PPIHC - Sunday, July 8th, 2012: 90th Running: http://www.usacracing.com/ppihc

(This is not to be confused with the MINI 5280 club event).

Last yr, a couple of us went down to the Pikes Peak hill climb race and spent the day watching 100's of cars - from classics to formula's and motor cycles to atv's whip up the 14,000 ft climb at 100 mph+! Awesome record setting day, a once in a lifetime / bucket list experience..

This year, with Pikes Peak completely paved, I'm sure it'll be another amazing day and weekend for 1000's of spectators. My question to the club / group: Is anyone interested in going down for the day and watching the races?

Think it over, throw out some questions, and maybe we can get a group together for the day.

Thanks for the consideration,

Chris

 

I like the idea, do they have any real shady places up in/around the rocks?

Could be a hoot, never have done the race, could be a real experience for an old guy.

Don

 

I'm interested

 

I'm interested - just can commit yet. I would also do a shout out to the SOCOM group to see if any takers.

 

Don, yes, there are some shady spots.

What we figured out last yr is essentially 1st up the mountain, 1st dibs on parking / spectator spots. Because it's an out/back one-way course ALL the racers go up, stop at the top, and then wait for EVERY Racer to be done, probably 4-4:30. Then they reverse process and parade back down the mountain. Once all the racers are back down they then organize the spectators to follow down starting at the top / finish and going back to the starting area. There is NO WAY around the sequence / schedule. Once you're on the mountain, you're there for the day. Imperative to bring food, water, chairs, sunscreen, supplies to last 8-10hrs.

Last yr, (MiniManiac, Pauhana, and I) we arrived at 4:30am (yes, Rick and I coordinated @ 3-3:30 for the 1hr+ drive from Denver to the Spgs). We were not the first spectators, by far, but got a very good spot here: http://director.usacracing.com/ppihc/files/pdfs/map.pdf at GLEN COVE which had a restaurant, bathrooms (vs Porta-Potty's) and a little general store, patio, etc. Very convenient and welcome on a hot day!

When all was said and done I think we got down the mountain about 7:30pm and I pulled into my garage about 10:00. Long but amazing day!
Incredible cars, world record times!
The Racer festival the day before is also great and CoSpgs puts on a really good downtown show for racers, spectators, families. Heck, we could just do MINI5280 for the festival..

Overall, a great day with great friends, however a BIG commitment of time, preparation, and endurance LOL

Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?

Onward & (literally) Upward!

Chris

 

I do believe camping overnight is allowed, for those who wish. When I did this years ago, not much sleeping was involved, people were partying all night! May have changed since then, but....

 

Tom and I will down by the pits this year watching the launches. Last year we were at Devil's Playground and had a pretty good view but it's windy and no shade.

We'll also be cheering for LoveFab's NSX in the unlimited class They have a pretty good shot at podium now that Millen and Monster changed classes.

 

Hey all. Due to the Waldo Canyon fire the new date for this year's Pike's Peak hill climb has been changed to: August 12th.

More details here: http://www.usacracing.com/ppihc