At the 103rd running of the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, Ford’s electric Super Mustang Mach-E emerged victorious in its class amidst challenging race conditions due to inclement weather restricting the running.
The Pike’s Peak race, established in 1916, is renowned for its difficulty, with a high starting elevation of 9,390ft and a finish line at 14,110ft, featuring a steep 7.2% average vertical grade. Historically, the race track was mostly unpaved until 2011, posing risks of cars veering off track into the woods or tumbling down the mountain. Unfavorable weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog frequently disrupt the race due to the mountain’s unpredictable climate.
The unique challenge of high altitudes at Pike’s Peak, known as the “Race to the Clouds,” presents hurdles for gas-powered vehicles due to reduced oxygen levels affecting fuel combustion. In contrast, electric vehicles excel in this environment as they do not rely on oxygen for operation, showcasing superior performance in the race over the years.
EVs have a history of success at Pike’s Peak, with the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R setting a record in 2018. Last year, electric entries from Ford, Rivian, and Hyundai dominated their respective categories, displaying the growing influence of electric power in racing events.
Ford’s latest entry, the 1400hp Super Mustang Mach-E, was a formidable contender at this year’s race. The sleek design and powerful performance of the Super Mustang Mach-E, driven by record-holder Romain Dumas, demonstrated Ford’s commitment to achieving success in the competition.
Other notable EVs, including a modified Ioniq 5N and a unique Volkswagen Fun Cup car converted to electric power, added diversity to the race lineup, showcasing the versatility and innovation within the electric racing sector.
Despite weather challenges disrupting the race schedule, the EVs showcased impressive performance on the shortened course. The Ioniq 5N, driven by Robert Walker, set a benchmark time, highlighting the significant performance gap between standard EVs and race-prepped vehicles.
Ford’s Super Mustang Mach-E, despite winning its class, fell short of claiming the overall top spot, with the Nova Proto NP01 securing a faster time in the unlimited class. Dumas acknowledged the impact of the restricted running due to weather conditions, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the mountain’s challenges.
The race day, marked by high winds and technical difficulties, underscored the enduring toughness of the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, testing the resilience and adaptability of both drivers and vehicles in adverse conditions.
While the Super Mustang Mach-E may not have clinched the ultimate victory, its performance exemplified the ongoing evolution and competitiveness of electric racing, setting the stage for future advancements and achievements in the realm of sustainable motorsports.
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