Pikes Peak Int'l Hill Climb news 2009-06-18

Two More Defending Champions Join The Field For The 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, June 18---Two more 2008 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb champions have registered to tackle the Hill again on July 19, bringing the tally to a dozen returning winners in the Race to the Clouds.

Davey Durelle of Elizabeth, Colorado, will return to defend his Motorcycle 750 Class crown. He's won 12 PPIHC events over the summers and is the current record holder in the 750 event with an 11:41.756 clocking in 2007. He went 11:42.991 last year to win, riding his 2008 Aprilia SM 550.

Greg Tracy of Long Beach, California, will be back again to defend his Motorcycle 1200 Class crown. He won last year with a 12:06.602 in his 2008 Ducati Hypermotard and over the years, he has claimed three PPIHC titles in three classes and still holds one Hill record. (1996)

The twelve 2008 Champions returning for the Race To The Clouds in Colorado Springs, with registration ongoing:

Paul Dallenbach, Basalt, CO  (Open Wheel Division)

Nobuhiro Tajima, Tokyo, Japan  (Unlimited Division)

Clint Vahsholtz, Woodland Park, CO  (Super Stock Car)

Rhys Millen, Huntington Beach, CA  (Time Attack 2WD)

Joe Prussiano, Conroe, TX  (Motorcycle 450CC)

John Stallworth, Andover, KS  (Motorcycle Quad 500)

Eddie Mulder, Littlerock, CA  (Motorcycle Vintage)

Gary Trachy, Orange, CA  (Motorcycle Supermoto)

David Kern, Centennial, CO  (Time Attack 4WD)

Bryan/Allen Wenzel, San Ramon, CA  (Motorcycle Sidecar)

Greg Tracy, Long Beach, CA  (Motorcycle 1200)

Davey Durelle, Elizabeth, CO  (Motorcycle 750)

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is America's second-oldest motor sports race behind the Indianapolis 500, conducted since 1916. The race is run on a 12.42 mile course that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110-foot summit of America's Mountain.

This year's race has 11 divisions and classes and features a variety of automotive, semi truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro truck and motorcycle competition with a field already approaching 200 competitors.

The event's popular "Fan Fest," on Friday, July 17, presented by Budweiser on Tejon, Bijou and Platte in Downtown Colorado Springs, will include seven blocks of entertainment from 5:00-10:00 p.m. for the public to enjoy.

On the scene will be the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, a chance to meet the drivers and racers, view their cars and motorcycles, music with live local bands, a Firefighters Chili Cook-Off, food and refreshments, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb's Mobile Museum, a merchandise and race ticket booth, displays of custom cars and motorcycles, and stuff for kids like Freestyle Motocross Jumping exhibitions.

-credit: www.ppihc.com