Race to the Clouds: A Century of Pikes Peak Hill Climb History

A Look at the Drivers, Cars, and Legacy of the Iconic Hill Climb

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most iconic and grueling motorsport events in the world. Known as the "Race to the Clouds," this annual competition challenges drivers to ascend over 12 miles of winding road to the summit of Pikes Peak, standing at 14,115 feet above sea level. A hill climb event, by definition, is a race against the clock on an uphill course. Pikes Peak’s selection as the site for such a race was both practical and symbolic. In 1915, Colorado Springs entrepreneur Spencer Penrose financed the improvement of the Pikes Peak Highway, transforming a rugged mountain trail into a suitable road for automobiles. The road’s punishing incline, dramatic scenery, and high elevation made it an immediate magnet for speed enthusiasts. In 1916, Penrose launched the first Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb, establishing what would become the second oldest motorsport race in the United States, behind only the Indianapolis 500.

From its very first running, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb was a spectacle. Rea Lentz won the inaugural race in just under 21 minutes, a considerable feat given the primitive state of automotive technology at the time. The event was widely covered in newspapers and quickly gained a reputation for being a thrilling and dangerous contest. Over the decades, it attracted a unique mix of amateur racers, professional drivers, and automotive pioneers. Among the first wave of legends were Louis Unser and his family, who made the mountain their personal proving ground. Bobby Unser later carried the family torch, notching multiple victories and helping to elevate the event’s national profile. Al Rogers, a five-time winner between 1940 and 1954, also became synonymous with the course.

As technology improved and racing culture evolved, so too did Pikes Peak. The event grew more diverse in both its participants and its machinery. In 1969, Mario Andretti made a notable appearance, while the 1980s welcomed European rally stars like Michèle Mouton, Walter Röhrl, and Ari Vatanen. Mouton made history in 1985 as the first woman to win overall, doing so in an Audi Quattro. This period marked the internationalization of the race, with European teams bringing factory-level resources and engineering talent that raised the competitive bar.

In the modern era, the course has become a battleground for record-setting innovation. Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima was a dominant figure in the 2000s, famously breaking the 10-minute barrier in 2011. Rhys Millen and Sébastien Loeb pushed those limits even further, with Loeb setting a new record of 8:13.878 in 2013 behind the wheel of a Peugeot 208 T16. But the real game-changer came in 2018, when Romain Dumas piloted Volkswagen’s all-electric I.D. R to a record-shattering time of 7:57.148, proving the unique advantages of EVs at high altitudes where internal combustion engines struggle due to thinning air.

The popularity of Pikes Peak is rooted in several factors. Its historical importance, dating back to the earliest days of American motorsport, gives it a prestige few other events can claim. The visual drama of racing on a mountain with sheer drops and tight corners has always captivated audiences, especially as media coverage expanded. The course itself, with its 156 turns and ever-changing weather, serves as a harsh proving ground for both man and machine. Over the years, the event has attracted competitors from all over the world, drawn by the challenge and the opportunity to make history on “America’s Mountain.”

For drivers, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is often described as a career-defining experience. The race requires not only technical skill and bravery, but also physical endurance and mental clarity. The thin air near the summit affects both vehicle performance and driver stamina. Cars that compete must be finely tuned to handle altitude-related power loss, tire grip fluctuations, and rapid temperature changes. This makes the hill climb a valuable testing ground for automakers. In fact, manufacturers often use the event to showcase experimental vehicles, breakthrough technologies, and alternative powertrains, ranging from propane and natural gas to diesel hybrids and electric drivetrains.

In recent years, the focus has shifted toward electric vehicles, largely because of their immunity to oxygen deprivation. The success of the I.D. R at Pikes Peak sparked greater investment in EV performance, and other manufacturers have followed suit. In 2025, Ford is set to debut its high-performance Super Mustang Mach-E EV with none other than Romain Dumas at the helm, signaling how the event continues to evolve with the industry.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb remains more than just a race. It is a century-long story of innovation, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of speed. From its dusty, gravel beginnings to today's high-tech battles for seconds, the event stands as a monument to motorsport’s past, present, and future. For racers, engineers, and enthusiasts alike, the Race to the Clouds is a pilgrimage—one that continues to inspire awe with every twist and turn to the summit.