And sets a new recordNobuhiro Tajima, the president of Suzuki Sport, won the 85th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by accomplishing his run in a fastest time of ten minutes and one second, thereby breaking the record previously held by Rod Milen for thirteen years.
Tajima
ran the first section to Picnic Ground in 1'42"197, the second section to Glen Cove in 4'29"191, the third section to 16-mile point in 7'3"408, and the last section to the finish line in 10'1"408.
His feat will be written in the Guinness Book of Records.
"Looking back at the race, I realize the greatness of Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb and the toughness of the goal to beat the record," Monster Tajima said.
"I started competing in this race in 1988. It is really fantastic for me to set the record at this memorable 85th competition and the 20th challenge for me and to let a Japanese name be part of this race history," he reflected.
Although the event began under sunny skies, the previous evening's rain made for a slippery road, with sand covering certain portions. Altitude was also a factor on the American track situated among the hills of Colorado.
"After passing the Double Cut in the middle section, the course became a sharp climb. The altitude was almost 4000 metres above sea level. It started to be difficult to breathe. The engine also seemed to have difficulties generating power," Tajima explained.
"Finally I reached the upper section. It was the high-speed gravel road, the typical road of Pikes Peak. But the road conditions were worse than the gravel part of the lower section. I did my best but I didn't manage to increase the speed. It was getting more and more difficult to breathe. The engine and the turbochargers on the car were also gasping for air," he continued.
Winning the event was cause enough for celebration, but breaking the record held much significance for Suzuki Sport's President: "I have become the first Asian champion and the new record holder. Considering the ground conditions, it was a good time though I couldn't break the 10 minutes barrier."
Though he is delighted with his victory, Monster Tajima has already set a new goal for his 2008 Pikes Peak challenge.
"Many ideas to break the 10-minute barrier have emerged in my mind! Just thinking about it makes me really excited!" concluded Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima.
Source Suzuki Sport
