The 104th Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, will feature 16 rookie drivers making their debut on Sunday, June 21, 2026. These newcomers, representing a global cross-section of motorsport disciplines, will tackle the legendary 12.42-mile course in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The class includes notable names such as endurance veteran Billy Johnson, French GT competitor Valentin Simonet, and Polish champion Maciej Serafin, all seeking to conquer the 156-turn ascent to the 14,115-foot summit.
Pikes Peak remains one of the most grueling tests in world motorsport because of its unique atmospheric challenges. Starting at an altitude of approximately 9,383 feet, drivers face a vertical gain of 4,725 feet, where thinning air saps engine power and human concentration alike.
This year’s rookie crop is particularly diverse, ranging from traditional hill climb specialists to off-road champions and even an automotive journalist, proving the enduring allure of “America’s Mountain.”
And while the veterans often dominate the headlines, the 2026 debutants bring a fresh technical perspective to the mountain. Just as Oscar Piastri has shown in Formula 1, young or first-time talent can often disrupt the established order when conditions become unpredictable. For these 16 drivers, the preparation culminates on June 15 at the Broadmoor World Arena for mandatory technical inspections.
International talent headlines the 2026 Pikes Peak rookie roster
The 104th running sees several international heavyweights making their first appearance in the Pikes Peak Open and Time Attack 1 divisions. Maciej Serafin arrives with an impeccable pedigree as a two-time European Hill Climb Champion. Driving a 2019 Honda Civic TCR/JAS, he carries the distinction of being the first Polish driver to ever compete at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
France is also well-represented by Valentin Simonet, who will pilot a 2015 Renault RS01. This entry is historically significant as it marks the first time a Renault vehicle has competed in the event’s century-long history.
Simonet, a regular in the French GT Championship, will be joined by Italian veteran Franco Caruso, who brings 30 years of European cup experience to his 2018 Nova Proto NP01 Bardahl.
But the rookie class isn’t just about European specialists. American sports car ace Billy Johnson, a name familiar to NASCAR and IMSA fans, enters the Open Division with a 2015 Porsche GT3 Turbo Cup affectionately named “Lucy.” Johnson’s extensive endurance background will be vital as he manages tire temperatures across the 156-turn gantlet.
Grassroots efforts and historic machinery on the mountain
Not every rookie is backed by a major manufacturer program. Kurt Dieker is stepping into the driver’s seat of a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback after four years of supporting other teams. His transition from crew member to competitor in the Time Attack 1 division embodies the spirit of the event.
Similarly, Joshua Briggs will test the limits of a 1995 Mazda Miata, a car rarely seen in such high-altitude competition.
In the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama – Turbo Division, a unique “art car” program features Catesby Jones and broadcaster Carlos de Quesada. Both will drive BMW M4 GT4 EVO machines in a shared effort with Alegra Motorsports.
This collaborative approach allows the rookies to share data, which is crucial on a course where practice time is limited to early morning sessions before the road opens to the public.
The drive for technological excellence here mirrors the high-stakes investments seen in other sports, such as when Manchester United secures 100 million deals to bolster their ranks. On Pikes Peak, that investment goes into specialized aero packages and cooling systems designed to survive the thin air of the final sectors near the clouds.
Ultra4 off-road champions trade dirt for asphalt
The Exhibition – Ultra4 USA Division brings a different flavor of rookie to the mountain this year. These drivers are typically found crawling over rocks or racing through deserts, but they will now adapt their high-horsepower rigs for the paved climb. Phillip McGilton, the reigning Ultra4 National and Eastern Champion, leads this group in a 2020 Campbell Enterprises machine.
He is joined by off-road icons Casey Currie and Loren Healy. Currie will debut a 2025 Jeep Gladiator, while Healy brings a 2021 Ford Bronco. Rounding out the Ultra4 rookie contingent is Paul Wolff in a 2018 UFO 4400 Truck. These vehicles offer a stark visual contrast to the sleek Porsches and Wolf Extremes found in the other divisions, highlighting the event’s open-entry philosophy.
For these off-road specialists, the challenge lies in the precision required on the tarmac. Unlike the loose surfaces of Ultra4 competition, Pikes Peak offers no room for error, with sheer drops and no guardrails in many of the upper sections. It is a high-stakes transition that requires a total recalibration of their driving style.
What to expect on race day at Americas Mountain
The 16 rookies must adhere to a strict schedule leading up to the green flag. After passing technical inspection on June 15, they will participate in practice and qualifying sessions throughout the week. On race day, June 21, the gates will open to spectators at 2:30 a.m. local time, with the first vehicles scheduled to start their ascent at 7:30 a.m.
Success for a Pikes Peak rookie is rarely measured solely by the stopwatch. Finishing the run to 14,115 feet is a feat in itself. The 2026 class features a wide range of goals, from Jim Morris hoping to become one of the fastest front-wheel-drive competitors in a Volkswagen Golf to John Annunziata debuting his 2025 Wolf Extreme.
As the 104th running approaches, the focus is not just on the 12.42 miles of asphalt, but on the legends these 16 drivers hope to become. Whether it is the professional polish of Nick Plocienik in his Chevrolet Camaro or the grassroots grit of the independent entries, the “Race to the Clouds” continues to be the ultimate proving ground for those brave enough to start.
