Guy Martin vs. America’s Toughest Race: Pikes Peak Hill Climb! | Speed FULL Episode S2E2
Set in Colorado, this grueling 12.42-mile course climbs over 4,700 feet with 156 hairpin turns and sheer drop-offs, stretching up to a summit of 14,115 feet above sea level. Founded by Spencer Penrose to publicize the newly constructed Pikes Peak Highway, it remains the second-oldest motorsport event in the U.S., second only to the Indianapolis 500.
The race has evolved from rough gravel roads to a fully paved course by 2012, challenging generations of drivers and riders alike. Iconic racing families like the Unsers and legendary figures such as Sebastien Loeb have left their marks on this demanding mountain track. Hill climbing there tests not only driving skill but also endurance and bravery, as racers confront the effects of extreme altitude, including significant power loss for internal combustion engines and physiological challenges for the drivers.
Guy Martin’s journey to conquer this mountain involves custom-building a turbocharged motorcycle to compensate for the thin mountain air that can sap up to 30% of engine power. He trains in a hypoxic chamber to adapt his body to the harsh high-altitude conditions, while documenting the intricate challenges of learning the 156 corners, managing the temperamental bike, and navigating the perilous, cliff-bordered switchbacks. Against a backdrop of iconic racers and natural beauty, Guy’s story is one of determination, passion, and the pursuit of mastering one of motorsport’s toughest tests.
This documentary-style episode offers an in-depth look at the history, technical demands, and human drama of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, portraying it as an ultimate racing challenge where man and machine must harmonize to succeed.Guy Martin takes on the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a race with over a century of history that started in 1916 as a publicity stunt for the newly built Pikes Peak Highway by Spencer Penrose. Rising from 9,402 to 14,115 feet over 12.42 miles, the course features 156 hairpin turns and dangerous cliffs without guardrails, making it one of America’s oldest and most perilous motorsport events, second only to the Indianapolis 500 in age.
Originally a gravel and dirt road, Pikes Peak was fully paved by 2012 to mitigate environmental damage, but maintained its daunting character. The hill climb has been home to racing dynasties like the Unsers, and record holders such as Sebastien Loeb, whose blistering 8:13.878 minute ascent in 2013 remains unsurpassed.
The extreme altitude dramatically affects both man and machine, reducing oxygen levels and cutting engine power by about 30%. Racers must overcome these physical and mechanical challenges while navigating the mountain’s treacherous switchbacks. Guy builds a custom turbocharged motorcycle to compensate for power loss and trains in a hypoxic chamber to boost his own performance at altitude.
This episode delves into the race’s rich history, the legendary drivers and riders who’ve tackled it, and the extraordinary preparation required to compete, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of why Pikes Peak is dubbed “The Race to the Clouds.” It’s a story of skill, endurance, and human spirit set against breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery and intense competition.
