Hyundai in a spectacular mountain – AUTO BILD

Hyundai returns to the “Race to the Clouds” – as fans call the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), the most famous mountain race in the world. Since 1992, the South Korean automaker has competed at Pikes Peak 19 times, claiming seven class wins and setting a course record in 2012. This year’s race up the 4,302-meter mountain in the US state of Colorado will be one to remember. in the long history of Pikes Peak. Hyundai set a new step. Hyundai uses four vehicles for this purpose.

The driver line-up is impressive: Experienced American Paul Dallenbach is competing on Pikes Peak for the 30th time. Eleven wins and a track record from 1993 stands his ground. England’s Robin Shute has four overall wins in just six starts: 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. This means Shute currently holds the title of “King of the Hill”.

Daniel “Dani” Sordo Castillo is one of the most experienced rally professionals: the Spaniard began his WRC career in 2003 and has been fighting for world championship points for the Hyundai factory team since 2014. The fourth Hyundai driver to take the race of “Race to the Clouds” will be launched later. Just like the corresponding rally cars, Hyundai wants to attack the record.

The famous mountain race on Pikes Peak will be held for the 102nd time on June 23, and Hyundai wants to set course records.

Photo: Hyundai

“The driver is one of the most important factors if you want to be successful in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Till Wartenberg, Hyundai Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport. “We are bringing in seasoned experts such as Robin Shute and Paul Dallenbach, who have a combined 15 class and overall wins. Both have excellent track records and know the track inside out. I am also delighted that we have added Hyundai Motorsport WRC driver Dani Sordo. He will help us attract more international audiences to mountain racing.”

Pikes Peak: More than twice as many curves as the Nordschleife

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been held almost continuously since 1916, and this year marks its 102nd edition. The 19.99 km long public road takes drivers from 2,862 to 4,302 meters above sea level. On average, the maximum slope of the 1,440 meters of the winning length is 7.5 degrees, and the drivers have to deal with 156 corners – that’s more than twice the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is about the same length.

The course record on the Pikes Peak trail, which has been completely paved since August 2011, has been 7:57.148 minutes since 2018.