Pikes Peak Int. Hill Climb | Friday, June 28th, 2003
The Lancer Evolution charges up Pikes Peak on Friday morning
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Hairpin turns and some snow greet the Drivers as they ascend the peak
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Early morning light shines on David Higgins
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Cary Hart thrills the packed crowd in downtown Colorado Springs
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Pre-Race Update
Friday, June 28th, 2003
Team Mitsubishi Motor Sports America
2003 Pikes Peak Int. Hill Climb: Pre-Race News & Notes
David Higgins looks for his fourth win of the season at Pikes Peak
The 81st annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will start Saturday morning, but the festivities have been going on all week around Colorado Springs. Thursday night brought rallying and motocross together for the first time in the United States. Sponsored by Team Mitsubishi Motor Sports America, the event looked to draw on a big crowd already in place for the hill climb. A huge section of street was fenced off downtown as professional motocross hero Cary Hart and his crew set up for a dazzling motocross air show. Between the takeoff and landing, a gap of over seventy feet, stood three gleaming Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions, including the team's rally cars. The fans were overwhelmed as they filled every inch around the fence for a glimpse of the looming spectacle.
As Cary Hart's superstar girlfriend Pink kept an eye on the action, the motocross riders made their final preparations. As they revved their bikes, the atmosphere became tense with anticipation. The bikes soared through the air, each trick more jaw dropping than the last. The crowd erupted and flash bulbs lit up the night. It was an amazing sight that US rallying has never experienced, all while the Lancer Evolutions took center stage. An amazing night of motorsports action coupled with huge fan turnout was a recipe for success.
The real action, however, is on Pikes Peak. At over 14,000 feet, the mountain is an imposing figure. Racers have been drawn to the 12 mile road for over 80 years, this year being no exception. Thursday and Friday saw the Mitsubishi Team practicing on the lower and upper sections of the mountain. SCCA Championship points leader David Higgins set the fastest stage time on Friday and looks to continue his run of clean wins this season. Lauchlin O'Sullivan and Christian Edstrom will also be pointing their Lancer Evolution to the clouds in hopes of widening the Manufacturer's Championship points lead. Saturday's race will be hotly contested. It's a 12.42 mile charge up the hill, fastest to the top is the champion.
