FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 1, 2024 – The stage is set for a high-altitude showdown as Hyundai announces its bold return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, famously dubbed “The Race to the Clouds,” scheduled for June 23, 2024. With a history steeped in competition and innovation, Hyundai is gearing up to leave its mark on the 102nd running of this storied event.
In a move that signals Hyundai’s commitment to motorsport excellence, the automaker is bringing a formidable lineup of four racecars, piloted by a dream team of drivers, each with their own storied past on the mountain. Leading the charge is Paul Dallenbach, an eleven-time Pikes Peak victor whose name is synonymous with speed and precision on this treacherous course. He’s joined by Robin Shute, a four-time overall winner and a master of the mountain’s unique challenges. Rounding out the announced lineup is Daniel “Dani” Sordo Castillo, a celebrated Spanish rally driver known for his prowess in the World Rally Championship under Hyundai Motorsport’s banner. The identity of the fourth driver, shrouded in mystery, promises to be a revelation that will intrigue and excite fans of the event.
Hyundai’s strategic silence on the specific racecars and records they aim to shatter adds an element of suspense and anticipation to their campaign. “The driver is a critical component of success at Pikes Peak,” emphasized Till Wartenberg, Hyundai’s vice president and head of N Brand and Motorsport. With a lineup that includes seasoned champions and Pikes Peak royalty, Hyundai’s ambition is clear: to dominate and set new benchmarks.
Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, highlighted the unpredictable nature of Pikes Peak, where the weather can turn on a dime, making a clean run a formidable challenge. “It requires tremendous preparation, and a bit of luck,” Parker noted, underscoring the event’s reputation as one of the most demanding tests in motorsports.
Bryan Herta, president and CEO of Bryan Herta Autosport, underscored the team’s reliance on expertise and Hyundai’s engineering prowess to showcase the vehicles’ capabilities against the mountain’s relentless demands. With a support crew seasoned in the nuances of Pikes Peak, from its unpredictable weather to the logistical ballet required during practice runs, Hyundai is leaving nothing to chance.
Hyundai’s storied past at Pikes Peak, beginning in 1992 with Rod Millen’s victory in the Showroom Stock division, is a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to this legendary race. Over the years, Hyundai has seen triumphs and challenges on the mountain, setting records and pushing the limits of automotive engineering and driver skill.
As the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb draws near, all eyes will be on Hyundai and its quartet of racecars. With a legacy of competition and innovation propelling them forward, Hyundai’s return to Pikes Peak is more than a race; it’s a quest for glory on one of the world’s most formidable stages.
