The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event is one of the most extreme motor sport competitions in the world. Each year drivers attempt to get their car from the start at Mile 7 on Pikes Peak Highway, to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado – a distance of 12.42 miles (19.99 km). There’s 156 twists and turns over a mixture of gravel and paved sections, and during the run competitors will climb 4,721 feet (1,439 meters). At the top, the thin air will reduce power by around 30 per cent.
The most extreme cars are entered in the Unlimited group. Last year only 3 cars competed in the Unlimited class. One of them was driven by Paul Dallenbach. In 2010 he had 745 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This year, thanks to some extensive engine modifications courtesy of Banks Power, he’s got 1,307 horsepower and 1,206 lb-ft of torque!
Obviously race cars are designed with one thing in mind. To go faster than anyone else. Any sense of style is just a bonus. But having said that, most race cars, due to the form/function crossover do look fairly pleasing to the eye. Dallenbach’s racer clearly doesn’t. In fact the bodywork looks like it was built by high school students out of old street signs. The massive spoilers both front and rear look comically oversized – and they would be if the car wasn’t so dammed powerful.
The car’s appearance is partially explained by the fact the entire team is made up of volunteers working to a limited budget. And they have to compete against factory supported well-financed competitors who can afford to spend time and money on the pointless pretty stuff.
Despite its hideous looks, Dallenbach’s car is one to watch at the event this June 26th. The aim is to get the car to the top of Pikes Peak in under 10 minutes. In 2007 Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima managed to reach the summit in 10.01 using his factory prepared Suzuki XL7 Hill Climb Special. If Dallenbach with his new Banks Power twin-turbo engined freak car can do it, it’ll be a real David and Goliath story.
Source: Banks Power
As you said (in not so certain terms) Looks aren’t what count, just speed.
not that this has anything to do with any thing, but when can you show the window world charity ‘stinger’ indycar?