Live Thread: 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/20/24 11:51 a.m.

[June 28 Update: Official results can be viewed here.]

Imagine a motorsport event in which you must climb a total of nearly 5000 feet as quickly as possible, navigating over 150 turns with little in place to prevent you from tumbling down the mountain–as so many have done before.

Oh, and di…

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Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/20/24 11:55 a.m.

First up, some news: Pro driver and GRM contributor Randy Pobst will be replacing Robin Shute in one of the two Ioniq 5 N TA Spec cars Hyundai is fielding this year.

Photography Credit: Rupert Berrington

Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/20/24 12:07 p.m.

Today, June 20, is the third Practice & Qualifying session.

As far as photos, here's what we have so far from the beginning of the week. (Thank you, again, Rupert Berrington and team for getting us such great photography.)

Photography Credit: Vlad Tyeryekhov

Photography Credit: Rupert Berrington

Duckzero New Reader
6/20/24 1:00 p.m.

Ah. I was supposed to go this year, but I had to re-prioritize a few other life things. I hope the livestream is going to be good!

Jesse Ransom MegaDork
6/20/24 1:21 p.m.

Glad to see Randy Pobst getting a drive in one of the Hyundais... What's the story with Robin Shute vacating the seat? Is the Sendy Club attending this year? Had a quick poke and couldn't find anything.

J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
6/20/24 3:00 p.m.

As always, looks like an incredible assortment of drivers and cars. It'll be fun to see how the event unfolds.

Jesse Ransom MegaDork
6/20/24 4:52 p.m.

It's also worth commenting on what a stunning bunch of photos those are.

Makes me want to go. I want to spectate. I know better than to think I want to drive it, but... dang. What a place.

BoulderG Reader
6/20/24 6:42 p.m.

If you don't follow Rupert Berrington on Facebook, you should! He's a great photographer and super-good guy. Works really really hard, for sure. I think he's pretty much living on Pikes Peak last week through the end of the race - some funny photos of him in full Arctic gear.

Yes, indeed, great photos!

Oapfu Reader
6/20/24 9:59 p.m.

EV youtuber interviewing Lightning Supertruck engineers. Long format, almost-technical, includes on-board vid from practice sessions about an hour in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwidlmAShZE

Observation #1: 1000kW = 1MW

Observation #2: people use to joke that you couldn't haul in a load of electrons and 'refuel' an EV off-grid.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 4:28 a.m.

Good morning from Colorado Springs. Heading out to practice in a few minutes.

dyintorace UltimaDork
6/21/24 6:32 a.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Ouch! But hell yes? 😀

Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/21/24 9:03 a.m.

Photos from day 2:

Photography Credits: Rupert Berrington

Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
6/21/24 9:40 a.m.

Driving the mountain at ~60%(where possible) in a stock Honda Fit definitely gave me even more respect for those who continue to push the limits there.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 1:45 p.m.

dyintorace said:
In reply to David S. Wallens :

Ouch! But hell yes? 😀

Oh, totally. Just got back to the hotel. Will post some pics.

bmw88rider UberDork
6/21/24 2:27 p.m.

This is the time of year I miss being in the springs.

Awesome photos of a magical place.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 3:46 p.m.

So, yes, an early rise and shine. I’m here with our friends from Hyundai.

Today was the final day of practice. The plan was to leave the hotel at 3:15 in the morning so we could make our breakfast appointment–next door at the Circle K.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 3:46 p.m.

This morning’s impulse buy.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 3:48 p.m.

Hyundai was practicing the top section this morning, so let’s head there, right?

First stop: Signing waivers at the bottom of the hill at 4:00 a.m.

Not in this photo: Rupert’s blue WRX a few cars in front of us.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 3:50 p.m.

And as we got up the fill, visibility left the building. (Sorry it’s blurry, it was early and I thought maybe we were about to drive off the mountain.)

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 3:54 p.m.

Our final destination, Devil’s Playground: 12,000+ feet up. It’s dark, it’s raining sideways, and we’re wondering if this was the right move.

We sat in the dark talking BMX and music.

We’re in a Hyundai Santa Fe. I was happy to learn that the back seats recline.

Finally, the sun came out. It’s now about 5:30.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 4:08 p.m.

The wind and rain came back but then it went away–well, most it.

Time to venture out.

This was the paddock space for those running the top part of the hill today. Due to weather, they got one run each as everyone has to be heading off the mountain by 9:00.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 4:09 p.m.

Still not a ton of visibility.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 4:09 p.m.

Hey, it’s GRM columnist Randy Pobst.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 4:10 p.m.

So, all that gear behind Randy: a big diesel generator powering two EV chargers.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/21/24 4:12 p.m.

And, finally, we’re sending cars up the hill. Still chilly but not bad. I forget how many layers I’m wearing at this point. I still had more in the car.