The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is the second oldest motor sports race in America (only the Indy 500 is older), a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region, and is the world’s highest altitude auto race. An annual event since 1916, 2011 marks the 89th running of the “Race to the Clouds.” Notable past winners include Al Unser and Mario Andretti.
The PPIHC is a dangerous sprint run of 12.42 miles that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the mountain’s 14,110 foot summit’s and is a grueling test on both man and machine. As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thinner air slows the reflexes and saps the muscle strength. That same thin air also robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. Both competitor and vehicle need to be in top shape simply to finish… let alone win.
Project Photo Gallery
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Dirt
Dirt
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Gas Alley at Pikes Peak
Gas Alley 2011
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
View from the top
Testing at the track
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Early morning prep
Early morning prep
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Banks Twin-Turbo
Paul Dallenbach - Open Wheel Unlimited #98
Banks Twin-Turbo
Custom air inlets feed the Banks Twin-Turbo engine
Forced induction systems are either turbocharged or supercharged. But which is better? Both have their strengths and weaknesses. In 60 seconds, Gale Banks explains why the turbocharger is generally his “weapon of choice.” But that doesn’t mean that the supercharger doesn’t have its place in his arsenal. LokJaw, our 1966 Chevy C20 features a Whipple Gen V ...
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – Push Your Vehicle to the Limit! This legendary race challenges both driver and car, with thin air sapping engine power by 30% at the summit. Imagine needing cutting-edge technology just to maintain performance! Upgrade your car to handle anything the road throws at you – visit ...
Gale Banks has a long history of building and racing high-performance vehicles. Over the years, the company has experimented with various fuels, including methanol, nitromethane, hydrogen, and diesel. Banks Power has also developed innovative turbocharging technologies and engine modifications to achieve record-breaking performance.
During the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race, the Dallenbach Racing/Banks Power team encountered a cracked intake plenum on their race car. With the help of a fellow competitor, David Donner, they were able to repair the crack and ensure the car was ready to race on Sunday. The team also enjoyed the camaraderie and hospitality ...
Want to conquer challenging terrains and maximize cornering speeds? Dallenbach Racing/Banks Power proves that meticulous chassis tuning, grippy tires, and a powerful engine are the keys to success. Their 1400-horsepower car with a limited-slip differential dominated corners, even with a surprise power loss. See how they overcame this hurdle and achieve peak performance
The Dallenbach Racing/Banks Power team took their car to Pueblo Motorsports Park for a shakedown and fine-tuning session before the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. They made adjustments to the brake bias, shock tuning, and tire pressure to improve handling and braking performance. The car also reached a top speed of 150 mph during a ...
