Pikes Peak: The Race to the Clouds

In America, nestled in the stunning setting of the Rocky Mountains, lies a legendary race. So unique, it has become an international event where car manufacturers showcase their technical prowess. This is the Pikes Peak, a nearly 20-kilometer course featuring 156 curves, with a finish line at an altitude of 4302 meters. In 2018, Romain Dumas completed it in a mere 7 minutes and 57 seconds, driving the electric Volkswagen ID.R. But this race has always been about records: the first edition in 1916 was won in just over 20 minutes, on a nearly unpaved road that was fully paved by 2012.

The first edition of the Pikes Peak took place in 1916, on a mostly dirt track of just under 20 kilometers.

Dubbed America's most dangerous race, although only six drivers have lost their lives in over 100 years, Pikes Peak has witnessed the evolution of cars, often featuring vehicles specifically prepared for this unique event. International attention focused on the Pikes Peak in the mid-'80s when Audi entered the Quattro, a World Rally Championship Group B star, driven by Michèle Mouton. To create even more sensation, they chose the French champion, and in 1985, she won, setting a new record at 11 minutes and 25 seconds. To this day, she remains the only woman to have achieved this feat.

Michèle Mouton driving the Audi Quattro in 1985, becoming the first and only woman to win Pikes Peak.

The following years saw European manufacturers dominating, adapting Group B models banned from the World Rally Championship due to their danger for the Pikes Peak record attempts. Peugeot and Ari Vatanen were among them, winning in 1988 with a specially prepared 405. The car was also featured in the short film "Climb Dance," which won several awards. It's five minutes of pure adrenaline, and let’s face it, a bit of madness too.

Ari Vatanen with the Peugeot 405, winner of the 1988 race, featured in the short film "Climb Dance" available on YouTube.

The '90s saw Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Suzuki battling for the fastest car. These involved technical experiments that pushed the boundaries of physics, such as the dual-engine Cultus—one for each axle—or the 1995-winning Escudo equipped with huge wings to increase downforce.

After European manufacturers, Japanese companies like Suzuki took on Pikes Peak. Pictured here is the Suzuki Escudo, winner of the 1995 edition.

Without Pikes Peak, brands like Audi and Suzuki might never have found a foothold in the U.S. The victories of their drivers were proof that imported brands had something to offer in terms of performance and durability. Today, the Pikes Peak is very different, with various categories including all types of vehicles, thanks to the fully paved course, making the race much safer. Nevertheless, it remains a unique experience for both drivers and spectators.

Pikes Peak continues today, though the magic of the past has faded somewhat due to the paving of the course.