The Jalopy Journal

**Ryan** · 07-23-2008, 08:56 AM

Sometime around 1915, Spencer Penrose was putting the finishing touches on his life's work - "Pikes Peak Highway." After making the pass passable by widening and leveling the road, Spencer decided he needed a marketing catch to get tourist to trust h...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

**striper** · 07-23-2008, 09:04 AM

No time now but added to my faves list to peruse later. Thanks.

Engine Pro 5X · 07-23-2008, 09:10 AM

The Unser family ruled this place for years. Racing up the coarse is said to be a ADDICTIVE PASSION!!! Flirting with that demon!!! Go figure>>>>.

**JeffreyJames** · 07-23-2008, 09:24 AM

I had a similar experience this past weekend as we went to a Model A farm in the mountains. To to make a long story short, we got lost and ended up taking a trail/dirt road trying to make our way off the mountain only inches from the edge of the cliff. It took us about an hour to find our way to a more respectable elevation.

Pikes Peak seems way cooler and those images are proof. Not something I think I would try but I would be more then willing to watch some people double down and get dirty....or dead. I could do without the latter though.

hotrodladycrusr · 07-23-2008, 09:26 AM

After more then 100 years, some of the road and hairpin turns still looks the same, dirt and gravel. Very cool photos, thanks for sharing.

Revhead · 07-23-2008, 09:50 AM

A couple of years ago we drove up the road to pikes peak.. It's scary enough going 30 mph. about 50% of the time all you can see out the windshield is sky.

xderelict · 07-23-2008, 10:12 AM

Record sits at 10:01,broke by Team Suzuki.The record was 10:04 and stood for like 16 years.Takes a tourist more than an hour to drive up.Bonneville and Pikes Peak,way cool grass roots racing.Thanks for the post,the blown Harley Davidson entry in the 50s photos is bad ass.Google shows it as offy powered and did the climb in15:42:30 in 1953

**hotroddon** · 07-23-2008, 10:15 AM

Not a HAMB car but relates to "The Mountain"
We raced the Rally Car class in 1986 and during practice drove the car off the cliff at Engineers Corner. About a 30ft drop to a small "ledge" on the mountain that stopped the car - abruptly. Otherwise it was hundreds of feet to the bottom. The car spent the next 3 days at the local Dodge dealer on the frame machine getting straightened. We had to continue practice in a 1 ton extended wheelbase Dodge van. Quite embarrassing (they require you to run all practice sessions as a rookie). Did end up with a third in class after all that
Dodge Omni GLH Turbo - the Shelby built creations

Rand Man · 07-23-2008, 10:35 AM

My question is: were the majority of the cars (in thse photos) purpose built for Pikes Peak, or were they regular race cars that also ran at the peak. The reason I'm asking is, I see several of the sprint cars running bolt-on wheels. A HAMB'er (Recycler) wants to run his speedster at Bonneville. He was told by Bonne officials that he couldn't run his car in a vintage sprint car class because it didn't have knock-off wheels. It's a bit off the topic of this post, but are we looking at one-race race cars?

Jobe · 07-23-2008, 12:06 PM

damn...

tractorguy · 07-23-2008, 12:11 PM

Great post and unbelievable photos. I have had the pleasure of camping on the mountain the night before the race, having a great campfire breakfast in the cool, crisp air and being in our favorite turns for the race.

I managed to crawl into a large culvert that was under one of the turns and then shooting pictures as the cars literally drove over me.

Real racers, real cars, real hot rod heritage and real racing on a beautiful mountain.

Sadly, there is an environmental movement underway to PAVE the entire road because there is dirt, gravel etc. runoff damaging the pristine wildlife on the mountain.....so get out there before it is gone.

ChevyGirlRox · 07-23-2008, 12:24 PM

Scary stuff for sure! Having driven up Pikes Peak a couple times, most recently last summer in a roadster, I can tell you first hand it can get unbelievably hairy even in a fairly modern day car. I would encourage everyone to do it at least once. And if you're brave, in your hot rod! I hope they NEVER pave the dirt and gravel parts, they are the most fun!

Great photos, thanks for sharing.

Rootie Kazoootie · 07-23-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rand Man

My question is: were the majority of the cars (in thse photos) purpose built for Pikes Peak, or were they regular race cars that also ran at the peak. The reason I'm asking is, I see several of the sprint cars running bolt-on wheels. A HAMB'er (Recycler) wants to run his speedster at Bonneville. He was told by Bonne officials that he couldn't run his car in a vintage sprint car class because it didn't have knock-off wheels. It's a bit off the topic of this post, but are we looking at one-race race cars?

The open wheel class is now pretty much dominated by r/e cars now and the traditonal upright (championship class) is, I believe, gone. However the uprights still race the local CHCA hillclimbs. To answer your question, the upright cars are based on normal sprint cars but modified to allow the use of a transmission, turn L&R and bolt on wheels are common.

Jack Daniel · 07-23-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tractorguy

Sadly, there is an environmental movement underway to PAVE the entire road because there is dirt, gravel etc. runoff damaging the pristine wildlife on the mountain.....so get out there before it is gone.

If I remember correctly about half of the course has already been paved and they are working on the rest. My grandparents have a cabin in the mountains that they spend the summers at. You can sit on their front balcony with a good set of binoculars and watch the race. It's only possible to actually see the last 1/4 or so of the course (above the tree line).

REVEREND JAKE · 07-23-2008, 01:34 PM

Lucky.

hotrodladycrusr · 07-23-2008, 01:56 PM

Looks like a Corvette

Engine Pro 5X · 07-23-2008, 03:48 PM

[quote=PoopStain06;2982026]A few more from my favorite site....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan

Sometime around 1915, Spencer Penrose was putting the finishing touches on his life's work - "Pikes Peak Highway." After making the pass passable by widening and leveling the road, Spencer decided he needed a marketing catch to get tourist to trust h...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

Look what I found lurking in the cool pics thread>>>>.

mtlcutter · 07-23-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopercruisers

damn...

I was going to post this pic but you beat me to it. This one is my favorite. DAMN!!!!! Indeed.

**zman** · 07-23-2008, 05:58 PM

I'm bummed they stopped the Chimney Rock Hillclimb here in North Carolina, I think the last time it ran was '95. But there are a couple of newer ones that have been running. It's some of the coolest racing ever.... I always wanted to make it to Pikes Peak for the races...

autobilly · 07-23-2008, 11:20 PM

Interesting site and great photo's. Thanks for bringing it to Ryan's attention Drewfus.
Some may know, but there is a film of a guy named Ari Vatanen(?) racing up to the peak in very quick time, circa mid 8o's. The footage is taken both from the car and trackside. It takes the viewer on the full ride and gives a real idea of the experiance.
Vatanen's crew chief was a guy called Jean Todt(?) who later went on to head the Farrari F1 team.
I don't know how to find this film (I've seen it once on someones laptop), but recomend anyone who does to post, as it is well worth a look.

07-23-2008, 08:56 AM	#1
Ryan Administrator Join Date: Jan 1995 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 13,611	Pikes Peak Sometime around 1915, Spencer Penrose was putting the finishing touches on his life's work - "Pikes Peak Highway." After making the pass passable by widening and leveling the road, Spencer decided he needed a marketing catch to get tourist to trust h... To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

07-23-2008, 09:04 AM	#2
striper Alliance Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Vic, Australia Posts: 4,325	Re: Pikes Peak No time now but added to my faves list to peruse later. Thanks. __________________ VULTURES Australia Your concerns about whether what you are about to do is going to end well, are well founded.

07-23-2008, 09:10 AM	#3
Engine Pro 5X Old School HAMBer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SAUSAGE CAPITOL US of A Posts: 4,199	Re: Pikes Peak The Unser family ruled this place for years. Racing up the coarse is said to be a ADDICTIVE PASSION!!! Flirting with that demon!!! Go figure>>>>. __________________ GET IN THE TRUCK JETHRO!!! WE'RE GOING TO CALIFORNIA!!! SWIMMING POOLS!!! MOVIE STARS!!!***CAN I SHOW YOU MY BEST KIELBASA ???

07-23-2008, 09:24 AM	#4
JeffreyJames Alliance Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SUGAR CITY Posts: 15,917	Re: Pikes Peak I had a similar experience this past weekend as we went to a Model A farm in the mountains. To to make a long story short, we got lost and ended up taking a trail/dirt road trying to make our way off the mountain only inches from the edge of the cliff. It took us about an hour to find our way to a more respectable elevation. Pikes Peak seems way cooler and those images are proof. Not something I think I would try but I would be more then willing to watch some people double down and get dirty....or dead. I could do without the latter though. __________________ I PLAY WITH TIGERS WWW.SUGARCITYSPEEDSHOP.COM CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM IMAGES

07-23-2008, 09:26 AM	#5
hotrodladycrusr Old School HAMBer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 20,655	Re: Pikes Peak After more then 100 years, some of the road and hairpin turns still looks the same, dirt and gravel. Very cool photos, thanks for sharing. __________________ Will trade cookies for old good for nothing flathead heads or hubcaps.

07-23-2008, 09:50 AM	#6
Revhead Old School HAMBer Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,028	Re: Pikes Peak A couple of years ago we drove up the road to pikes peak.. It's scary enough going 30 mph. about 50% of the time all you can see out the windshield is sky. __________________ Day Custom Engine - Stromberg Dealer

07-23-2008, 10:12 AM	#7
xderelict Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Omaha Posts: 2,309	Re: Pikes Peak Record sits at 10:01,broke by Team Suzuki.The record was 10:04 and stood for like 16 years.Takes a tourist more than an hour to drive up.Bonneville and Pikes Peak,way cool grass roots racing.Thanks for the post,the blown Harley Davidson entry in the 50s photos is bad ass.Google shows it as offy powered and did the climb in15:42:30 in 1953 __________________ A SOUTH OMAHA TURD Last edited by xderelict; 07-23-2008 at 10:23 AM.

07-23-2008, 10:15 AM	#8
hotroddon Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Orange, So Cal Posts: 10,248	Re: Pikes Peak Not a HAMB car but relates to "The Mountain" We raced the Rally Car class in 1986 and during practice drove the car off the cliff at Engineers Corner. About a 30ft drop to a small "ledge" on the mountain that stopped the car - abruptly. Otherwise it was hundreds of feet to the bottom. The car spent the next 3 days at the local Dodge dealer on the frame machine getting straightened. We had to continue practice in a 1 ton extended wheelbase Dodge van. Quite embarrassing (they require you to run all practice sessions as a rookie). Did end up with a third in class after all that Dodge Omni GLH Turbo - the Shelby built creations __________________ HOT RODDING - It used to be about the cars, now it's just a freakin Fashion Show

07-23-2008, 10:35 AM	#9
Rand Man Old School HAMBer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rogers, Arkansas Posts: 2,624	Re: Pikes Peak My question is: were the majority of the cars (in thse photos) purpose built for Pikes Peak, or were they regular race cars that also ran at the peak. The reason I'm asking is, I see several of the sprint cars running bolt-on wheels. A HAMB'er (Recycler) wants to run his speedster at Bonneville. He was told by Bonne officials that he couldn't run his car in a vintage sprint car class because it didn't have knock-off wheels. It's a bit off the topic of this post, but are we looking at one-race race cars? __________________ She's wearin' new colors and runnin' pretty good I got four hundred horses tucked under the hood.

07-23-2008, 12:06 PM	#10
Jobe Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 1,253	Re: Pikes Peak damn... __________________ http://www.austindiecastdrags.com http://www.61-62cadillacs.com

07-23-2008, 12:11 PM	#11
tractorguy Grenade Inspector Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Delafield Wisconsin Posts: 161	Re: Pikes Peak Great post and unbelievable photos. I have had the pleasure of camping on the mountain the night before the race, having a great campfire breakfast in the cool, crisp air and being in our favorite turns for the race. I managed to crawl into a large culvert that was under one of the turns and then shooting pictures as the cars literally drove over me. Real racers, real cars, real hot rod heritage and real racing on a beautiful mountain. Sadly, there is an environmental movement underway to PAVE the entire road because there is dirt, gravel etc. runoff damaging the pristine wildlife on the mountain.....so get out there before it is gone.

07-23-2008, 12:24 PM	#12
ChevyGirlRox Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,560	Re: Pikes Peak Scary stuff for sure! Having driven up Pikes Peak a couple times, most recently last summer in a roadster, I can tell you first hand it can get unbelievably hairy even in a fairly modern day car. I would encourage everyone to do it at least once. And if you're brave, in your hot rod! I hope they NEVER pave the dirt and gravel parts, they are the most fun! Great photos, thanks for sharing. __________________ I can fly! Join the HAMB Book Club!

07-23-2008, 01:34 PM	#15
REVEREND JAKE Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Oil Capital of the World Posts: 777	Re: Pikes Peak Lucky.

07-23-2008, 01:56 PM	#16
hotrodladycrusr Old School HAMBer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 20,655	Re: Pikes Peak Looks like a Corvette __________________ Will trade cookies for old good for nothing flathead heads or hubcaps.

07-23-2008, 05:58 PM	#19
zman Alliance Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 16,481	Re: Pikes Peak I'm bummed they stopped the Chimney Rock Hillclimb here in North Carolina, I think the last time it ran was '95. But there are a couple of newer ones that have been running. It's some of the coolest racing ever.... I always wanted to make it to Pikes Peak for the races... __________________ I have gotten grief for pointing out that the white, speckled stuff on chicken shit is still chicken shit. I will continue to do so... Chili Phil

07-23-2008, 11:20 PM	#20
autobilly Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tweed, Australia Posts: 2,524	Re: Pikes Peak Interesting site and great photo's. Thanks for bringing it to Ryan's attention Drewfus. Some may know, but there is a film of a guy named Ari Vatanen(?) racing up to the peak in very quick time, circa mid 8o's. The footage is taken both from the car and trackside. It takes the viewer on the full ride and gives a real idea of the experiance. Vatanen's crew chief was a guy called Jean Todt(?) who later went on to head the Farrari F1 team. I don't know how to find this film (I've seen it once on someones laptop), but recomend anyone who does to post, as it is well worth a look. __________________ RETRO Spec. (tive) -Getting to where you're going by knowing where you've come from.

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