The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in America and a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. First competed in 1916, this year marks the 87th running of the “Race to the Clouds.” The 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the quad division began with practice on the lower section of the Pikes Peak Highway on Wednesday, July 15, 2009.
The race is run on a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of America’s Mountain; Pikes Peak! As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps muscle strength. The thin air also robs engines of 30 percent of their power at the summit. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape simply to finish let alone … Details