Fast Forward: The world's most famous race tracks and race cars

PIKES PEAK “The Race to the Clouds” USA

MOMENTS

French rally driver Sébastien Loeb did not just break the course record in 2013—he beat the previous record by a minute and a half. He drove a Peugeot 208 T16 in a time of 8 minutes 13.878 seconds to become the first driver to smash through the nine-minute barrier. His average speed on the uphill run was recorded at an amazing 87 mph.

In 2012, the remaining gravel sections of the track were paved. Hill-climb legend Rod Millen disagreed with the decision, claiming it would put an end to racing at Pikes Peak. However, it has encouraged more spectators and allowed for super-quick race times.

The 2012 race had to be delayed after wildfires broke out nearby. The blaze started on June 23 and continued throughout July, and 11,000 local residents were forced to evacuate their homes. The race eventually took place on August 12.

EO PP03

History was made in 2015 when Rhys Millen drove an electric car to an overall victory for the first time in the competition’s history. His time of 9 minutes 7.222 seconds in the eO PP03 car was the quickest time in all classes. Incredibly, the Australian could have finished around 30 seconds quicker if it hadn’t been for some technical difficulties. Could this be the future of motor racing?

CAR STATS

First used 2015 | Engine Six YASA-400 electric motors with eO controllers | Engine layout Rear mounted | Power 1,367 bhp | RPM 1,593 rpm | Top speed 161 mph | Acceleration 0–60 mph 4 s | Weight 2,535 lb | Gearbox Single reduction gear | Tires 320/710 R18 slick | Drive All-wheel drive | Races 1 | Wins 1 | Chassis Steel tubular space frame with carbonfiber body

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