21 July 2009 - 10:00
Four in a row for Monster
Nobuhiro 'Monster’ Tajima is still king of the hill.
The Suzuki legend has taken his fourth consecutive Pikes Peak hillclimb title in his 873bhp SX4, fending off a challenge from Marcus Gronholm in an 800bhp Fiesta to complete the 12.42-mile run in 10 minutes 15.368 seconds.
That's seriously quick stuff, although not quick enough to beat Monster's course record of 10:01.408, set back in 2007. Weather didn't help his efforts to break the 10-minute barrier, with rain and lightning delaying the start out on the hill.
Gronholm crossed the line in 11:28.963, but looked set to go close to Monster's record after storming the first two sectors. However, his Fiesta's turbo went bang just a couple of miles from the top of the hill, the Ford crossing the line down on power... and on fire.
The second Fiesta, driven by rally champion Andreas Eriksson, crashed out on a tarmac section after heavy rain.
Rhys Millen - son of Pikes Peak legend Rod Millen and famous in his own right as the man who very nearly backflipped a truck - set a new class record in the two-wheel-drive class, clocking 12:09.397 in his Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Millen promised to return in the ‘Unlimited' class next year to challenge the Monster. Can he defeat Tajima? Can anyone?
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Legend, with balls of solid steel.
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Just Hope no one else breaks the 10 mins before him, that would suck to be the one to get so close but not quite.
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How did the 1250 BHP Ford RS200 get on?
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The RS200 only managed a 12:11:561 apparently, thats 15th overall. Times as follows: 87. PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB RESULTS 1. Nobuhiro Tajima (J) Monster Sport SX4 10.15,368 2. Paul Dallenbach (USA) Chevy 10.52,097 3. Jimmy Keeney (USA) Greenwood-Hull K-Tech 2 11.03,551 4. Spencer Steele (USA) Ford Wells Coyote 11.08,535 5. Marcus Grönholm/Timo Alanne (FIN) Ford Fiesta 11.28,963 6. Clint Vahsholtz (USA) Ford Mustang 11.39,662 7. Jack Guynn (USA) Wells Coyote 11.43,675 8. Davey Durelle (USA) Aprilia SXV 11.48,649 9. Gary Trachy (USA) KTM SMX 11.48,743 10. David Carapetyan/Adam Kneipp (USA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII 11.52,837 11. Jeff Grace (USA) KTM 610 SMR 11.59,156 12. Layne Schranz (USA) Chevrolet Monte Carlo 12.02,672 13. Rhys Millen (USA) Hyundai Genesis Coupe 12.09,397 14. David Kern/Allison Kern (USA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 12.10,335 15. Mark Rennison (GB) Ford RS200 12.11,561
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I really though Marcus Gronholm would win. He says he'll be back next year to break the 10 minute barrier, so does Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima apparently, so next year's could be interesting!
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The Fiesta Gronholm was driving had turbo issues towards the end of the run which cost him power and time, a shame as apparently the first couple of sectors he did were pretty quick. Hopefully those that had problems this year can return and do better in '10. I'd love to see the RS200 come top.
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That car's really got a monster splitter!!
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If you want to break the 10 min barrier you need an unlimited Suzuki Escudo. No compromises.
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What about the toyota tacoma that is a legend of a car love it. Iv also got a small hot wheels model of the car would it be worth any thing now or in the future.
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Monster looks to be unbeatable but I think if Gronholm does a couple of years he'll crack it. Even Monster couldn't get under 10 minutes, it would be a good send off for him if and when he does, although he doesn't show any signs of wanting to retire!
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That suzaki pikes peak must be the most remarkable car ever made
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hyundai are rubbish
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Takk commented on this article
21 July 2009
I remember doing this in GranTurismo 2, really weird. Even in the game it was quite scary. I'd never dare do it for real... Well, alright: in a Skoda Roomster I'd dare. I wish they'd bring it back into the game though. Anyone else?
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