Garage-Built Glory: The Grassroots Pikes Peak Revolution
From Luxo-Barge to Pikes Peak
Written by Cindi Carlson
Photos by Larry Chen
What makes the race to the clouds so unique amongst so many of the world’s motorsports events? Sure, there are 156 turns in just under 12.5 miles, and a climb of over 4700 feet- that’s what you can put on paper, but what can’t be defined is the sheer insanity of exposed cliff edges, rock walls, and car-tossing bumps in the pavement from the freeze/thaw cycles. The dedication of the teams to not only see their vision through but one-up themselves and the mountain is an impossibly strong magnet that brings people back every year.
There are a multitude of cars and people racing, from different disciplines and budgets. That’s motorsport, but it’s even more pronounced when Ford’s factory team with Romaine Dumas gunning for an overall record is in the same class as an almost 35+ year old Audi Station wagon. It’s simultaneously what makes Pikes Peak such a monumental effort and magically unique.
Every year is a toss-up, and ultimately, the mountain decides who races and who doesn’t. This year was no exception, and with 100mph winds above tree line, the call was made to shorten the course so that everyone could have a shot at racing. Devastating to some, but for a team that’s just happy to be there, it’s just another speed bump.
For car #970 piloted by Scott Anderson, there were all the challenges you could expect and then some. Delays in the build, caused by both budget issues and the typical struggles of fabricating almost everything in a one-of-a-kind build, meant the testing window shrank to practically nothing.
And then, during tire testing, the motor failed, causing them to scramble for a replacement with only days to spare before they were literally out of the race. The community rallied, and so did the team.
After so many opportunities to throw in the towel and call it quits, they persevered like only a team born from rally and stubbornness could. Press on regardless, they say- and that was the only option. After the blown motor and sunk costs, it was all or nothing.
Not only did they want to prove it to themselves, but to the community that lifted them up and was rooting for them. It was also the 40th anniversary of Michelle Mouton’s (the queen of speed) legendary run in her Audi Quattro, and to share the same air was an honor and a privilege they couldn’t ignore.
With their noble steed powered by the V8 engine from an Audi S8, it wasn’t the same as it once was, or at all similar to the fabled quattros that had conquered the mountain previously. It was an altogether unique build that satisfied the goals of rally and was objectively at a disadvantage in the thin air of the mountain.
Having had the opportunity to bear witness first-hand to the late nights and early mornings spent completing this car for this race, and to demonstrate what’s possible from a grassroots level effort competing against factory level teams, it is astonishing to not only see the car start the race but also compete admirably and finish in the upper half of its rather large class of 27.
Finishing 13th in his class and 3rd among 8 rookies, Scott showed that not only could he drive, but the team could put a capable car together that defied all odds.
Seeing our testament to late-night wrenching sessions and unwavering (well, slightly wavering) belief that we could tackle Pikes Peak has been nothing short of surreal. It’s a reminder that those crazy ideas, the ones that keep you up at night, are often the ones worth chasing.
So, if you’re out there with a dream build gathering dust in your garage, a wild engine swap scribbled on a notepad, or an ambition that feels just slightly out of reach, take this as your sign.
Follow those dreams, embrace the challenge, and get that dream build started! You never know where it might take you – maybe even to the top of America’s Mountain.
