On Sunday, June 25th, 2017, Colorado Springs will host the 95th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) — an annual invitational automobile and motorcycle race to the summit of Pikes Peak.
The PPIHC takes place on a 12.42 mile public toll-road which includes 156 turns and a total 4,720 ft. climb — beginning at Mile 7 marker on the Pikes Peak Highway (altitude: 9,390 ft.) and ending at the Pike’s Peak summit (altitude: 14,115 ft.). As racing altitude increases, the air thins. This impacts drivers and riders by slowing reflexes and depleting both mental and muscle strength. The thin air also robs internal combustion engines of up to 30% of the power they are capable of at the Start Line. Drivers need to be in peak condition to compete — and so do their cars.
Electric vehicles racing up the Peak will have a distinct advantage. Why?
Elon Musk recently explained on Twitter…
@mdcdave yes, altitude improves performance for electric. Opposite of combustion cars.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2017
It’s no surprise that Elon Musk will have one of his own electric-powered horses in this race, a 2017 Tesla Model S P100D. The Model S will compete in the Pikes Peak Exhibition Class this year alongside another electric-charged innovation, a 2016 Faraday Future FF91.
The Tesla Model S P90D set a world record at last year’s race, climbing 4720 feet in 11:48 minutes. Check out the stunning GoPro video of the car’s amazing journey below.
Who will win this year? Click here to learn how to watch the race on livestream and see for yourself or stay tuned to the PPIHC website for the results of the “Race to the Clouds”.