Falken Tire Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Prorally

Pikes Peak is known for its fickle nature and the difficulty involved in choosing the proper tires, but this year's road was remarkably consistent. Colorado's year-long drought had dried the road and everything else, to the point that calcium chloride and other dust suppressant measures won't work. As a result, the road was covered with fine pea-gravel, which some drivers likened to driving on snow.

Tire choice varied. Subarus ran an extra-wide Pirelli gravel tire; the Hyundais, an Avon rallycross tire, and the Mitsubishis a hand-grooved BFG Drag Radial.

"You never know the way the mountain will be and trying to make the right tire choice is tough, " says Tim O'Neil after choosing to run a hand-cut Pirelli tarmac rally tire. "There's about three miles where the pucker-factor is going to be pretty high." Teams reported gravel tires worked well down below while slicks were better up top.

Only Open Class and Group N cars were invited to compete in this Manufacturers-points only round of the ProRally championship and 17 entered. Said Performance Rally Director Kurt Spitzner, "This year is just a toe in the water, getting ourselves comfortable with being here."

Several variations are being considered, but expect Pikes Peak to be a full points round of the championship next year. Possibilities include a ProRally-only day in conjunction with the regular Pikes Peak Classes, multiple runs up the mountain over several days or a 50 to 60 mile stage rally held in conjunction with one or more runs up the hill.

Several PPIHC officials reported being caught off-guard by the amount of interest shown by rally fans. Even with the recent fires and National Forest restrictions more than 6,800 spectators showed up race day. My advice would be to make your reservations now. Accommodations in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs fill up quickly.

DetailsSCCA ProRally ChampionshipLocation: Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, ColoradoDeservedly world famous 12.42-mile, 156-turn run up the Pikes Peak Highway. Start Line is at 9,390 feet, the summit Finish Line is at 14,100. Wide, smooth and fast with a set of tight switchbacks thrown in for good measure. Mixed gravel and rough pavement, including one mile of new pavement at the start line. Huge exposures. No guardrails. The altitude and ever-changing mountain put a premium on tire choice and engine tuning. Manufacturers Championship points only this year. Without a doubt, the most daunting and awe-inspiring special stage of the championship.

By Tim McKinney

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