Hill climbing is one of the oldest forms of motor racing beginning soon after the dawn of the motor industry. This competition where drivers race their cars up to the top of a mountain attracts men and women of all ages because of its simplicity.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is probably the most popular and largest hill climbing event worldwide. Also known as “The Race to the Clouds”, it is held on the scenic road up Pikes Peak mountain in Colorado Springs, USA.
PPIHC history began in 1916 only five years after the first Indy500. Although the event was once cancelled during the Second World War, the race has grown to become one of the most attractive and gathers skilled drivers from all over the world.
Drivers run their cars for about 20km to the goal at 4300m above sea level. The difference in height between the start and the finish line is over 1400m.
The real rival of those challengers who recorded supreme time in spite of tough weather conditions and a rough road might not be the other drivers but the peak itself.
This ultimately challenging peak also attracted one Japanese man. His name is Nobuhiro Tajima, also known as "Monster" Tajima.
2007 is a memorable year for both Monster Tajima and PPIHC: PPIHC celebrates its 85th anniversary and Monster Tajima his challenge 20th anniversary.
Monster Tajima and Suzuki Sport landed on Pikes Peak only aiming at breaking the record in this special year.
After 3 practice days, the race day had come.
Monster Tajima did it and left his name and his record in the PPIHC history.
On this page, you can see beautiful sceneries and merriment at the race site. Let's enjoy!
Monster Tajima and the Suzuki dealer Mr. McCloskey in the U.S.
An autograph and photo session was held there.
This is the XL7 offered to a lucky person for 2 years due to the campaign of the American dealer.
Many parts displayed for a photo session for the Australian car magazine "Fast four Modifier".
The final destination of the mountain tram.
Here is the summit of Pikes Peak.
Monster Tajima and Engineers from Suzuki sport.
A souvenir shot of Monster Tajima and the mountain tram.
It was raining at that time. The weather in the mountain often changes.
14110 feet above sea level: the top of Pikes Peak!
Behind the stone wall, there is a scraggy vertical cliff!
On the edge of the cliff.
Look at Monster Tajima standing on the very edge of the drop!
It is written that this peak has been registered as a national historic site by the U.S. Department of Interior.
Two of our engineers having donuts.
"Donut made in the world’s highest place" is a specialty here.
It is said that those donuts make everyone happy!
Hard to see but our team members are in the center of this photo.
This picture was shot at the Devils Play Ground.
Same site than the above picture.
Monster Tajima and a normal XL7.
Glen Cove. Usually police officers stay there and check the temperature of the brake rotors on the cars using thermo gun. If over 300deg.C, the car must stop here. This place is also famous for gold diggers.
This place -Garden of the Gods- is in the national park. This volcanic rock monument changes its color by ever-changing sky.
Here is almost the end of the middle section, a little before of Devils Playground. The white part on the road side is a glacier snow.
At the 'Bottomless Corner'. You can enjoy a downward view.
A little higher than 'Bottomless Corner'. You can observe slippery gravel over the road.
In the practice of the upper section. It was just before dawn. Sun is rising in front of the car. So drivers cannot have a direct view of the course. He drives following the information of the recce and his senses.
Sun has risen. How beautiful it is! Though it is too bright!
In the practice of the middle section. This area has been coated with asphalt this year. Here is one of the most photogenic points in Pikes Peak.
At the finish line of the middle section. The white part of the cliff in the background is eternal snow.
On the day before the race, an event for fans was held. Over 30 thousands people had come. Monster Tajima interviewed in the local TV live.
The event was held in the center of Colorado Springs. It was raining but the event was very crowded!
Young guys wearing hand-made printed t-shirt of Grand Vitara 2006.
On the race day. Lively atmosphere filling all the pit and paddock area.
We didn't draw a curtain over the car. Everyone could directly see the car.
Fan service. Original T-shirts and Monster Tajima's autograph were available!
A mechanic grooving tires to fit the road conditions of that day.
This picture was taken in the morning of the race day. Black clouds behind Monster Tajima were making him nervous.
PPIHC history began in 1916 only five years after the first Indy500. Although the event was once cancelled during the Second World War, the race has grown to become one of the most attractive and gathers skilled drivers from all over the world.
This ultimately challenging peak also attracted one Japanese man. His name is Nobuhiro Tajima, also known as "Monster" Tajima.
