Ken Block Masters the Switchbacks of Pike's Peak

Ken Block, expert driver, elegantly challenges Pike’s Peak (“America’s Mountain”) in Colorado, USA.

Pike’s Peak, Colorado, USA

Ken Block drove America’s Mountain with expert zazz and a little taunting flare, as showcased in his “Climbkhana” partnership with Toyo Tires. More on that shortly.

Pike’s Peak is renowned for its elevation, beauty, and all things outdoorsy. Hike it, bike it, or drive it — the stunning panoramic vistas draw people the world over.

The annual Pike’s Peak road race is an annual June event that brings intrepid drivers to the mountain. The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), also known as The Race to the Clouds, is an annual invitational automobile and motorcycle hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak. PPIHC takes place on a 12.42 mile (19.99 km) public toll-road boasting 156 turns, while competitors climb 4,720 feet (1,440 meters) from 9,390 feet (2,862 meters). As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps competitor’s mental and muscle strength in addition to robbing internal combustion engines of up to 30% of the power they are capable of at the Start Line. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape and condition simply to finish, let alone win. The race is self-sanctioned and is the most diverse one day motorsports event in the world.

Ken Block captures the beauty of the Pike’s Peak

Drivers the world over want to test their grit on this challenging roadway. Not all do it during the official PPIHC. Ken Block, a professional rally driver, teamed-up with Toyo Tires for his own private Race to the Clouds in 2017.

The sound mixing of this video clip alone…! Listen for the scrape along the guard rails, and the growl and roar of the 1,400-horsepower twin-turbo methanol fueled 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2 engine. The view from 14,000 feet isn’t bad either!