Pikes Peak Int'l Hill Climb 2009-06-09

Ten Defending Champions Already In The Field For The 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, June 9-----With today's official registration of Japanese superstar driver Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, ten defending 2008 champions are in the fold for the 87th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 19.

The Tokyo star will again try to eclipse the elusive ten-minute barrier in the Unlimited Division in his Suzuki Sport XL7, but this time, he will have company.

Coming to the Peak are two turbocharged Ford Fiestas driven by Andreas Eriksson and rally legend Marcus Gronholm. Eriksson, 35, is a four-time Swedish rally champion, with multiple Rallycross victories, and Gronholm, 41, is one of World Rallying's greatest drivers, with two World Championships and 30 WRC victories.

But the trio will also face British Rallycross Champion Mark Rennison, a new entry who will bring his famous 1999 Ford RS200 to the Peak to square off with the three other international drivers in the assault on the record.

The ten 2008 Champions returning for the Race To The Clouds in Colorado Springs, with registration ongoing:

Paul Dallenbach, Basalt, CO  (Open Wheel Division)

Nobuhiro Tajima, Tokyo, Japan  (Unlimited Division)

Clint Vahsholtz, Woodland Park, CO  (Super Stock Car)

Rhys Millen, Huntington Beach, CA  (Time Attack 2WD)

Joe Prussiano, Conroe, TX  (Motorcycle 450CC)

John Stallworth, Andover, KS  (Motorcycle Quad 500)

Eddie Mulder, Littlerock, CA  (Motorcycle Vintage)

Gary Trachy, Orange, CA  (Motorcycle Supermoto)

David Kern, Centennial, CO  (Time Attack 4WD)

Bryan/Allen Wenzel, San Ramon, CA  (Motorcycle Sidecar)

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is America's second-oldest motor sports race behind the Indianapolis 500, conducted since 1916. The race is run on a 12.42 mile course that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110-foot summit of America's Mountain.

This year's race has 11 divisions/classes and features a variety of automotive, semi truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro truck and motorcycle competition with a field already approaching 200 competitors.

The event's popular "Fan Fest," on Friday, July 17, presented by Budweiser on Tejon, Bijou and Platte in Downtown Colorado Springs, will include seven blocks of entertainment from 5:00-10:00 p.m. for the public to enjoy.

On the scene will be the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, a chance to meet the drivers and racers, view their cars and motorcycles, music with live local bands, a Firefighters Chili Cook-Off, food and refreshments, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb's Mobile Museum, a merchandise and race ticket booth, displays of custom cars and motorcycles, and stuff for kids like Freestyle Motocross Jumping exhibitions.

Tickets: www.ticketswest.com (866) 464-2626

General Admission - $40 (Race Day $45)

VIP - $80 (start line area only) includes: breakfast, lunch and beverages
pre-purchase only, not available on race day

Family 4 Pack - $125 (4 general admission tickets; reg. price $160)
pre-purchase only, not available on race day

<ticketswest.rdln.com/Artist.aspx?contentID=12315> Camping - $75 until May 31, $100 after June 1; only 200 permits are available. This is the only day camping is allowed on Pikes Peak each year.

TCI? Tire Centers, LLC and Hankook Tire America have been selected as title sponsors of the 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

-credit: www.ppihc.com