Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2023
Kingsley Motorsports
THE MISSION
Our mission with this project was to capture all things media for the Kingsley Motorsports team. We had the pleasure of being invited out again to cover the race for them this year. We provided media coverage for the full week of events.
CLIENT
Kingsley Motorsports
THE OUTCOME
We ended up producing some wonderful images for the team as well as some videos that the team is able to post to any platform they wish. In being on the mountain for the week we were also able to capture several shots of all cars involved.
SERVICES
Media Coverage
THE IMPACT
This project impacted Kingsley Motorsports directly by providing coverage for their team! Inversely, the impact of our images stretched throughout the event as we shared them with a few of the other teams.
Event Background
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), brought to you by Gran Turismo, also known as The Race to the Clouds, is an invitational automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in Colorado, USA held on the last Sunday of June. Founded in 1916 by Spencer Penrose (also the founder of The Broadmoor Hotel, Pikes Peak Highway and El Pomar Foundation), The Broadmoor PPIHC takes place on a 12.42 mile (19.99 km) public toll-road boasting 156 turns, while competitors climb 4,720 ft. (1,440 m.) from the 9,390 ft. (2,862 m.) Start Line at Mile 7 marker on the Pikes Peak Highway to the 14,115 ft. (4,300 m) Finish Line at the mountain’s summit.
(The race. Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. (2022, August 15). Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://ppihc.org/about/)
Reasons of the project
Capture images that had an impact on the automotive industry and provide coverage for a local driver. We thank Andy and Katie Kingsley for the opportunity to shoot this project. The team is based out of Buena Vista, Colorado which is near and dear to us as we grew up in the town.
Tech Inspection
Broadmoor World Area
Our time at the tech inspection consisted of us meeting the team and snapping some images of them getting the car ready. Getting the car ready included putting the front splitter on, checking electronics, and overall a quick rundown of the car before it was looked at. All went well and Andy tossed on the Unlimited class sticker.
Qualification Specs
Making sure all competitors are safe
Check In
Drivers and teams as well as media are all required to check in at tech inspection.
Safety
Things such as roll cages, harnesses, and electonics are all looked at during the inspection.
Class
Driver class is determined: Unlimited, Time Attack 1, Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama, Open Wheel, Pikes Peak Open and Exhibition
Weight
The weight of each car is taken to help narrow down which class each car will fall into.
Qualifying
Three Days - Three sections
Each qualifying day came with its own set of challenges. As the competitors transition through each section factors such as temperature and weather play huge roles in the outcome of qualification. One competitor can have a perfect day and just the next morning a competitor can be in a snowy situation.
Day One
Upper Section
The weather was windy and cold for the upper section this year. Most cars did not do several runs this day so we only got a chance to see most cars once. We did get a killer sunrise though!
Day Two
Lower Section
For the lower section this year we started from the base of the mountain at the start line and hiked up. We were able to get set up on some open corners for some dramatic shots.
Day Three
Middle Section
We set out on this day looking for that golden road shot. For the most part, we were able to achieve the shot but unfortunately, timing did not work out to get Andy the perfect light. Another great day weather-wise on the mountain though!
Fan Fest
Downtown Colorado Springs
Fan Fest takes place in downtown Colorado Springs on Tejon Street. Most of all the drivers and teams gather on Friday evening to display their cars for all to see. It was a great chance for us to grab some candid photos of Andy and the team chatting with friends and fans.
Evening Timeline
A chance for all fans to meet most if not all competing drivers
Kingsley Motorsports team arrives downtown to set up the car
Andy and the team conversing about the race day ahead
Interactions with fans and lifelong connections in the industry
Andy Kingsley signing autographs for fans and kids
What is Fan Fest all about?
It is all about getting together with friends and family to check out some fun and exciting cars. It is a great chance to meet several of the drivers and ask them questions before they head up to the mountain for the big race day. It is also huge for drivers as they get to interact with their fans on a more personal level.
Race Day
Pikes Peak - 14,115 feet (4,302.31 m)
The weather worked out in our favor this year compared to last. Hardly a cloud in the sky with the sun heating that asphalt for the cars. Again on race day, we started the day from the pits to get the action of the team getting the car ready.
Challenges Overcome
The main challenge this year was conditions again. Like almost every year on the mountain, the weather is unpredictable and poses a challenge. This year we ran into one rainy day where qualifying had to be canceled along with our cold and windy day in the upper section. Other than that Andy had great luck with the car and had another fantastic year!
