Driving his modified 2011 Monster Sport (Suzuki) SX4 Hill Climb Special, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima broke his own former world record, as well as the seemingly unattainable 10-minute mark, all while capturing his sixth consecutive overall win with a time of 09:51:58 at the 89th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
On a fiercely competitive day, Monster conquered the climb decisively, mastering the Peak’s winding and perilous path to the top. Team Monster Sport’s SX4 Hill Climb Special was unyielding, making full use of its racecar chassis and 900-plus horsepower.
In his pursuit of victory, Monster defeated several worthy competitors, the most formidable being Rhys “We Fear No Monster” Millen, who drove an aggressively modified Hyundai Genesis. Millen placed second in the race this year with a time of 10:09:24.
The third place went to France’s three-time Trophée Andros champion Jean-Philippe Dayraut, with a newly built Dacia Duster No Limit. The French rookie produced an extremely competitive time (10:17:70) on the course and the car’s podium finish was unanimously praised by the organisers, fellow competitors and spectators alike.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, North America’s second oldest motorsports event race is a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begin at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak. The thin air slows drivers’ reflexes and muscle strength, and robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. The race has 11 classes and features a variety of automotive, semi truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro stock and motorcycle classes with a field of almost 200 competitors.
Monster Tajima first challenged Pikes Peak in 1988. His first win in the Unlimited division took place in 1993, followed by his second overall title in 1995. Fast forward to 2006, and his overall win that year primed the pump for a record-breaking run of 10 minutes and 1.41 seconds in 2007.
Based on a Low drag and High down force concept developed for the Pikes Peak race the Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special has undergone extensive aerodynamic changes to adapt better to the modified road surface, which now consists of more smooth tarmac and less gravel than was present during last year’s race. The car is powered by a 3100cc Twin Turbo Monster Special V6 powerplant, boasting an impressive 910 horsepower.
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