Record-breaking speed conqueror Romain Dumas, former Audi racer, scaled Pikes Peak faster than Walter Röhrl, renowned racing legend, contrary to any other climber.
Hitting New Heights in Hill Climbing: Pikes Peak's Thrilling Race
Steel yourself for a high-octane adventure this weekend as the world-renowned Pikes Peak Hill Climb, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, gets underway. This iconic race, dating back to 1916, has been the testing ground for countless motorsport legends, with Audi's name gracing the winners' list six times. Let's dive into the thrilling history and record-breaking drives of this legendary race.
The Quattro Dynasty and Walter Röhrl's Epic Run
If you've ever wondered how Walter Röhrl, standing at 1.96 meters, left an indelible mark on the motorsport world, look no further than his famous footwork documented in the iconic film of his record-breaking run in 1987. With 10:47.85 minutes to his name, he not only conquered the 19.99 kilometers of Pikes Peak but also etched his name in the history books as the first to break the 11-minute barrier.
The "Race to the Clouds" has been testing the mettle of racers since 1916, and in 2022, it will see its 103rd iteration. Audi's dominance on the mountain was evident from 1982 to 1987, with Walter Röhrl providing the crowning conclusion to the winning streak with a record-setting run in the specially made Audi Quattro.
Audi Sport quattro S1 "Pikes Peak": A Monster of a Car
Power and precision were the name of the game for Röhrl's Audi S1, as all-wheel drive proved instrumental in conquering the then gravel-covered track. The 2.1-liter five-cylinder engine delivered a fierce 440 kW (598 HP) at 8000 rpm and 590 Newton meters of torque at 5500 rpm. Despite losing approximately a third of its power in the thin air, Röhrl clocked a top speed of 198 km/h at the track's fastest point, averaging a seven percent gradient.
A Quick Shift to the Future: Romain Dumas's Electric Victories
Röhrl's record is a thing of the past, mainly due to the asphalt transformation of the Pikes Peak course in 2012. In 2013, Sébastien Loeb reshaped the leaderboard with an impressive 8:13.878-minute run in a Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak. But, in 2018, the reigning mountain king, Romain Dumas, broke the eight-minute barrier - and not in a typical race car but a fully electric vehicle! Driving the VW I.D. R Pikes Peak (7:57.148), Dumas cemented his status as the King of Pikes Peak.
As the race enters 2022, Dumas will be gearing up for another exhilarating run, this time behind the wheel of a Mustang Mach-E. With a beaming smile, he dubbed the car "our new beast," eager for the challenge ahead.
Bonus Content:
If you're thirsty for more action, check out these exciting YouTube videos showcasing daring drives and record attempts at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb:
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This weekend, prepare for electrifying racing action as Romain Dumas aims to conquer the Pikes Peak Hill Climb once again, this time in a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Despite his impressive electric victory in 2018, the course's record-breaking drives continue, as sports and racing collide in the yearly "Race to the Clouds."
