Sunday morning will mark the 98th running of the Pike’s Peak International Hillclimb. The 12.4-mile ascent is filled with sharp corners and there are no guardrails. I feel old that I drove a rental car up the mountain before it was paved, but the dirt added a fun variable to the experience, my parents were not amused. Because the finish line is at an altitude of 14,115 feet, you better have a turbo or supercharger if you want your car to perform. That’s why Porsche is pulling no punches at Pike’s Peak.
Two press releases last night outline their efforts to race above the clouds. Last year’s Time Attack Division 1 saw a 911 GT3 Cup car fitted with massive turbos that clocked 9:23.7 to win 1st place. Rule changes this year prohibit the modifications of factory race cars, so first up will be a new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport Art Car driven by local racer David Donner.
Jeff Zwart lives in Aspen, and he will drive a 935 prepped by E-Motion Engineering, and Daytona Winner David Donohue will be in a GT2 RS Clubsport prepped by BBi Autosport. Four examples of the 2020 Cayman GT4 Clubsport will be racing against themselves, the first time the 718 models have had their own class. The 935 has been testing for weeks at Willow Springs, so expect it to scorch the mountain. As always, we wish all spectators and competitors good luck and a safe race, and we will have a full recap on Monday.
