So I worked in the pits for one of the open wheel cars on the PPIHC (Pikes Peak International Hill Climb) this year. It's my second year doing it. We took third in the open wheel this year. I got to meet Rhys and Rod Millen. I didn't really get to talk to Rhys for more than a minute. They are both really nice guys. We spent a little time talking to Rod. He said he still has 2 of his 4wd RX-7's back in New Zealand.

He actually ended up willing the class with a finish of 11.04.91. I'll get a pic of his car leaving the start line later.

 

that's pretty cool. i'd love to sit down and chat with or interview him. in my eyes, it's probably a bigger deal to me that you got to speak with him than the fact that you actually get to work with open-wheeled cars - and that IS a big deal to me.

yeah man, put up that photo whenever you get a minute to do so.

 

Very cool! I'd love to talk to that guy, especially about the 4wd FB lol

 

He has one of the FB's and one of the FC's. He also still has the Toyota Tacoma.

 

Here's Rod:


Rhys:



Monster Tajima:


One of the cars in our team (I'm in the black t-shirt and hat):

 

Here is a really cool video from Monster Tjima's car this year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VAJaZAV-gQ

Around the first turn before the start line on the right just past the trucks in front of the fence is us (0:09), lol.

 

Intense!!!^^ Awesome video.. I would never be that close though lol

 

Interesting to see how he has to modulate the gas pedal on the dirt.
I guess the traction won't allow him to lay on the power like he does on the paved portions.
just that the about of feathering of the gas he does was interesting to watch and listen to.

 

The reason for the way he works the gas pedal is because this year most of the cars are running street tires. Last year there was much more dirt so they were mostly running off road tires. Next year they will have it all paved so everyone will be running street tires.

 

Check out gotcone.com He took tons of pics while his wife Christy Carlson ran in the Time Attack class.

Here's one of yours.



Here's Rhys



And Rod

 

Cool pics.
Here is the other car I pitted for (he took third in the open wheel):


Here is one that we helped a bit:

 

Most of the guys are pretty cool, but Mr. Tajima is the nicest guy on that entire mountain. He brings such a passion to the event, and it wouldn't be the same without him. I got to talk to him for the 2nd time this year at fan fest, great guy.