What is Pikes Peak?
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a famous timed race up a Colorado mountain road climbing to over 14,000 feet.
Pikes Peak refers to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, one of the oldest motorsport events in America, first run in 1916. Competitors race individually against the clock up a winding mountain road in Colorado, climbing to a summit of over 14,000 feet.
The challenge is unique. The course features many corners and sheer drops, and the thin air at altitude steadily robs naturally aspirated engines of power and reduces aerodynamic grip toward the top. This has made the event a showcase for turbocharged and, increasingly, electric vehicles that are less affected by altitude.
Over the decades Pikes Peak has attracted wild purpose-built machines, rally legends and manufacturer record attempts. Setting an outright record on the mountain is a coveted achievement and a serious test of car, driver and engineering.