The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is not only a test of speed, this mountain race also tests a driver’s fortitude, will and stamina. At an elevation of 14,115 feet, the air is thin, the weather is unpredictable and road conditions are a constant worry. Yet every year, racers of all creeds challenge this mountain course despite the dangers. Now Ducati’s force for safety on the mountain is returning, but this year, this Ducati won’t be content with sitting on the sidelines.
Ducati Returns to PPIHC Competition
After the tragic loss of Carl Sorensen back in 2015, the racing council for the PPIHC made drastic changes to the race’s approach on safety. These changes included controversial rule changes, but race officials weren’t the only people looking to improve safety. Ducati put together a special team of PPIHC veterans and experts to serve as Squadra Alpina.
These support and safety riders go out on the course to ensure that it is safe for motorcycle racers, and they help advise and train racers how to ride to the summit safely. This program has met with such success over the past two years that it will be returning for the 2018 Race to the Clouds. However, Ducati won’t be satisfied with merely keeping riders safe.
Last year, Chris Filmore broke the record for fastest motorcycle up the hill on his KTM SuperDuke motorcycle. The previous record was held by Carlin Dunne on a Ducati Multistrada. This turn of events will not go unanswered. In addition to running the Squadra Alpina, Ducati will also field a racing team to reclaim the record. Record setters Codie Vahsholtz and Carlin Dunne will ride two 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260s in an attempt to reclaim the record for the Italian manufacturer.
Do you think Ducati will reclaim the record, or does the KTM racing effort have another surprise in store for Ducati? Only time will tell, but the attorneys who ride at Metier Law Firm can’t wait to see how this latest rivalry will unfold.