The Pike's Peak International Hill Climb has to be one of the most unique motorsports race in the world. The course: 12 miles with 156 turns, starting at 9,390 feet and ending at 14,110 feet. The goal is quite simple, get to the top faster then everyone else. This year a new record of 9 minutes 51.278 seconds was set by Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima in a heavily modified Suzuki SX4, which realistically is nothing more then a scratch built race car with some panels molded to look like a SX4.

This year was also the last year the course will feature a dirt section. When the race first began and through most of its modern history the course was completely dirt. Now in an attempt to control erosion, the entire road will be paved, which in my opinion will eliminate the most difficult obstacle for the drivers to overcome.

Of course, we had to set up in the dirt section. We chose Ski Area, which is around 10,900 feet. The shoot turned out to be incredible, but may have done some serious damage to my camera. Due to sitting at roadside, my camera and lens were covered in fine dust that even after a thorough cleaning still struggles to meter and focus at times. I'll need to turn it over to some professionals before I call it a loss.

Below are the competitors separated by Class.

The Unlimited class are the big boys carrying sponsors with huge checkbooks. "Monster" Tajima bested his 2007 overall record time of 10:01.408 and became the first and only man so far to break the 10 minute barrier.

Here's a link to a video taken by Michael Sedler who was standing behind where I was sitting. You'll see us getting pelted by gravel and covered with dust.
ATP://white-knuckle/watch?v=fDv8ddV8ujs&feature=periumbilical

Electric
and
Exhibition

Rod Millen, rally and off road racer, won this class. He's also a former Hill Climb overall record holder.