Both the Nürburgring's legendary Nordschleife and Pikes Peak's International Hill Climb span about 12 miles, boasting roughly 150 turns each. But Pikes Peak packs a unique twist ... it’s wrapped around a mountain, stretching from 9,000 feet to a jaw-dropping 14,000 feet above sea level. To put that in perspective, the summit is nearly half the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner.
The dangers at Pikes Peak extend beyond its daunting length and technical corners. Guardrails are rare or nonexistent on many stretches. Imagine barreling through 100-mph sweepers with a mountain wall on your left, nothing but clear blue skies below on your right, and sheer 2,000-foot drops threatening to swallow you whole.
Altitude adds another layer of risk. Thinner air reduces engine power by around 30% for combustion engines and it affects driver alertness too. That's why racers rely on oxygen tubes feeding directly into their helmets just to stay sharp.
Unlike traditional circuits where you can test, tune, and practice extensively, Pikes Peak offers only one shot at race day glory. The track surface changes every year, warped by the mountain’s freeze-thaw cycle, so last year's lines and braking points might suddenly lead off a cliff in the new season.
Many professional drivers have been caught out by these variables. Notably, Randy Pobst experienced a terrifying moment driving an electric Tesla Model 3 during the hill climb—while electric vehicles benefit from consistent power at altitude, staying glued to the road on Pikes Peak is a whole other challenge.
Driving Pikes Peak is a battle with nature, elevation, and sheer nerve. It’s no wonder it holds a reputation as one of the toughest and most perilous races in the world.
Here is a table comparing the dangers and fatalities of Pikes Peak and the Nürburgring, based on commonly known statistics and racing history insights:
| Aspect | Pikes Peak International Hill Climb | Nürburgring Nordschleife |
|---|---|---|
| Track Length | 12.42 miles (19.99 km) | 12.9 miles (20.8 km) |
| Number of Turns | ~150 | ~154 |
| Elevation Change | 4,720 ft (1,440 m) | ~1,200 ft (360 m) |
| Starting Elevation | 9,390 ft (2,862 m) | ~1,100 ft (330 m) |
| Highest Elevation | 14,115 ft (4,302 m) | ~2,300 ft (700 m) |
| Guardrails | Sparse or none in many sections | Continuous guardrails and barriers |
| Average Speed | Variable, many tight corners; 100+ mph sweepers | High-speed straights & corners; average varies by class |
| Fatalities (Historical) | Over 20 deaths since 1916 (drivers & spectators) | Approximately 70+ deaths over decades (including professional & amateur drivers) |
| Practice Opportunities | None; one run on race day only | Multiple practice sessions and testing days |
| Track Surface Conditions | Mountain freeze-thaw cycle affects surface annually | Generally maintained asphalt with scheduled resurfacing |
| Engine Power Impact | ~30% power loss for ICE engines at altitude | Minimal impact due to lower elevation |
| Driver Preparation | Oxygen supply mandatory due to altitude | No oxygen needed; 'normal' racing conditions |
| Race Frequency | Annual, single event | Multiple major events and continuous use |
| Risk Level | Extremely high due to altitude, drop offs, no barriers | High, but modern safety features reduce risk |
This comparison highlights how Pikes Peak’s unique combination of high altitude, steep drop-offs without barriers, and lack of practice runs makes it one of the most dangerous motorsports venues globally, even when compared with the formidable Nürburgring Nordschleife.
