Suzuki Grand Vitara & Monster Tajima becomes Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Overall Winner!

On July 1st, 2006, Colorado Springs, CO U.S.A., 84th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was held and "Monster" Tajima who drives Suzuki Grand Vitara Hill Climb Special has achieved overall win in this 90h anniversary event!

From the test, the car was performing very well. He has marked top time on both practice days on top section and bottom section. Final day has started. But then a big threat has occurred.

After the motorcycle division, the clouds came out, became black, and people wondered what happened. The start line was very fine weather. Suddenly, the snow started to fall on top section. Then after a while, popcorn size hail started to fall. The race was discontinued several times due to the danger of the condition.

And finally it came to a conclusion that the race distance will be shortened 2/3, up to the 16 miles post. It was pity that the course was shortened, but Tajima started off with full attack.

The split time was faster than what record holder Rod Millen has. When Tajima crossed the finish line, there was a shout from the announcing. Tajima crossed the Devil's Playground's finish line in top time.

He was 44 seconds faster than 2nd place W. Dallenbach, which was 7 min. 38 sec. Tajima became overall winner in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 90th anniversary event.

"Race to the clouds" This is what is called Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

History goes back to 1916. This year, it was the 84th time the race was held. Race start line altitude 2,862m, and finishes at 4,300m. The difference is 1,400m. Distance of 20km, consists of 156 corners. The race is simple. Whoever finishes with fastest time, wins!

The course is made up of 3 sections High speed section on bottom, complicated in middle, and no wood can not survive deserted area after 3,660m, where it is called a top section. The competitor has to drive all the way through these 3 different sections. The surface is mixed, some part hard gravel and other tarmac. No guard rails, which means that no mistake will eventually run off the course and down the cliff.

Also the high altitude will suffer from low oxygen which is very tough for the drivers. Machine also needs big wings, good aerodynamic balance, and most of all 1000ps to conquer the course.

Suzuki and Monster Tajima started the challenge in 1989. In 1993, Twin Engine Cultus has won the Unlimited Division. And on 1995, Twin Engine Escudo has achieved overall win. 1995 was same situation as this year as the course was shortened due to the bad weather.