The old man they call “Monster” broke what is probably the last significant performance barrier at Pikes Peak on Sunday, wheeling a highly modified Suzuki (YUCK!) SX4 up the mountain in less than 10-minutes, something no other man has done before. The 900hp car did it in fine fashion too, as it was barfing coolant for the last quarter mile or so of the run, after being thrashed to within an inch of it’s life by one of Pikes Peak’s true living legends.
Tajima has won the race now six times, but this one is definitely the most significant win in the history of the 89 year old race. Like the vaunted four second lap in drag racing, there’s only one guy who gets to say that they did it first and have their names forever scribed in the big book of racing history.
The record was expected to fall this year due to the ever increasing amount of pavement at Pikes Peak. In fact, by next year’s event, the entire race, from the start to the finish will be run on asphalt for the first time ever. From a performance perspective, that is great news, but from a historical and fan perspective, it kind of stinks.
We’ve always been of the mind that the varying terrain and conditions are what makes this event so special. You can be a great asphalt road racer but the second your car is off in the loose rocks and dirt, you may be totally lost, and over the history of the event, driver’s abilities and flaws have shone through in just that manner. Asphalt or not, it is still dangerous as hell and exciting to watch!
It is mind boggling to think that Tajima climbed about 5,000ft, over 12 miles of mixed road, and made more than 156 turns in 9:51. There seem to be race drivers that have been put on the Earth for specific events. “Monster” Tajima is truly a beast a Pikes Peak. It would really be something to use a time machine to put Rod Millen in his prime up against Tajima in modern equipment.
Next year will be the 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Make plans to be there, it looks like a riot!
Pikes peak with out dirt is like an engine with out a carb, it’s probably better but it just ain’t right
I have to stand up for the Suzuki. I love my one ton with the Cummins and my big block Suburban but Ive grown to love my wifes ’93 Suzuki Sidekick and a friend’s ’88 Sami. Thewy are kinda like a moped or a fat chick, except I’m not ashamed to be seen riding in them.