Hyundai isn’t a name that you’d usually associate with racing and motorsports, at least not in the traditional sense. But, as a fan of racing and all things motorsport, it’s mightily impressive to see how far the brand has come in the last few years. Rallying, TCR touring cars, endurance racing, and now, Pikes Peak, as Hyundai returns with not one, not two, but four new cars.
The 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb is scheduled for June 23rd, or as it is more popularly known, ‘the Race to the Clouds’. This isn’t even Hyundai’s first rodeo, as they have been to Pikes Peak since 1992. Given how challenging Pikes Peak is, their 2024 effort is championed by a star-studded line-up of experienced drivers who’ve all tackled the Peak.
Hyundai’s Race To The Clouds
Their 4-car squad will be led by Paul Dallenbach (11-time winner and record-setter in 1993), Robin Shute (4-time overall winner and King of the Mountain title holder), and Daniel Sordo Castillo (Spanish WRC driver for Hyundai’s rally team). Hyundai has not yet announced the 4th driver who’ll join their 2024 Pikes Peak expedition, but they’ll announce it at a later date.
Another mystery that remains hush-hush is what cars these drivers will be piloting, so that’ll have to wait. Then again, seeing the insane machinery that Hyundai’s been able to assemble for their past runs up into the heavens, I’d imagine it’ll be an exciting line-up. Regardless, the Hyundai team will have to put in a lot of prep work before they even ascend Pikes Peak.
156 Corners, 12.4 Miles, 4,720 ft
No matter the car or driver, weather will be a consequential factor in getting a clean run or a good chance of putting in a good time while racing up the Peak. That doesn’t even include just how tough the actual climb itself is, with around 156 corners to nail, and the track measuring just about 12.4 miles long (19.99km), in addition to a mighty ascent of 4,720 ft (1,440 m).
Pikes Peak isn’t for the faint of heart, and even with experienced drivers, it’s baptism by fire all the time. As such, Hyundai will also bring with them a diverse team of skilled and experienced crew members and technicians as they head for Pikes Peak. Hyundai wants this run to be their chance to showcase their dedication to racing, and I’m all here for it. Best of luck, Hyundai.
