Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Officially Ends Motorcycle Racing

Motorcycles have been officially excluded from competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event in the US. In 2019, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb announced the halting of its motorcycle classes after the tragic death of Carlin Dunne on a prototype Ducati Streetfighter V4 just a few metres from the finish line, highlighting the inherent dangers of racing motorcycles on the 20 km, 156-turn race to the summit of the peak at 4,302 m. Eyewitnesses at the time had claimed that Dunne had hit a bump at high speed, causing the Pikes Peak veteran to lose control of his bike. A post-race investigation into the accident found no mechanical failure or factor that could have caused the crash.

Also Read: Motorcycles Banned From 2020 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Carlin Dunne crashed at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and died just before the finish line

After deliberating for over two years, on whether to include motorcycles back into the Pikes Peak racing program, the race organisers have concluded that bikes will definitely be absent from the Race to the Clouds event going forward. The news is not unexpected, after the initial announcement disbanding the bike classes two years ago, after Dunne's death at the event.

Also Read: Carlin Dunne Killed At 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Carlin Dunne on the Ducati Streetfighter V4 prototype at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the same year he died from injuries in a crash.

"After two years of research, deliberation, thoughtful consideration and advice from colleagues in the motorsports industry, the Board of the Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has made the decision to discontinue motorcycle competition as part of the annual Race to the Clouds.

"Motorcycle competition has been part of the history of the race off-and-on since 1916, and has been both thrilling and tragic for competitors and fans alike," explained Fred Veitch, Interim Chairman of the Board. "This has been a long process and a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right decision and one that is in the best interest of the organization at this time."

Also Read: Investigation Into Carlin Dunne's Fatal Crash Rules Out Mechanical Failure

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb route was once dirt, but the change to a paved surface resulted in rapid increase in speed, and rider fatalities. In all, six people have died at Pikes Peak since the event began in 1916, four of which have occurred in motorcycle competition. Dirt bikes were once used at the Hill Climb event, but with the paved surface, powerful road bikes became the choice of racers looking for glory. Pikes Peak organisers asked for requirements of bikes with flat handlebars and more upright riding positions, but super nakeds with more than 200 bhp were used at the event. Higher altitude turns are said to have virtually no run-off area, and in case of a motorcycle accident, large boulders and steep drop-offs are a sure shot recipe for disaster.