2025 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Qualifying for the 2025 Pikes Peak race started on June 17th, 2025. Race day itself will be on June 22nd, with gates opening at 2:30 am. You can catch the PPIHC on streaming or on multiple radio stations. For those lucky enough to have camping permits, gates open at 1 pm on June 21st. 

Of course, you’ll be able to find coverage of the 2025 Pikes Peak race on our social channels. RealSource™ will be on the ground with the latest updates of the 103rd running of the PPIHC. Follow us to learn more!

What Is the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb?

The origins of the Pikes Peak race trace back to Spencer Penrose, a Colorado Springs entrepreneur. In 1915, he finished converting a treacherous carriage road into the Pikes Peak Highway. To promote his new road and attract visitors to his Broadmoor Hotel, Penrose organized the first hill climb in August 1916. Rea Lentz claimed victory in a time of 20:55.600, while Floyd Clymer took the motorcycle class.

The race quickly grew in prestige, drawing competitors and fans from across the globe. The course itself remained largely unchanged for decades, though the vehicles evolved dramatically - from early open-cockpit cars to today’s high-tech electric prototypes. The event only paused during World Wars I and II and a handful of other years. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is now America’s second-oldest motorsports race, behind the Indianapolis 500.

Legendary Drivers and Teams

Pikes Peak has been the proving ground for some of racing’s most iconic families and drivers. The Unser family, in particular, became synonymous with the motorsports event, amassing dozens of wins and setting multiple records from the 1920s onward. 

Other American legends like the Mears and Vahsholtz families, as well as international stars such as Ari Vatanen, Walter Röhrl, Michele Mouton, Rod and Rhys Millen, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima, Sébastien Loeb, and Romain Dumas, have all left their mark on the summit.

Major Incidents and Turning Points

The PPIHC’s reputation for danger is well-earned. The course’s sheer drop-offs, unpredictable weather, and lack of guardrails have contributed to its notoriety as one of the most dangerous races in America. 

Over the years, the event has seen its share of serious accidents and fatalities. One of the most significant incidents occurred in 2019, when accomplished motorcyclist Carlin Dunne lost his life just before the finish line. This tragedy led organizers to suspend and ultimately discontinue motorcycle competition at the event after 2021.

Recent Winners and Dominant Teams (2015–2024)

In the decade leading up to 2025, the PPIHC has seen a fierce rivalry between gasoline and electric-powered vehicles. Notably:

• 2015: Rhys Millen won overall in an electric car, marking a turning point for EVs at the event.

• 2016: Gasoline-powered vehicles reclaimed the top spot, but electric cars continued to challenge for podium positions.

• 2018: Romain Dumas, driving the all-electric Volkswagen I.D. R, shattered the course record with a time of 7:57.148—the first sub-eight-minute run in event history.

• 2019–2024: The event continued to attract factory-backed teams and privateers alike, with manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Acura fielding high-performance entries. Electric and hybrid vehicles have increasingly dominated the leaderboards, reflecting broader trends in automotive technology.

The Race’s Enduring Allure

Despite the transition from gravel to fully paved roads in 2011, the Pikes Peak race remains a challenging event. Drivers must contend with rapidly changing weather, from sun to snow, and the ever-present risk posed by the mountain’s unforgiving edges. The event’s mix of tradition, danger, and innovation continues to draw competitors and fans from around the world.