Acura is Going Record Hunting at Pikes Peak
For the 15th consecutive year in a row, Acura will be heading back to America’s Mountain for the 103rd running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, on June 22. The goal this year isn’t just to win and add to the brand’s 12 first place in-division finishes, 30 podiums and multiple course records. Acura is looking to also set a new course record for front-wheel drive cars. The current record holder? Acura with a 500-horsepower TLX in 2018.
For those unfamiliar, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place in Colorado and is one longest running motorsports competitions in America. Started in 1916, for over 100 years drivers have come from all over the world to race against the clock on the gruelling, 156-turn, 12.42-mile ascending mountain road that climbs nearly 5,000 feet in elevation.
The Integra Returns
For this year's competition, Acura is once again entering the Time Attack 1 (TA1) division with the Integra Type S DE5 race car. Designed by HRC, the Integra Type S DE5 race car is designed for a variety of motorsport applications, sold to racers, outfitted for a specific race series’ regulation.
The race car that will be tackling Pikes Peak is powered by a modified version of the Integra’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder K20C8 engine. For this application, power is listed around 360 hp and power is sent to the front-wheels through a 6-speed sequential transmission. The suspension and brakes and been tuned to maximize speed while climbing the mountain.
To make the car lighter, all unneeded materials, trims, and components are removed from the body’s shell. Of course, a safety cage is added as well as massive wings for added downforce. Cooling is also upgraded to ensure the car doesn’t overheat while being punished up the hill.
Katherine Legge at the Helm
Behind the wheel of the #93 Integra Type S DE5 will be racing Veteran Katherine Legge. Although best known for INDYCAR and IMSA racing, this will be Legge’s second time attacking the hill, looking to follow up on her top 5 finish last year. But as mentioned, finishing positions may not be as important as finishing time.
After completing the race in 10:51.359 last year, Acura and Legge have the front-wheel drive record 10:48.094 in their sights.
While discussing all things Acura, the brand will also be supplying the official pace car for the 103rd running of America’s longest running hill climb. Piloting the Integra pace car will be Olympic bronze-medalist speed skater, Rusty Smith. Those wondering what Smith, a speed skater, could have in common with Acura and hill climb racing, he’s a huge car enthusiast, with a collection of cars including a Spa Yellow first-generation Acura NSX-T, complete with Vivid Yellow interior.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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