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The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
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Insider’s tip for taking in the 100th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. BY REBECCA L. OLGEIRSON
In 1916, Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose invited a select group of drivers to compete for the fastest time on a newly constructed road to the summit of Pikes Peak. Hoping the event would drive tourism to Colorado Springs, Mr. Penrose welcomed more than 600 media outlets to that inaugural run.
This year, the 100th running of the race now known as The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is expected to draw more than 30,000 racing fans participating in the pre-race street party and events leading up to the big day. With multiple divisions of vehicles entered into the invitational event, twelve miles of road, and 156 turns culminating above 14,000 feet, witnessing the mountaintop finish of the “Race to the Clouds” is a bucket list item for racing fans.
“Every year we have custom cars built just for Pikes Peak,” says Lisa Haight, event coordinator and historian for The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “Whether it’s Acura or Bentley, there are some one-ofa-kind cars that are really exciting to see.” Haight has been attending race day since she was a child and cheering on her father, Nick Sanborn, a five-time winner of the Stock Car division. She shares her tips for enjoying the race and the exciting events leading up to it.
Technical Inspection
MONDAY, JUNE 20 // 9 AM–4 PM THE BROADMOOR WORLD ARENA PARKING LOT C
Kicking off race week, all participating cars will roll in for technical inspection. Located in the parking lots surrounding The Broadmoor World Arena, the event is free and open to the public. Race drivers will bring their cars for the official check-in and inspection process. It’s a great opportunity to see all the cars and their drivers up close.
Practice Sessions and Qualifying
TUESDAY, JUNE 21 – FRIDAY, JUNE 24 4 AM–8:30 AM TICKETS REQUIRED
Little-known fact: The drivers will drive the entire course only one time—on race day. Early morning practice sessions allow drivers to scout the course in three stages. Guests can scout the course to determine a prime position for race day, or just take in the mastery of professional drivers at work. Daily tickets ($50) are required.
Fan Fest
FRIDAY, JUNE 26 // 5 PM–9 PM DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS PIKES PEAK AVENUE AND TEJON STREET
This fun-filled event offers food, entertainment, and autograph sessions with the Fast 15 qualifying drivers. Free and open to the public, Fan Fest delivers an electric atmosphere for fans of all ages.
Race Day
SUNDAY, JUNE 26 PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY TICKETS REQUIRED
Our best advice for race day is be prepared. Plan on an early start, as limited parking determines race-day ticket sales. Since the race is in a national forest, there are no bleachers or viewing stands. Instead, pack a picnic and camping chairs and supplies for any kind of weather: That means sunscreen, rain jackets, plenty of layers, plus food and water for the day. For those who want the flexibility of leaving before the end of the race (projected around 5 p.m.), park in the lot at the starting line. Otherwise, all cars along the racecourse will be there until completion.
“Whether it’s race day or one of the practice runs, it’s pretty amazing to be up there before the sun comes up,” Haight says. “Watching the sun come up on Pikes Peak? It’s an iconic moment.”
Penrose Heritage Museum
TUESDAYS–SATURDAYS // 9 AM–5 PM SUNDAYS // 1 PM–5 PM 11 LAKE CIRCLE, COLORADO SPRINGS
If you can’t make it to Colorado Springs for race day, check out the permanent exhibition at the Penrose Heritage Museum, just across the street from The Broadmoor. This free museum hosts a vast collection of historic race cars and memorabilia from The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and an interactive exhibition, “The Pikes Peak Hill Climb Experience.”
