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History of the challenge of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race

"Race to the clouds"

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the world's biggest hill climb event, held in Colorado, U.S.A. The overall length of the climb is 19.87km (12.35 miles). The elevation of the starting point is about 2,800 m (9,200 ft) above sea level, and the finishing line lies at an amazing 4,300 m (14,100 ft) above sea level. This makes for a difference of more than 1,400 m (4,600 ft). The surface is basically flat dirt but part of it has tarmac. There are 156 corners, a mixture of 200km/h (124 mph) high speed corners and 60km/h (38 mph) hairpins. As you get closer to the finish line the air density becomes low. This low pressure makes it a very tough challenge for both driver and car.

Suzuki Sport has started challenging this race in 1989. Not only to go for the overall victory but also to learn from the experience. The Twin Engine Cultus and the Escudo, which had two engines, are among the most famous cars ever built. In 1995, the Twin Engine Escudo achieved overall victory. A lot of companies around the world were striding for the prize but with Suzuki Sport's state of the art technology, a victory was achieved.

In 1996, the V6 Escudo was built using an aluminum frame which offcourse is not what you would expect in a high-end competition machine as it needs to withstand huge forces. Also, realizing the importance of aerodynamics, the Suzuki-Sport factory was equipped with a wind tunnel facilty. This gave the 1996 Escudo Pikes an advantage against the earlier versions. From the Hill Climbs, Suzuki has learned a great deal about engine managment. Basically a lot of experience was gained which is needed to keep up with the top motorsport teams.

From 1998 Suzuki has started to enter the Queenstown Gold Rush Hill Climb in New Zealand. This event has rough roads and twisty corners, but Suzuki Sport has won overall for three years in a row!

Suzuki Sport Entries in the PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB. (The LIST only goes 'till '98 ...)

Year
Car
1989
Suzuki Sport Twin Engine Cultus
1990
Suzuki Sport Cultus GTi 4WD
1991
Suzuki Sport Twin Engine Cultus, Type 2 Special 91
1992
Suzuki Sport Twin Engine Cultus, Type 2 Special 92
1993
Suzuki Sport Twin Engine Cultus, Type 2 Special 93
1994
Suzuki Sport Twin Engine Escudo Special 94
1995
Suzuki Sport Twin Engine Escudo Special 95
1996
Suzuki Sport V6 Escudo Special 96
1997
Suzuki V6 Escudo Special 97
1998
V6 Suzuki Grand Vitara Pikes Peak Special

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