Last week, the U.S. Forest Service and the race officials of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb announced the postponing of the Hill Climb's 90th running due to the critical wildfire devestaton at Waldo Canyon, Colorado.
Setting the Colorado forests ablaze since June 23rd, the 18,500 acre fire has destroyed nearly 350 homes. Despite the damages, and although the fire has yet to be completely contained, race officials now have announced that the new date of the Hill Climb will be scheduled for August 12th. The race week will begin on Friday, August 10th, where officials begin technical inspection, teams get on with practice, and fans enjoy media day.
Competitors from across the United States as well as from 15 different countries will gather together at the base of Pikes Peak, preparing to tackle the 12.42-mile "Race to the Clouds" in the shortest amount of time. A growing category at the Hill Climb, Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima will be participating in the electric car class in a specially-developed EV. Also present will be World Rally legend Walter Rohrl in an Audi Sport quattro S1.
According to officials, the race could stand to be postponed again if further threats of safety become an issue. That said, since the fire remains an unpredictable factor, should the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb be held?
