One of the oldest running racing events in the world, 2012 marks the 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Unfortunately, race officials met with the U.S. Forest Service yesterday afternoon and announced that due to a 18,500 acre and climbing wildfire that has devastated the Colorado park since June 23rd, the race has been officially postponed until further announcement.
While the blaze isn't directly afflicted the hillclimb, and is in fact moving away from the location, the city officials at Colorado Springs desperately need all the resources that can to address the blaze.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) Chairman of the Board Tom Osborne said, "At the end of our meeting today, it was clear that we would not be able to go as scheduled. Our deepest concern is for the safety of the public and the competitors, and it was obvious that several agencies charged with public safety would not be able to commit the resources and manpower required to ensure those requirements because of the critical need for their resources at this time. Our city is in an unprecedented struggle right now and we are deeply sensitive to it."
Of the 211 competitors readying for the climb, many in the count are international participants outside the United States. The guests have been notifed of the nature of the postonement and a new date should be selected in the coming days. Race officials assured that all tickets purchased will be honored and all sponsor requirements will be fulfilled.
