Bob Penkhus Employee Aims For The Clouds


The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is an annual motorsports event held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is the second oldest race in America, running since 1916. This iconic race, often referred to as "The Race to the Clouds," challenges drivers to conquer a winding 12.42-mile course with 156 turns, culminating at the summit of Pikes Peak, which stands at an impressive 14,115 feet above sea level. Known for its breathtaking scenery and demanding conditions, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is steeped in history and revered by racing enthusiasts worldwide.


One of our own is aiming to make his mark on PPIHC history this year. Dominick Tapia, a technician who has been with Bob Penkhus for nearly 18 years, will be competing for the first time. He sat down to answer some questions about his experience preparing for the PPIHC.




"The risk is much larger and there's no room for mistakes, no leeway.
Off the edge is 1000's of feet of drop off."

How did you get into racing, and what inspired you to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb?


"My biggest inspiration was growing up in a family of car lovers - it was an inherited hobby. When I started racing, it turned into a passion for danger and speed. I decided to pursue safer sports like autocross and drag racing - until I got bored. Growing up, I always enjoyed watching the PPIHC and following the drivers. I was offered the opportunity to race this year and couldn't say no."

 

  

How do you prioritize safety without sacrificing the competitive edge needed to succeed in this race?


"There is no other race like the PPIHC, and so the preparation is unlike any other race. The risk is much larger and there's no room for mistakes, no leeway. Off the edge is 1000's of feet of drop off. My friends and family still wonder why I do it. It's important to know your limits beforehand. Prioritizing safety means I take it easy in practice, building confidence on the course but once the race starts, my competitiveness makes me go much faster. Since it's my first time, my main goal is finishing. The mountain is my competition."

"Being a Colorado Springs native I'm pretty acclimated to higher altitude so I don't have as hard a time as some of the other competitors."

How do you handle the altitude changes throughout the course? Does it also affect your car's performance?


"As the air becomes thinner up the mountain, your mind can't perform as well. You are allowed to mount an oxygen tank in your car to guarantee your brain has the oxygen it needs to think clearly and make quick decisions. You can also request a health screening if necessary and get altitude sickness medicine. Being a Colorado Springs native I'm pretty acclimated to higher altitude so I don't have as hard a time as some of the other competitors. The altitude drastically affects the car as well. Gas engines experience major power loss at higher altitudes. By the end of the race at 14,115, your engine is running with only 60 percent the horsepower as it would at sea level. Succeeding despite these issues is what makes a driver great."

 

Were you involved in building the car you are racing in? Are there any unique aspects of your car that will set it apart from the competition?


"The car is a part of a racing team that has been challenging Pikes Peak for 10 years. I was a part of the original group of technicians that were brought together to work on the car. The lead driver was unable to compete this year, and he nominated me to take his seat! The car used to be a 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X stock vehicle, but I have been on the team modifying it since the beginning. It's all wheel drive, which is great for the tight corners on the course and I believe that helps set us apart from some of the other competitors." 

"There is no guidance - and it's 156 turns from start to finish. That's part of the driver's preparation."

Do you have someone guiding your turns while you drive since some turns are tighter than others? 


"There is no guidance - and it's 156 turns from start to finish. That's part of the driver's preparation. Memorizing the turns can be a huge factor in placement and time. There can be a lot of unfortunate accidents if drivers are not sure which turn they're at. I drive the course in my personal car as much as I can to have a physical reference of road conditions. My approach to memorizing is finding site markers like trees, road signs, gutters, or unique road markings that clue you in on what turn you're at.. I'll drive the route for several hours and then run simulations on my computer at home. Repetition is key."
 
 

Is there a certain part of the track you are most excited/nervous about?


"Anything above Timberline makes anyone nervous. There's only a few guardrails, so no room for errors. Especially with the road conditions always changing."

Do you get an opportunity to drive the course in your racing car before the race starts?


"You never get a full out practice. The week of the race, you get your vehicle safety inspected on Monday and then Tuesday-Thursday is used for practice. Since the Pikes Peak Highway is in full use to the public during business hours, they can only allow us to practice from 5:00-8:30 am which means we're there at the gate to be let in at 3:00am. That's our practice window and we must be done before the highway opens to the public. They divide the track into 3 sections, and you practice a different section each day. You never get to try a previous section again, and you only get 3-5 runs if that on each section over those 3 practice days. The first time you see the full length of the track at race speeds is on race day during your one and only attempt to make it to the summit." 
 

"I wouldn't have this drive to race without being on this team surrounded by passionate people."

 

As a rookie, were there any veteran drivers that helped you prepare for this race?


"I've been on the team for 10 years in the pit crew. I participated in drivers meetings knowing I wanted to compete. I've made friends with many of the veteran drivers over the years of being on the pit crew and they've all been very helpful in my preparation for this year's race. Derek Boyd is our primary driver and one of the co-owners for the team I work for, he has helped tremendously with his knowledge that he has gained over the last 9 years of him challenging the mountain. Anything and everything I can learn will help me with this great feat." 

How has your time at Bob Penkhus shaped your journey to this race?


"The entire race team started with all technicians from Bob Penkhus. I was there from the beginning. I wouldn't have this drive to race without being on this team surrounded by passionate people."
 

Is there anything you would like to say to the people of Colorado Springs coming out to support you?


"Thank you! I have been getting a lot of support from Bob Penkhus and the community ahead of the race. I wouldn't be able to do this without you. See you on race day!"

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2024

Don't miss the excitement of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as Bob Penkhus technician, Dominick Tapia, makes his debut! For ticket and race information, visit the PPIHC website. Choose from various spectator areas along the course, each offering unique vantage points to witness the thrill of the race up close. Don't miss your chance to be part of the action and cheer on Dominick  as he takes on the challenge of Pikes Peak.


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