The annual “race to the clouds” is scheduled for this weekend – over 200 drivers of stock cars, motorcycles, semi trucks, and more will compete in time trials up Pikes Peak Highway. The event was started by Spencer Penrose, who held the first competition to promote the widening of Pikes Peak Highway in 1916. Here’s a historical photo of the first ever Hill Climb from the Pikes Peak Library District Special Collections:
The winners of the three classes that were contested in 1916 won with times of 23:04:6, 18:24:7, and 20:55:6. The record was set in 2007 by Nobuhiro Tajima, with a winning time of 10:01.41. They’re hoping this will be the year that the ten-minute mark is broken. You can watch the time trials live from the mountain – for more info on that go here – or you can also listen live on 105.5 FM.
If you’re wanting to drive up Pikes Peak as a tourist this weekend, it’s a good idea to call ahead – I believe the road is closed at least intermittently if not most of the day because of the race.
