It was a cold, early, start today here at Pikes Peak where the world’s best drivers compiled to be the fastest up the mountain.
Today was the first of three practice days; Only allowing drivers to test on the middle section of the track, where this year is 100% paved. 3:30am was the calling. The unlimited class drivers shooting for the 10 minute mark were out in full force. Rhys Millen, and his PM580, looked particularly fast compared to others.
“I think we just went about a second and a half faster than last year (in the section), and overall I’m really happy,” he said today. “We still have some oddities with the shift linkage, but it’s our first time trying the manual shifter this year. Other than that the car is rock solid and I’m really happy.”
Unofficial times had the top three drivers in the unlimited class less than one second apart. However, this is practice, so drivers may not be showing all of their cards to keep counterparts guessing. Paul Dallenbauch seemed happy with his newly designed twin turbo setup pushing over 1,300 HP too.
Today, all media seemed to have their eyes on the Millen duo. Besides Rhys, his father, Rod Millen, returns to conquer the hill for the first time in over a decade. He is driving his son’s Hyundai Genesis Coupe drift car in the 2WD Time Attack Class. He was the quickest of the day by a good margin, and seems to be the one to beat. Rhys, his son, currently holds the world record in the 2wd class. After his run today he was very happy, but stated he could easily shave off a few seconds by keeping the car straighter. After all, it is a drift car.
Day 2 practice will begin bright and early again tomorrow. AutoTalk will be bringing you updated and more coverage of the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as the week goes on, so be sure to check back.
