Veteran NASCAR Racecar Takes On Mountain Challenger Ahead
Hillebrand's Thrilling Return with a Legendary Ride
A blast from the past is about to tear up another kind of track. JR Hillebrand, former IndyCar driver, has decided to drive the iconic No. 44 Pontiac Grand Prix with the Hot Wheels paint scheme at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22.
This return to the racetrack isn't anything like Hillebrand's old days. Back in the '90s, Kyle Petty was the one behind the wheel of this eye-catching car in NASCAR, and it's surely gonna be a sight to behold when Hillebrand takes the wheel this time.
Pikes Peak, home to one of the most daunting challenges in motorsports, is no place for a mere toy. And while this road-course stock car may not be cut out for the task, Hillebrand's all set for it. He's been working tirelessly to get the old girl ready for her grand return.
"We've been busting our butts on this thing to get it race-ready for one of the most challenging events in all of motorsports," Hillebrand told Road & Track. "Unquestionably, this isn't a ride it was made for—not in the past, not now. It's not been prepped for it, but to be honest, this is exactly the reason I bought this car."
The original No. 44 Pontiac Grand Prix with the Hot Wheels livery caused quite a stir back in the late '90s. Campaigned by Kyle Petty in the NASCAR Cup Series, the vibrant stock car was a fan favorite, stirring up nostalgia for a simpler era in racing. As the 2025 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb approaches, the legacy of that infamous No. 44 is about to be rekindled. Here's a closer look at what's gone into making this comeback possible.
Engine and Mechanics
As of now, the engine status of the No. 44 Pontiac Grand Prix remains uncertain. Latest photos show the engine bay devoid of its power center, with the engine having been shipped out for work or upgrades. Tune-ups and modifications will likely be needed to equip the car for Pikes Peak's grueling terrain.
Getting Ready for the Hill
JR Hillebrand and his team quickly acquired the stock car and got to work. The Pontiac made its way to their shop on June 4, 2025, and underwent a thorough shakedown on June 5–6. With the event just around the corner, every minute counts as the team tackles the challenges of modifying a car not designed for the demands of Pikes Peak's high-altitude roads.
Pikes Peak Preparation
Just a few weeks ahead of the big event, Hildebrand had planned to climb Pikes Peak behind the wheel of a 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Unfortunately, plans changed when the Corvette fell through. But Hildebrand had foreseen the possibility of needing a backup and once he got the call that the Hot Wheels No. 44 Pontiac Grand Prix was up for grabs, he pounced on the opportunity.
Racing for the Sake of Racing
With a project like this, the thrill is all part of the ride. "This is exactly why I bought this car," Hildebrand said confidently. It's the sheer novelty of taking a car that wasn't meant for the road and pushing it to its limits on one of the most challenging courses in the world that's driving Hillebrand. When he bursts onto the scene at Pikes Peak later this month, there will be no shortage of cameras and phones capturing every moment. So grab a front-row seat and hold tight—the Return of the No. 44 is coming!
Hillebrand's sports car racing return with the legendary No. 44 Pontiac Grand Prix is set to ignite the racetrack once more at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. In preparation for this daunting challenge, Hillebrand and his team have been working tirelessly to modify the stock car, not designed for Pikes Peak's high-altitude roads, to make it ready for the race.
