is also known as The Race to the Clouds due to its extreme altitude.

Since 1916, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and quads from around the world have tried to clock their best time.

It's the second oldest motor sports race in America.

The course is 12.5 miles long, starting from the 7-mile mark on the Pikes Peak Highway.

With over 150 turns, racers climb over 4,700 vertical feet to get to the summit.

The thin air decreases the drivers’ reflexes and strength, as well as the power of the engines. It’s no easy feat.

Sections of the road are loose gravel, adding to the danger of the race.

The current overall record-holder is Noburhior “Monster” Tajima, who raced up the mountain in 10:01.41 during the 2007 event.

His car was the Suzuki XL7 Hill Climb Special, an automobile with a 1000 hp engine.

To get a feel of what’s it like to be rocketing up a mountain, watch the 1989 French film “Climb Dance" below.

Seen from the driver’s point-of-view, you can feel the speed and drift of the car, hear the shifting of the gears, and wonder why anyone would be crazy enough to race up a mountain.

Quite a trip, huh?!

Other promotional events precede the PPIHC all week in Colorado Springs, from live bands and beer gardens to chili cook-offs and a variety of exhibition races.

To buy tickets, you can visit all Tickets West Locations, TCI Tire Locations, King Soopers, and the Pikes Peak Highway Tollgate the week of the race.

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