Suzuki Success At Pikes Peak

[f-wolf]

Suzuki Success at Pikes Peak

23 Jul, 2007

Motorsport legend Nobuhiro ?Monster? Tajima has driven his Suzuki XL7 into the record books at the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the United States.

His run of 10:01.04 seconds eclipsed the previous best time by more than three seconds.

The feat was accomplished in a heavily modified Suzuki LX7 featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 that produces a stunning 750 kW (1007 horsepower) at 8500 rpm and 1000 Nm of torque at 6250 rpm. However up to 30 percent of this power is lost by the final few kilometers.

Famous as one of the fastest and longest rally circuits in the world, Pikes Peak?s start line resides 2900 metres above sea level and continues uphill the length of the track to the finish line, located 4300 metres above sea level or more than double the height of Mt Kosciuszko.The 20 kilometre track boasts 156 turns and an average uphill grade of seven per cent, with a maximum of 10.5 per cent.

To genuinely experience just how incredible this record breaking feat truly is, I strongly suggest you watch this video (skip past the first minute) which shows an incredible run of the Peugeot 405 T16 back in 1988.

[mbjunior99]

Not bad power figures there

[SCRIBR]

that guy has big balls

[MYWPN]

I cant believe these guys, how fast and how dangerous that hill is . I was sweating just watching him. I agree they have big balls to pilot such powerful cars up there

Edited 23/07/07 09:54 AM by phase3ute

[EZ2CME]

That guy has some balls.

[Dagabond]

Took me 2 hours to download that clip waaay back when I first saw it....now you watch it as it streams... :tosser: .....

One of the only car races in the world where you have to adjust for altitude sickness.....

[GreenXR6T]

That's insane

[Soul Reaver]

wholly crap, that track is not right,

Those guys are crazy

[f-wolf]

Monster-man Tajima king of Pikes Peak hill

July 24, 2007

Colorado Springs, Colorado - It took a Monster to become the new master of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Race to the Clouds after the record had stood for 13 years.

Japan's Nobuhiro Tajima, "Monster" to his legion of fans, broke the record for the climb when he reached the summit in the uniquely demanding race in 10min1.408.

It was the culmination of years of effort for the 57-year-old Suzuki-backed racer from Japan who was competing in the daunting, dangerous event for the 20th time.

"There is more to racing that Formula 1," said Tajima, and nothing can demonstrate that more than Pikes Peak

It was the culmination of years of effort for the 57-year-old

.

The hill-climb has been challenging drivers for 85 years. It starts at 9400 feet above sea level and climbs almost 20 kilometres to the summit at 14 110 feet.

Along the way is a twisting, turning road and track that includes a turn dubbed "The Bottomless Pit" that offers racers a 6000-foot drop if the turn is missed.

Drivers encounter tarred stretches as well as decomposed granite, dirt, mud and, sometimes, ice and snow. The lack of oxygen affects drivers and their vehicles and demands both be in their best condition to tackle the mountain.

There are 20 divisions in the race, including off-road motorcycles, sidecars, vintage racers, super stock cars, and unlimited custom racers.

This year's edition had more than 150 racers competing for the $50 000 purse with an additional $5 000 for a record-breaking run but it was satisfaction that Tajima was savouring when he dived out of his Suzuki at the summit and made for an oxygen bottle as he celebrated

Drivers encounter tarred stretches as well as ice and snow

.

It wasn't his first victory. In 2006 he shared the title with Leonard Vahsholtz but his bid to break the previous record of 10min04.06 - owned by Californian Rod Millen - was thwarted by a snowstorm near the summit.

Tajima made several improvements to his Unlimited class, 700kW Suzuki XL7 for this year, including changes to the transmission and some new aerodynamic features.

He hopes his success will inspire other Japanese to try their luck in America not only in racing but also in sports such as baseball.

"In the past Japanese athletes may not have felt as welcome or as comfortable in America," Tajima said.

He wants to encourage other Japanese to think of pursuing athletic and, in particular, motor race opportunities such as Nascar, in North America.

Tajima will be taking his own advice as he already has a new goal for Pikes Peak.

"I want to try again and beat the 10-minutes barrier," he said. - AFP