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2012 PPIHC & Monster Tajima Official News
Press Releases:
August 10, 2012
August 9, 2012
Tajima Makes Progress on the Steepest Section of Pikes Peak
August 9, 2012, Colorado Springs, CO - The second day of practice of the 90th edition of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) consisted of steep uphill climbs and tight switchbacks for the reigning champion and record holder, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. This year, Tajima traded in his incredible unlimited class car for an arguably more impressive electric vehicle (EV). Tajima continued the second day of practice by learning and feeling out the car, adjusting it as required for Sunday's race day.
Today, Tajima attacked the middle section of the climb. This section is great for spectators because it has the most dramatic elevation changes and multiple switchbacks that are visible from above. These conditions can potentially favor EVs over gasoline-powered cars, as the driver does not have to worry about constant gear changes or "bogging" the engine; electric motors have a characteristically flat torque curve over most of its rev range that helps the car propel out of corners with ease.
After yesterday's first practice, Tajima made many changes to the car's setup. As a direct result, the feeling with the new car improved, and the times started to show the progress. Tajima's run topped the time sheets in his run group today, which included Exhibition, Vintage, Stock, Open, and Electric classes. Tajima warns against comparing to his competitors at this stage of practice: "The times we achieved today are only a result of the changes I made to the car. Today was only practice; the conditions will be different on race day. My main objective was to gain confidence and understanding of the car going into tomorrow's practice."
Friday is the last day of practice allowed on the hill prior to the race, and the route features the highest elevation out of all three sections, although the change in elevation is not as great as the middle section's. Tajima says that the top section is his favorite section because the high speeds require bravery. Even though the car is clearly coming along, Tajima remains cautious about the final day's practice. His only comment when asked how he and his car will perform on Friday is, "I'll do my best."
Fan Fest - August 10, 2012 - Monster Sport would like to invite the public to meet "Monster" Tajima and see his new electric car at Fan Fest 2012. The annual pre-race celebration features food and live entertainment. Monster Sport will sell official "Monster Sport Pikes Peak" shirts and hats, available at this event only. The celebration takes place on Tejon Street between Colorado Avenue and Bijou Street in downtown Colorado Springs from 5:00 PM through 10:00 PM.August 8, 2012
"Monster" Sets Top EV Time on First Day of Qualifying
August 8, 2012, Colorado Springs, CO - A new era of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) officially began today, as the new, fully paved course invites a new breed of race car. In past years, the Pikes Peak hill climb cars were notorious for three things: their massive amount of horsepower, their huge wings that provide much-desired downforce, and their ability to adapt to the changing and inconsistent road surfaces leading up to the summit. Now, the last is no longer a necessary trait, as the smooth surfaces are more familiar to a circuit race car than a rally car. Cars should be able to climb faster on lowered suspensions and racing slicks, but it still takes a brave driver to reach the necessary speeds to break Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's sub-ten minute record.
PPIHC held its first practice sessions on Wednesday, August 8th, and as usual, practice was divided into three sections along the 12.42-mile course. What was unusual was that Tajima's familiar Unlimited Class entry was replaced by an electric vehicle (EV) running in the EV Class on the lowest section of the course. This section covers the longest distance in the three-day practice and qualifying sessions. The final bits of gravel road last year were part of this lower section, so veteran drivers had to deal with new lines, new curbs, and a different way of driving to negotiate up the tricky, newly paved road.
Team APEV with Monster Sport came to the first day of the qualifying session prepared after several days of testing at Pueblo Motorsports Park. Consequently, "Monster" set the fastest time in the EV class along the lower portion.
Monster Sport's exclusive interview with Nobuhiro Tajima reveals his feelings about the new car and the new course.
MS: How was the drive?
NT: Fantastic. Everything is going well.
MS: What is different between this car and last year's car?
NT: This car has more torque, and this car is easier to control than last year's car. Last year's car was gasoline-powered, and the engine had a lot of power and torque, but the range was very limited [in the revs of each gear]. This year's car has a torque curve that is much longer and flatter that I can use everywhere, so it's very nice.
MS: So coming out of the corners is easier?
NT: Yes, also, I don't have to shift gears, so I can keep my hands on the steering wheel. That makes me very happy.
MS: You just ran the course that's fully paved this year. How is your driving different this year compared to last year?
NT: I like gravel very much - a bit sideways is my driving style, but paved is not good for driving sideways. I had to drive gently - not too much sideways - just gently.
MS: Did you find the right line this morning, or are you still trying to find the right line?
NT: Yes, I understand the line, and I'm very happy now.
MS: So, after today's two runs, what adjustments to the car are you planning to make?
NT: Today, I knew that this car's suspension is still not set up for the full pavement. It is still set up for a mix of both gravel and pavement. I want more time to tune the car for the fully paved course.
MS: I know you did some testing on a track before. Is this hill climb different from the track?
NT: Different - I was worried about the gravel getting spread on the asphalt on the hill climb, so I adjusted the set up on the track with this in mind, but it seems that there was very little gravel on the course today. The course was very clean. I had set up the suspension for a mix of gravel and asphalt, but now I want to change to a 100% asphalt setting. I want to try this setting tomorrow.
For further information contact:
Tomoyuki Ishikura / Tajima
Motor Corp PR (Japan)
pr@tajima-motor.com
pr@monster-sport-usa.com
August 7, 2012
The Return of Monster Tajima with an Electrifying New Challenge
August 7th, 2012, Colorado Springs, CO. U.S.A. - After only five weeks from full containment of one of the largest wildfires in the history of Colorado, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima is returning to his second home - Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. Tajima's Monster Sport is bringing a newly-designed electric hill climb car called the 2012 E-Runner Pikes Peak Special. It was developed by Tajima's elite team of engineers specifically for the 90th running of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Tajima is teaming up with the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (APEV) and its chairman, Souichiro Fukutake. "Fukutake-san has always encouraged our project, even when it was only an idea in my head."
Although Tajima admits he thought the race would be cancelled this year, he says he is ready. His new car looks nothing less than revolutionary. Its drive system is powered purely by electricity, and its sleek, slender shape looks purposeful. The cockpit looks like something out of a fighter jet. Tajima explains his decision to go with the new car. "I will be entering this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with my new electric race car. The reason I made this change is that I would like to help save our beautiful planet earth for our children."
The primary goal of APEV is to reduce CO2 emissions and other harmful greenhouse gases by promoting cleaner electric vehicles (EV) all over the world. Tajima's new car fits perfectly into APEV's mission, as the climb to the summit of the 14,110 foot (4,300m) mountain is arguably the most famous in the world. Cars and motorcycles race up the course at terrifying speeds, sometimes pointed straight at the sky with little margin for error. Tajima is here to make a point: "My intention here is to break my own record with this EV hill climb car and show the world that EVs can be radical and very, very fast."
Tajima also made a point to speak about the residents of Colorado Springs, the place he considers his second home. "I'd like to express my sympathy to all the people in Colorado Springs who were affected by the wildfires. Also, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fire fighters, emergency crews, volunteer workers, and military personnel who fought fearlessly and selflessly. I am moved by their courage.
"To thank and to show my respect to the residents of Colorado Springs after what they have endured, I will place special 'Battle the Blaze Fund' stickers next to my 'Pray for Japan' stickers on my electric hillclimb monster. The 90th running of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be the sign of your strength and hope."
Tajima concludes, "I am very happy to be back here. Let's all enjoy the race!"
The official PPIHC race week begins with the technical inspection on August 7th at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Team APEV with Monster Sport have already successfully completed two days of testing near Colorado Springs, and they are ready to make an electrifying debut with their E-Runner Pikes Peak Special. Practice starts on August 8th, and race day follows on August 12th.
ABOUT NOBUHIRO "MONSTER" TAJIMA:
He is best known as "Monster" around the world of motorsports. The name originated from his superb, wild driving style in the All Japan Dirt Trial [Rallycross] Championship. He achieved nine series wins there, then continued his dominant form in international overseas rallies. Many of Tajima's rally wins come from the Asia Pacific Rally Championship, where he won a total of five times in the 2WD division. In New Zealand, he saw a new challenge in the "Race to the Sky" hill climb. His determination helped him win a total of eight times there. Fittingly enough, the motorsport world renamed the mountain, "Tajima's Mountain." In 1988, Tajima's sights naturally fell on arguably the most famous hill climb in the world: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Again, his perseverance helped him achieve the overall win in 1995 - a first for a Japanese competitor. In 2007, he made history by breaking the overall course record. Tajima continued his streak by finally breaking the 10-minute barrier in 2011 on the mixed-surface event. This record will forever stand in the history books. Tajima is still determined to continue his run of consecutive overall wins (currently at six) with his new electric vehicle this year. His company, Tajima Motor Corporation, has designed an electric vehicle from the ground up that will propel "Monster" up the mountain at speeds high enough to potentially break the overall course record. Tajima hopes that his vehicle will serve as a pioneer and catalyst in the "green energy" push around the motorsports world.
ABOUT TEAM APEV WITH MONSTER SPORT:
Led by Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, CEO of Tajima Motor Corporation, and managed by Paul Wilding of Monster Sport Australia, the team consists of a small but effective group of engineers and technicians from around the world with extensive World Rally Championship experience. Monster Sport [Japan], Monster Sport Australia, and Monster Sport Europe will be on hand to support Tajima's endeavor in conjunction with the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (APEV).
For further information contact:
Tomoyuki Ishikura / Tajima Motor Corp PR (Japan) - pr@tajima-motor.com
Yujiro Otsuki / Monster Sport Team PR (U.S.A.) - pr@monster-sport-usa.com
July 26, 2012
Monster Tajima has this special youtube video message for his friends and fans in Colorado Springs.
July 3, 2012
Thanks to all of the hard work of the emergency staff on the Waldo Canyon Fire, the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been rescheduled for August 12, 2012. Click here for the full story.
June 28, 2012
From Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima"To all my fans and friends in Colorado Springs... I am devastated to hear the news about the fires, I hope that you all stay safe and well and I will pray that your homes and belongings avoid the disaster. The hillclimb has been postponed for now but when it is rescheduled, I will be back and hope to see you all then! Best Regards N.Tajima"
June 28, 2012
The Colorado Springs Gazette says a new date for the running of the 90th Pikes Peak Hill Climb is expected to be announced on this coming Tuesday. Here is a link to the story.
Please keep checking back with us for further news.
June 28, 2012
Below is a link to the latest update on the status of the rescheduling of the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. A date has yet to be determined, and PPIHC are working hard to find a new one. They also reiterate their intention to honor all of the tickets already purchased for the event.
Click here for today's statement from the PPIHC.
At the McCloskey family of dealerships, we look forward to this opportunity to show the state, country and world that Colorado Springs can rebound and recover! Once the event has been rescheduled, we hope to see you there!
June 27, 2012
In consideration of the wild fires still burning in the area, the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been postponed for a later date, to be determined and announced. The PPIHC website states that all tickets that have been sold will be honored as well as all sponsor, vendor and supplier agreements will be fulfilled at that new date.
June 26, 2012
Statement from the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation Regarding the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
June 26, 2012
From: President & CEO Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
"We are cautiously optimistic concerning the running of the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8 after an informative and thorough meeting this morning with Mayor Steve Bach and officials from the City of Colorado Springs. We are in consistent touch with these officials, and monitoring the constantly-developing situation related to the wildfires."
"We are grateful for the support of the City and for the efforts of the agencies involved in protecting our community from the fire. Our constant thoughts are with the hundreds of men and women who are in the air and on the ground giving us their best, and with our residents and neighbors."
"In the meantime, our systems for the staging of the race and the ancillary events connected to it are fully operative."
Mike Moran
Senior Media Consultant
The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
June 25, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information
Dawn Dawson, Reflections Advertising
719-391-8559 dawnd2@comcast.net
Zapping the Competition "Monster" Style
King of the Mountain, Monster Tajima set to break his all-time record with his electric racecar
Colorado Springs, CO ? June 25, 2012
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record holder and six-time consecutive winner, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima of Team GoPro Monster Sport with BC, announces he has moved to the Electric division this year and will attempt to break his record of 9:51.278 (set last summer) at this years' 90th annual Race to the Clouds. Tajima is available for one hour including a limited number of one-on-one interviews at a press conference on Monday, July 2nd, at 10:00 a.m. at McCloskey Imports & 4x4's. McCloskey Imports & 4x4's, this year's host with the team, is located at 6710 N. Academy Blvd. Media RSVPs are required for a guaranteed interview.
About Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima
Tajima, of Team APEV with Monster Sport, of Japan, is a hill climb racer, business owner, former World Rally Championship (WRC) team principal and rally driver who is best known for his participation in various rallying program as well as his triumphs at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Tajima made his race debut in 1968 in the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship. His debut at Pikes Peak came in 1988. In all, he has taken nine All Japan Dirt Trial Championship titles, four World Rally Championship class wins, two class wins in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship. and nine Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) overall victories. On June 25th 2011, Tajima became the first driver to crack the 10-minute barrier, beating his last record set in 2007. This year he will be driving in the Electric division because he wanted to showcase a racecar that is better on the environment. His electric racecar called the 2012 Monster Sport Pikes Peak Special will be racing on July 8th.
About the 90th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8th 2012 (http://www.usacracing.com/ppihc/about/overview)
The race is a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak. The thin air slows drivers' reflexes and muscle strength, and robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. The race has 11 classes and features a variety of automotive, semi truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro stock and motorcycle classes with a field of almost 200 competitors. Practice and qualifying runs take place July 4-6, leading up to the race on Sunday, July 8th.
The current record is 9:51.278 set by Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima in 2011.
About McCloskey Imports & 4x4's
McCloskey Imports & 4x4's is hosting Team GoPro Monster Sport with BC during their stay in Colorado Springs. "Tajima and his team are amazing, we are honored to be hosting them again this year. We can't wait to see Tajima break last year's record in his electric racecar." says Joe McCloskey, owner of McCloskey Imports & 4x4's.
The McCloskey Auto Group founders, Joe and Ann McCloskey, have had the honor of being the largest volume Suzuki dealer from 2004-2012. Colorado natives, Joe and Ann operate McCloskey Imports & 4X4s (Suzuki) and Truck Town in Colorado Springs. McCloskey carries a comprehensive line of Suzuki vehicles, including the SX4, Kizashi, Grand Vitara and Equator.
The McCloskey organization has been the recipient of numerous national sales performance and superior business practices awards. Joe and Ann have been married for over 30 years; they have five children and two grandchildren. Four of their children work in the family business.
Fun Tip for Cultural Correctness during Interview
In Japan, people refer to each other by surnames (unless they are being called by other family members, close friends or Japanese nationals that have chosen to live in a foreign country). This surname is always followed by the Japanese equivalent to Mr. or Mrs. which is "san". For example, if Joe McCloskey were to go to Japan he would formally be called "McCloskey san". In Japan, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima is addressed as Tajima san or Monster san. Monster is a nickname given to him by a journalist. For interview purposes in the United States, Mr. Tajima, Tajima san, or Monster are all acceptable.
June 24, 2012
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Set To Welcome The World
Colorado Springs, June 24----------The 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has become a kaleidoscopic tapestry of drivers, racers, news media and fans from across the world.
The legendary race's list of champions over the years includes Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Al Unser, Al Rogers, Rod Millen, Parnelli Jones, Leonard Vahsholtz, Roger Mears, and Eddie Mulder.
In just two weeks, competitors from 15 nations will tackle America's Mountain in search of a trophy; Luxembourg, Russia, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, Canada, the Czech Republic and the United States.
Drivers and racers will be on the Peak from 25 states, including 89 from Colorado, 26 from California, 15 from Texas, even a pair from Vermont.
Familiar names are back again, like Nobuhiro Tajima, Rhys Millen, Clint Vahsholtz, Paul Dallenbach, Greg Tracy, Gary Trachy, Dave Carapetyan, David Donner, Davey Durelle, Carlin Dunne, Randy Schranz and Michael Coburn.
But notable, or new, faces include the likes of 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Romain Dumas, NASCAR veteran Boris Said, Jean-Philippe Dayraut of France (here last year), Brianne Corn, who became last year the first woman to win an auto race on the Peak since Michele Mouton in 1985, British driver Liam Doran, the 2011 X Games Rally Champion, and driver Jeff MacPherson, who 8th at the 1987 Indianapolis 500 won by Al Unser.
When the June 11 deadline was reached for news media applications, no less than 52 international outlets had registered to cover the storied ascent to the summit of the 14,110-foot mountain, the nation's second-oldest motor sports race behind the Indianapolis 500.
For the first time in the fabled history of the race, which began in 1916, the 12.42 mile course is fully-paved, with experts predicting that records will fall from start to finish, erasing the standard of 9:51.278 set last year by Japan's Nobuhiro Tajima, the first ever under ten minutes.
Race Week kicks off on Tuesday, July 3, with an innovative new twist on a regular event, Technical Testing Day at the Pikes Peak International Raceway, south of the city on I-25. Drivers and racers will have their autos and motorcycles tested and approved, but the day will feature a full program of free events for race fans.
The program, which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at PPIHR includes:
· Beer Garden and local food vendors
· Official PPIHC merchandise on sale
· See the official Pace Car on the track
· Bondurant High Performance Driving Racing School Hot Laps Exhibitions
· Scion Drifting exhibitions
· Autographs and photos with drivers and racers
· A chance to meet the drivers and racers on the infield
· Fans can purchase their tickets to the race
The 211 registered drivers and racers will have to qualify during morning practice runs, July 4-5-6, to make it to the Sunday big show on the mountain. The new qualifying rule will reduce the number of entries to around 180 total.
Friday, July 6, 5:00 ? 10:00 pm
The annual Fan Fest is the annual pre-race celebration held in downtown Colorado Springs (Tejon St. between Colorado Ave. & Bijou St.) promoting the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This event is FREE and features a large Budweiser beer garden, live bands, chili cook-off, motorcycle jumpers as well as other live entertainment. Top race qualifiers will display their vehicles (cars, quads, motorcycles, etc.), give driver demos and be present for autograph sessions.
In addition, the PPIHC mobile museum will be on-site and exclusive PPIHC merchandise will be available for purchase. Tickets to the 90th running will also be on sale.
2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - By The Numbers
35,000-----Number of fans expected at the July 6 Fan Fest Downtown
6,500 ----- Race Tickets printed
2,500 ----- Souvenir Programs printed
2,000 ----- Credentials allocated
1,600 ----- Meals for volunteers from Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que
900------- Parking Passes
802 ------ Room nights already booked at the Crowne Plaza, PPIHC Host Hotel
300 ------ Volunteers
300 ------ Audi North America Convention attendees at Cheyenne Mountain Resort
211 ------ Race Teams
200 ------ Camping Passes Purchased by fans
175 ------ Accredited News Media
125 ------ Ducati Motorcycle guests
100 ------ Race Day technical course officials
78 ------ Audi AG Official delegation and media
4:00 a.m. ?The time the toll gate opens on Race Day for spectators
9:00 a.m. ? First division starts (250cc Motorcycles)June 15, 2012
Team APEV with Monster Sport
Pikes Peak EV Challenge - Junior Project
Special lecture by Monster Tajima and the debut of E-Runner's livery at a local Junior High School
June 15th, 2012, Shizuoka, Japan - As a part of the Junior Project by Team APEV with Monster Sport, team brought a special lecturer, Nobuhiro (Monster) Tajima to a local Jr. High School in Iwata-city Shizuoka-pref, Japan where Monster Sport factory is based out of.
Eighth graders of the school, 170 of them were met with Monster Tajima on Friday. Monster expressed his passion for the importance of following their dreams and his new challenge of electric car racing.
After Monster's lecture, students were led to the school ground for the unveiling of the Monster Sport E-Runner Pikes Peak Special's new livery. Iwata-city's mayor, Besides the students, Osamu Watabe was there to support the team's great success of the 7th consecutive victory at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on July 8th, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. U.S.A.
Then the E-Runner was transported to the nearby race track in the afternoon. Monster Tajima did a demonstration run in full speed in front of his fans and media. The crowd was ecstatic and Monster was proud with the performance of the race car.
