Uphill Racing

Originating in the mountain landscapes of Europe, Hill Climb racing has been a motorsport since 1897. These contests were run on everyday roads without the advantages of a smooth or prepared track. In 1899, the first Hill Climb race in the United States took place on Mt. Washington in Gorham, New Hampshire, with the winner, Rea Lentz, clocking in at 20 minutes, 55.6 seconds to complete the 8-mile run. The sport quickly gained popularity throughout the country. Today's world classic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the Rocky Mountains attracts not only thousands of spectators and talented drivers from around the world, but seasoned Indy 500 drivers as well. Since 1916, and still with no guardrails for its 156 gravel twists and turns, this white-knuckle course rises 4,708 feet in 12.42 miles to challenge the best of drivers.