This turbocharged Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car ran at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday, claiming second overall behind an open cockpit prototype, and breaking the Time Attack 1 class record by more than 14 seconds. Pro rally driver and PPIHC veteran Raphael Astier took the checkered flag in just 9 minutes 23.721 seconds. You can watch the full run below.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this time is that Raph Astier was clearly frustrated at the top of the mountain, saying that there was something wrong with his engine. So it’s possible that this crazy build had even more time in it if things hadn’t gone wrong. Here he is giving an interview immediately after the run. You can see the disappointment in his face.
And if you want to know the backstory of this Porsche’s build up in the weeks leading up to Pikes Peak, thankfully the Hoonigans documented the whole thing. Check that out, in three parts, below. The BBi team cut it awfully close, getting the car operational just hours before they needed to leave for Colorado. It’s a hectic build. Hopefully they can improve on this formula and bring it back to the mountain next year.
Part 1 –
Part 2 –
Part 3 –
View Comments (4)
Interesting interview at the end with Raphael, that might explain why earlier in the climb at lest two times which were noticeable he was searching for a lower gear or the engine did not have the power it should have coming out of the corners as he thought it should, still great driving and driver, Raphael with a in song engine i have no doubt a faster time is there.
Just watched the 3 parts and what a great bunch of intelligent guys and from what i have seen in the clips no time for testing engine in the real world but to get to what they have done brilliant, just brilliant.
I have driven that road twice. The first time in a rented Jeep wagon and the second time in my 74 non turbo wide body 911. It was exciting to drive the 911 up there. Since there was some traffic I could not go as fast as I wanted to. However, I got it over 100 a few times going up. If you mess up you have a long way down over the side! This video puts your chin down on the road. If you know what is over the down hill side you are really going to hold your breath. These guys did a great job putting the car together and making the video. If you haven't driven the road, do it! Go mid week when the kids are in school. It is a real trip! Also be advised that you may have trouble breathing at the top as it is quite high. Not much Co2 up there.
Craig, maybe the loss of breath could also have to do with the excitement on the way up