This race has always been on my bucket list. But they already dramatically restricted veiwing spots, which also dramatically lowered my desire to go see it in person.
Photography Credit: Rupert Berrington
This year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is still on for August 30, but will run entirely without spectators.
The move is to ensure the health and safety of all involved. “For the first time, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be staged without its loyal, enthusiastic fans lining the course and no one is more disappointed than we are,” explains Executive Director Megan Leatham.
As well, the annual kick-off event for the weekend's hill climb known as Fan Fest, scheduled for August 28, has been canceled.
Tickets for practice day and race day will be fully refunded, as well as all camping permits.
Those still interested in watching the hill climb can view it on the Official PPIHC YouTube Channel and the Mobil 1 Facebook page, and can stay up-to-date on all activities with the Official Pikes Peak International Hill Climb App, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Videos from past years, like this one featuring Robb Holland, can maybe scratch that itch.
Watch the video press release here, or read the full release below:
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO – Since March 19 when the announcement came that the 98th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, would be postponed until August 30, race fans everywhere have been eager to learn if they would be allowed to attend the world-famous hill climb in person. With input and advisement from state and local agencies the decision to conduct the race without spectators was announced today by the Board of Directors.
The race will take place as currently scheduled, but the atmosphere and energy will feel very different. “For the first time, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be staged without its loyal, enthusiastic fans lining the course and no one is more disappointed than we are,” shared Megan Leatham, Executive Director. “Our staff and board of directors have discussed and analyzed multiple scenarios in which our race could be staged. However, with the government-issued long-term mandates for wearing personal protective equipment, providing appropriate social distancing, and limiting the size of group gatherings, we feel it is impossible to safely host spectators at the race on August 30.”
All Camping Permits, Practice and Race Day Ticket purchases will automatically be refunded in full.
The popular downtown street festival, Fan Fest, a kick-off event slated for Friday, August 28 has been canceled. Leatham added, “For many, this is one of the highlights of the summer. It’s always exciting and packed with people. We typically welcome over 30,000 fans but in light of current government guidelines we feel it would be irresponsible to hold the event this year. The risk to our competitors, sponsors, volunteers and our fans is just too high.”
Board Chairman, Tom Osborne, stated, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we all do business, we are finding ways to adapt to the new normal and will continue to monitor the federal, state and local regulations on large crowds. Despite this unforeseen challenge, our iconic motorsports event has proven its ability to adapt and endure, and it will continue to do so this summer, next year, and in preparation for the 100th Running in 2022.”
Leatham concluded, “We want to thank our amazing fans for their continued support and understanding and we really look forward to welcoming them back to the mountain in 2021.”
Watch the Video Press Release HERE
For race fans around the globe, there are several ways to follow the action:
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This race has always been on my bucket list. But they already dramatically restricted veiwing spots, which also dramatically lowered my desire to go see it in person.
glad they are having it.......
z31maniac said:This race has always been on my bucket list. But they already dramatically restricted veiwing spots, which also dramatically lowered my desire to go see it in person.
As long as you can watch from Devil's Playground, it doesn't matter. That's the best place to watch.
If a car falls off a cliff and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
In reply to T.J. :
I believe the driver would say that it made a sound. In fact, it probably would make a LOT of sounds.
No pictures like this for this year. Oh well. I understand the decision. It's impossible for crowd control there. Maybe I'll volunteer this year.
Will the race officials forgo the obnoxious sounding sirens on the EV cars, since there won't be anyone near the course to warn?
In reply to T.J. :
Is it an EV?
In reply to JesseWolfe :
You beat me to it
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