In the heart of Colorado, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb stands as a legendary test of man and machine. Among the iconic moments etched in the race’s history, the daring ascent by Finnish rally driver Ari Vatanen remains unforgettable. Clinging to the wheel with one hand and battling the blinding glare of the sun, Vatanen’s extraordinary feat not only showcased his skill but added another layer to the race’s enduring legacy.
In 2022, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb appointed Melissa Eickhoff as Executive Director.
- Many drivers and car manufacturers consider the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) as one of the greatest racing events in the world alongside Indianapolis, Monaco and Le Mans. After more than a century of existence, what makes Pikes Peak so special?
{M.E.}: From its inception in 1916, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb was designed to be something special. Spencer Penrose, the visionary behind the race, invited the best of the day, and that’s still the case today. It is an invitation-only event. It brings together local teams to compete side-by-side with renowned international champions, yet the mountain decides who will prevail.
So many things about this race make it unique. While it serves as a race course for one day each year, anyone can drive the famous road throughout the year by paying the toll. The elevation gain and resulting challenges to man and machine, rapidly changing weather, abundance of wildlife and the grueling race week schedule all contribute to the experience where anything is possible.
Quite simply – there’s nothing like it in the world.
- The PPIHC is a unique opportunity to think outside of the box and to come up with experimental technologies and vehicles. Do you try to cultivate this image of an event made by and for pioneers?
We definitely embrace and welcome this image. From the early days, Pikes Peak has served as a proving ground for emerging technology and many aspects of automotive technology proved on the mountain have made the transition to the vehicles we drive today. Early testing of front wheel drive, braking systems, and alternative fuels have found a permanent home in today’s consumer vehicles.
- Since the first edition, the race has had a friends & family atmosphere. Although the race has international recognition, is the local community still involved?
The local community is very much involved. We have many local competitors and legacy families, like the Vahsholtz family, who have raced on this mountain since the 1970s, are now bringing second and third-generation drivers, and continue to notch division wins. A lot of our most diehard fans are locals who wait all year to cheer on their heroes from the heights of Devils Playground. Equally important are the many local partners we are fortunate to have, from the staff at Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, to our local Forest Service administrators, our cadre of first responders and our media partners. We also get vital support year after year from hundreds of volunteers. The community is very active in this race and the activities that lead up to it. Last year we initiated the Tom Osborne Community Outreach Day which brings some behind-the-scenes opportunities to area kids who may not have any knowledge of motorsports.
- At the end of the day, the only superstar of the race is the road itself. Does it require time and effort to make sure it is still in the best condition possible? Or do you consider that the asperities of the road are part of what makes the PPIHC special ?
The mountain is the ultimate ‘superstar’ if you will. We rent the road for the hours we use it and are not in charge of maintaining it, per se. But during race week and testing, we work closely with the amazing staff at Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, to ensure a clean, safe course. They are just as invested in the success of the race as we are. And yes, the asperity of the road is what comes with racing at such high elevation.
- Anyone can enjoy the race from the side of the road. How do you manage the spectator’s experience ?
Anyone with a ticket can enjoy the race from one of our seven spectator areas. This race sells out annually and we look for the same as we move toward June. While attendance on the mountain is limited by the number of cars we can park, we encourage carpooling with discounted ticket pricing for groups in the same vehicle. Our spectators can count on racing action, a high-altitude wilderness adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime.
- What were your latest improvements regarding driver and spectator safety?
In 2023 we implemented RallySafe on onboard GPS tracking system to be able to pinpoint driver location anywhere on the mountain. As far as spectator safety, we limit viewing to seven areas which are monitored by race officials and law enforcement. This keeps spectators from crossing the road mid-race and adds to the excitement of a ‘crowd’ feel at each area.
- The PPIHC goes beyond the race itself. There is also a Fan Fest, Technical Inspection and other activities…
Tech Inspection is a great preview of all the cars as we kick off Race Week. We have local sponsors hosting events around town during the week as well. Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region love Fan Fest. It’s a big party on the streets of downtown celebrating everything about cars and community. Fans can get up close to the cars at Fan Fest and score an autograph from our Fast 15 drivers. We’ve also worked hard to enhance our race day livestream so viewers around the world get a taste of what it’s all about.
- As the new executive director, what did you try to bring from your previous experiences ?
Honestly, everything. I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in nearly every aspect of motorsports outside the actual car prep – from sponsorship to experiential to competitor relations to even some off-road racing. I get to use it all in this position. Specifically, I’ve been working hard to align the way this race is produced and promoted with industry standards. This helps us build value, grow reach, and continue to attract sponsorship – all important to the longevity of the race.
Ink & Voices 