The Pikes Peak International Hillclimb has a new live broadcast deal.
While the PPIHC is one of North America’s most historic and arguably most prestigious races, it’s never been live broadcast before, due to the technical difficulties of filming a race that runs through extreme altitudes  (starting at 2,862 metres, ending at the summit at 4,300 metres).
Now, race organizers have announced a deal with Matchsports that will see the race broadcast online for the next 10 years, with hopes of also securing a TV deal. PPIHC officials have been working with personnel from SBI Media (Matchsports’ Swiss-based parent company) for months, figuring out how to deal with unique challenges of filming the hillclimb. Now, they think they’ve got the wrinkles ironed out, and they’re ready to start live broadcasts, starting this spring.
This year, the race will take place on June 25; keep an eye on Matchsports.com for more broadcast details as that date draws closer.
The pictured (electric) motorcycle piloted by Carlin Dunne is illegal for competition at Pikes Peak. From the rulebook….
“K. Only motorcycles manufactured with one piece handle bars as original equipment will
be permitted. Only OVM one-piece handlebars will be permitted. This Rule does not
apply to bikes in the Pikes Peak Challenge Sidecar Class.”
This rule has basically eliminated sportbikes from competition and given rise to the preponderance of streetfighter/supermoto-type bikes now entering this race.
Yes, if you read our coverage of the PPIHC over the years, you’ll see some commentary on this rule. Dunne won on that bike in 2013 when it was permitted, and that’s where the photo was taken. But you probably know this, since you knew it was Dunne on the bike.
I believe there’s a ‘no fairings’ rule as well – something about being blown off the side of a mountain…
No, the rulebook is entirely aimed at keeping superbikes off the mountain — they did open it up for superbikes for a while, and I believe a Kawasaki won.
Maybe they could consider a rule to allow superbikes again, but require riders of such bikes to wear a parachute in case they go off a cliff. Some modern parachutes are quite compact and not much more bulky than a good back protector.
You could even fit a gps so if the rider was clearly in midair off the track and a few hundred feet up from “this is gonna hurt, briefly” then the chute would automatically pop open.