“Unlike a lot of competitions where drivers are racing against each other, this is a unique competition between the drivers and the mountain,’’ says Paul Giblin of Vermont SportsCar, the event director. “Mount Washington is a great challenge and one of the most technical hills in the world. It’s quick and narrow.’’
Watch the YouTube video of Travis Pastrana’s recent trip up the 7.6-mile asphalt and gravel road — as he navigated more than 70 corners without guardrails and averaged 72 miles per hour — and you’ll get white knuckles just sitting at your keyboard. While Pastrana is not expected to race, this year’s field includes Frank Sprongl, who is seeking to shave a minute off his Climb to the Clouds record (6:41.99). Giblin says it’s very possible given the changes since the last race in 2001. “The cars are lighter, more efficient, and handle better. The course also has more pavement than 10 years ago.’’
Five days of festivities, including concerts and fireworks, lead up to race day. On June 24 and 25, ticket holders will be able to watch practice runs, get an up-close look at the racecars, and meet the drivers. Spectators will be able to watch the races from a grandstand at the starting line or take a shuttle to a viewing area at the halfway point. A select number of spectators will be allowed to drive to the summit and watch at the finish line.
Among the classic cars racing up the mountain will be a 1933 Alfa Romeo that won the 1937 Climb to the Clouds and a Studebaker that won pole position in the 1931 Indianapolis 500. A 1904 Orient Buckboard that competed in the inaugural race will be on display, and the Auto Road’s museum will feature a Locomobile that could be the one Stanley drove to the mountaintop. There’s just no bumper sticker to prove it.
Christopher Klein can be reached at chris@christopherklein.com.
Climb to the Clouds
www.climbtotheclouds.com
June 22-26, tickets $8-$35.
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