Long ago, Pikes Peak veterans didn't believe a sub-10-minute run was possible. Now? Rhys Millen took just 9:46.16 to climb up the 14,110 foot summit.
Rhys Millen's incredible achievement was 18 years in the making. From 1994 until 1997, Rhys' father Rod Millen held the record time on the legendary climb. Ever since his father's lap time was toppled, it became Rhys' mission to put the family name back on top.
In a release following Millen's run, he said, "With the insights gained from the last few years in our Genesis Coupe, the team was able to make some high-impact improvements, leveraging additional downforce and traction opportunities provided by the new all-tarmac surface. And behind the wheel, my experience at Pikes Peak over the years allowed me to shave a few tenths from virtually every corner. Breaking the ten-minute barrier is something I've always wanted to do, and it feels great to accomplish this goal in 2012."
Rhys Millen's Team RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe boasts a power output of 700-hp and 700 lb.-ft. of torque. Driving the wheels off the Genesis and wringing everything it's got, Millen kept his foot down around blind corners and crests. Did we mention that Pikes Peak does away with guard rails too? Yes, that's right.
A super-human effort, check out Rhys Millen's incredible record run, filmed just over his shoulder, up the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb below. Happy hump day, everybody!
