Race Divisions
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Race Day - June 25, 2005
The Falken Tire Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the second oldest motorsports event in the United States.
An annual event since 1916, the June 25th, 2005 running marks the 83rd running of the event. The PPIHC is run on a 12-mile course that begins at 9,200 feet and finishes at the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak. The race features a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes with an average of 150 drivers and 500 volunteers involved.
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Super Stock Car
Traditionally one of the most competitive divisions, featuring standard model cars no more than 10 years old. These cars are built for speed and safety, much like NASCAR racecars. Engines may be moved backward a few inches to create better handling.
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RallyAmerica
Most popular are small American and import sedans. All vehicles must be street legal with modifications dependent on the class chosen to run. Group N must follow globally recognized rules format specified by the FIA. The Open Class cars must retain their production based appearance, but under the hood, virtually anything goes, and all-wheel drive is absolutely essential.
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Unlimited
Anything goes in the Unlimited Division so long as it passes safety inspection. The Unlimited Division features the most exotic vehicles, most of them built specifically for this race. These racecars have the best chance of setting a new overall race record.
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Super Truck and SUV
These specially modified trucks and utility vehicles are similar to NASCAR trucks. They may use two-wheel or four-wheel drive setups. Trucks and SUV's in this race must employ a body style that has been produced within the last six years. Engines may be set back to create better handling.
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Open Wheel
The traditional racecar on Pikes Peak. They're appearance ranges from an Indy Car style to a dune buggy. Open wheel cars have competed in every Pikes Peak International Hill Climb since the first race in 1916. This is a very fast division. The Open Wheel record, 10:05.85 (Robby Unser, 1994) is less than two seconds off the overall record of 10:04.06 (Rod Millen, 1994.)
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Big Rig
These big diesel racers shake the earth as they charge up the Pikes Peak Highway, eclipsing speeds of 80 mph along the way. Single and double axel tractors are eligible.
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Pikes Peak Open
These cars may look like stock cars form the outside, but major modifications can be done to their engines, transmissions and suspension.
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Quads
Essentially four-wheeled motorcycles, these machines are limited only by tread width and the use of an ATV engine of 700cc or less. Stability is aided by extreme weight-shifting by the rider. Cornering velocity is very high while the relative smallness of the engines hold down outright speed.
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250cc Pro Class
Don't let the size fool you. There are motorcycles with bigger engines on Pikes Peak, but the 250 Pro class is fast and competitive. These machines are usually factory built for racing with two-stroke single-cylinder engines.
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500cc Pro Class
A popular class with many riders. Two-stroke and four-stroke engines are eligible. Many older design machines of this size are successful in this race, but bikes off the showroom floor can also be competitive. Single and twin-cylinder engines are allowed.
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750cc Pro Class
Many riders choose to us a lightweight, single-cylinder, four-stroke 700cc engine in this class. This engine creates an excellent power-to-weight ratio, something all Pikes Peak racers strive for. Twin-cylinder engines may be as large as 750cc.
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SuperMoto
New Type 450cc single cylinder 4-stroke Motorcross bikes converted to use 17 inch wheels and road race type tires. The suspension is modified and the bikes utilize larger brakes. These modifications enable the bike to run on asphalt and dirt tracks. In 2004 a series of 7 races were held across the country, ending in Las Vegas, NV.
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Vintage
This class is open only to 650cc to 750cc twin-cylinder machines. These are classic "TT" bikes. Most will have custom racing frames with modified engines. Some of the most talented riders on the mountain, including Eddie Mulder of Agua Dulce, Calif., and 1998 Baja champion Scott Dunlavey, compete in this class.
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Exhibition
In keeping with the mission statement of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, specifically to "demonstrate advancements in the practical application of motor sports technology," the race encourages vehicles that don't fit into one of its regular divisions to enter in the Exhibition Division.
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Sidecars
Three wheels, two riders ("driver" and "passenger"), and one winning mission. The passenger lets it all hang out in the turns, making for some interesting action. Watch such teams as the Whitney Brothers try to take back the title from the current record holders Nilsson/Grindberg of Sweden.
