With snow falling on “America’s Mountain,” tech inspection begins today for the 89th assault, better known as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and Five-time Champion and Current Record Holder Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima of Japan is once again ready to conquer the competition riding, as always, on Falken tires.
Much attention will remain focused on in the Unlimited Division, where Tajima will face strong competition in the challenge to earn the overall win and set a new record. The current time of 10:01.408 was established by Monster in 2007. Pikes Peak officials estimate that some 8,800 attempts have been made to crack the ten-minute mark at the Hill Climb since the venerable race began in 1916.
The defending King of the Mountain will take the wheel of his 910-hp GoPro Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special on race day, but he faces challenges from veterans Rhys Millen, Paul Dallenbach, Dave Carapetyan and France’s Jean-Philippe Dayraut, who will each bring a potent vehicle in their goal to wrest the title from Tajima.
“This is an incredibly dynamic event, which continues to draw competitors from around the world, bringing vehicles that produce incredible numbers in horsepower, as we all witness the determination and car control each driver displays as they go against the mountain,” said Nick Fousekis, Falken's Director of Motorsports Marketing and Events. “We are both honored and proud to support with Falken product Mr. Tajima as he attempts to break his own record and the ten-minute mark.”
The Pikes Peak events begin start on Friday, June 24, in downtown Colorado Springs with the popular Fan Fest, where it is expected that some 35,000 fans will be on hand from 5:00-10:00 p.m. to visit with the drivers and receive autographs. Day 1 Practice begins on Wednesday, June 22.
Log onto www.wegetyougoing.com soon for event photos, wallpapers and “on-car” hill climb videos.
