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Butch Hardman, for the No. 59 of the championship class, on his way to the summit of Pikes Peak. Hardman finished with a time of 13:43.995 Godfrey Brooke / Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

- 1631 Mesa Avenue Suite B-1 Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Phone: 719-685-4400 ext. 13
- Web: www.ppihc.com

The 85th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as the “Race to the Clouds,”will pit expert drivers from all backgrounds July 21 in the highest auto race in the world.

Many types of vehicles, including super stock, vintage cars and four-wheelers, wind around 156 hairpin turns as they ascend the massive mountain. One particular corner, dubbed the “Bottomless Pit,”would send the driver hurdling 6,000 feet, although no one has ever gone over the edge.

The racers start at 9,400 feet and climb to an astounding 14,100 feet, causing some of the vehicles to struggle to reach the finish line.

The time to beat for the 12.4-mile course now stands at 10 minutes, four seconds. Visitors can satisfy their need for speed by watching the exotic cars, motorcycles and all-terrain machines carry up the narrow roadway to the top.

Tickets for the race are available May 1 at any Front Range King Soopers or by calling the Pikes Peak Center Ticket Office at 719-520-SHOW or visiting www.ticketswest.com.