Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

What Pikes Peak International Hill Climb does

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), legally Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb Educational Museum, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization founded in 1916 by entrepreneur Spencer Penrose and headquartered at 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite B, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Its sole product is the annual invitational automobile hill climb known as 'The Race to the Clouds,' conducted on a unique 12.42-mile, 156-turn course climbing from 9,390 feet to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak — America's Mountain. The 2026 event was the 104th Running (June 21, 2026), and the competition is divided into six divisions — Unlimited (Production-Based and Super Unlimited), Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama (Turbo and Naturally Aspirated), Open Wheel, Pikes Peak Open, and Exhibition — each accommodating distinct vehicle architectures and competitive formats.

The operational technology stack centers on live timing and scoring systems deployed across the mountain course, integrated with livetiming.net, and a broadcast/streaming infrastructure delivered via RACER Network, RACER+, and YouTube Live for global audiences. Supporting technology includes event management systems for practice, qualifying, and race-day run orders and a content platform hosting the 90-minute 'Race to the Clouds' documentary plus historical archives (Kings of the Mountain, Race Records, Hall of Fame).

Revenue is generated via three streams: (1) event operations including spectator admissions, competitor entries, and on-site event operations; (2) tiered corporate sponsorships with Broadmoor as title sponsor, Gran Turismo as presenting sponsor (2026), and core partners including Mobil 1, Yokohama, Kumho Tire, Acura/Honda Racing Corporation USA, Ford, Toyo Tires, HELLA, and B.R.M Chronographes; and (3) merchandise and content, including official apparel sales through Styled Aesthetic, documentary video sales, and spectator travel packages via Sports and Entertainment Travel. Pricing and entry fees are not publicly disclosed. Customer segments split across professional and amateur racing competitors (global field spanning France, Italy, Japan, Portugal, UK, Poland, USA), motorsports spectators and fans, and corporate sponsors/partners; SEO and marketing reach is delivered through RACER Network broadcast, YouTube, social media (Facebook, X, Instagram), KRDO NewsRadio, the monthly 'FROM 14,115'' newsletter, Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs, and ppihc.org live-timing pages. The organization is led by CEO Melissa Eickhoff and operates with 1–10 employees.

Name

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Legal name

Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb Educational Museum, Inc.

Website

https://ppihc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1916

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

PPIHC operates the annual invitational 'Race to the Clouds' hill climb on a 12.42-mile, 156-turn course up Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, serving global racing competitors, motorsports spectators, and tiered corporate sponsors including Broadmoor and Gran Turismo.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motorsports Event Management / Auto Racing Event

akta.pro primary industry

Off-Road & Motorsports Adventures (ATV/UTV, Dirt Bike, Dune Buggy) (THAJABAI)

Keywords

• Invitational hill climb racing
• Motorsports event management
• Automobile racing competition
• Live motorsports broadcasting
• Motorsports event sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Colorado Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Event Operations: Revenue generated from hosting the annual Race to the Clouds event including spectator admissions, competitor entries, and event operations.
2. Sponsorship and Partnership: Corporate sponsorships including title sponsor (Broadmoor), presenting sponsor (Gran Turismo), and tiered partnerships with brands like Mobil 1, Yokohama, Kumho Tire, Acura, and others. Sponsors receive exposure through event branding, broadcast coverage, and marketing materials.
3. Merchandise and Content: Official merchandise sales through Styled Aesthetic, documentary video sales ('Race to the Clouds'), and travel package partnerships.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is an annual invitational automobile hill climb race held on a 12.42-mile, 156-turn course climbing from 9,390 feet to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak – America's Mountain in Colorado Springs, CO. Founded in 1916, it is America's second oldest auto race and features six competitive divisions (Unlimited, Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama, Open Wheel, Pikes Peak Open, and Exhibition), supported by a Fan Fest spectator event, official merchandise, a documentary film, and travel packages.

Product overview

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), also known as "Race to the Clouds," is an invitational automobile hill climb event and America's second oldest auto race, founded in 1916. The event features multiple competitive divisions including Unlimited (with Production-Based and Super Unlimited subclasses), Time Attack 1, Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama (Turbo and Naturally Aspirated classes), Open Wheel, Pikes Peak Open, and Exhibition. Supporting offerings include Fan Fest spectator events, the "Race to the Clouds" documentary, travel packages, and official merchandise. The race takes place on a 12.42-mile course with 156 turns on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain in Colorado, USA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (Race to the Clouds) The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the annual invitational automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak – America's Mountain in Colorado Springs, CO. The 12.42-mile course features 156 turns and climbs from 9,390 feet to 14,115 feet. The race is open to invited professional and amateur drivers and riders from around the world.
• Unlimited Division
• Time Attack 1 Division
• Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama Division
• Open Wheel Division
• Pikes Peak Open Division
• Exhibition Division
• Fan Fest
• Race to the Clouds Documentary
• Official Merchandise
• Travel Packages

Quantifiable outcome

• 2026 race produced new records: Front-wheel-drive (10:33.104), Rear-wheel-drive (8:29.497), Production car (9:53.740), Open Wheel division (9:01.689)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Kumho Tire U.S.A.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Partnership includes Gaining Traction Program for emerging Colorado-based drivers and sponsorship of the Rookie of the Year award. Selected drivers receive financial support, entry fees, and Kumho V730 tires.
• BroadmoorflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the PPIHC. The Broadmoor hotel and resort has been the title sponsor for multiple years, providing major financial and branding support for 'The Race to the Clouds.'
• Gran TurismoflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the 104th Running of the PPIHC. Gran Turismo provides major presentation support for the event.
• Mobil 1coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of 'Pikes Peak Live' coverage and supports multiple drivers including Emelia Hartford, Jeff Zwart, JR Hildebrand, and Robb Holland.
• YokohamacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama division, a spec division for GT4 vehicle manufacturers.
• RACER NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadcast partner bringing live coverage of Race to the Clouds to global viewers. Provides streaming via RACER+ platform and broadcast coverage with live timing and scoring integration.
• Acura / Honda Racing Corporation USAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAcura is competing for 16th consecutive year with pace car (MDX Type S) and Time Attack 1 entry (Integra Type S DE5) piloted by Daijiro Yoshihara seeking front-wheel-drive record.
• Toyo TirescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFan Fest presenting sponsor. Long-standing supporter of Race to the Clouds with multiple sponsored drivers competing.
• HELLAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew sponsor for 2026 introducing HELLA Fast 15 and HELLA Hype Awards. Expanded support includes fan-voted awards and special recognition during Race Week.
• B.R.M ChronographesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAwards ceremony and division winner sponsor. Provides special edition B.R.M watches for top finishers in each division.
• FordcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor with supported drivers including multiple competitors in Ford vehicles. Featured in sponsors section of official website.
• Sports and Entertainment TravelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTravel package partner providing spectator travel arrangements including accommodations and event access.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@pikespeakhillclimb1916
• Instagraminstagram.com/pikespeakhillclimb
• Xx.com/ppihc
• Facebookfacebook.com/marksmithauguns
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-pikes-peak-international-hill-climb

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pikes Peak International Hill Climb