Pikes peak/ Hillclimb

[Dominicnicklyn]

Anyone ever attended pikes peak with their goblin?
I've been listening to lots of podcasts and interviews about cars that perform well up the mountain and it seems like the goblin (set up properly and with a solution for changes in elevation) would do surprising well.

If nobody has then I'll definitely make an attempt in the next couple years.

 

[Gtstorey]

Probably will need some pretty serious HP to be competitive. I think the speeds are fairly high for a hill climb and I would think the Goblin's wind resistance would come into play.

 

[jirwin]

Seeing Pikes Peak was awesome, but I don't think I'd ever want to race it. Especially after visiting the museum and seeing this car

 

[ah.b.normal]

We were based in Denver, CO. February & March of 20 I was talking to the race promoters for PPHC, hoping help by having my Camper in place as a resource for the race workers/officials. So many local resources are otherwise tied up because they are racing! (Our wandering lifestyle was a year away from happening) PPHC and I didn't get past introductions and agreeing to meet up due to Covid chasing us back to Atlanta. I would have gotten to be at a corner on the route for free! The racers' return down the mountain is a very cool parade!, as race cars have to be off the mountain before a preset hour.
**** NON PPHC****** This was the start of living on the road for us. Realizing her job could be "All Remote"; it mattered little where she was sitting all week. We began living/working in other places to have weekends in fun places to visit. We soon learned so long as she has adequate Wi-Fi, she can be effective(SAP project manager). My weeks are spent ensuring we are mobile for our moving days.
In my off time I haunt the Salvage Yards and tinker/learn the sub-systems of Cobalts. So I find and ship little bits, screws, bolts, nuts, brackets, just ask! Although shipping prices are out of my control, many parts themselves are usually cheap.

 

[escapepilot]

Based on how Justin is doing in the Appalachian Hillclimb series, I think a Goblin would do great. A turbo set up should help with the altitude

 

[Gtstorey]

I think there is a very big difference in speeds from the Appalachian Hill climbs and Pikes Pike. I'm not saying it won't work, just has some disadvantages.

 

[Rttoys]

I’m familiar with the PPIHC. I was crew chief for 2 years (2014-2015) racing vintage motorcycle at pp. I can’t begin to describe what kind of brutal hell you are wishing for running that race. It’s the second most dangerous race in the world only behind idle of man………. and I still want to go back.

With that being said, one of the reasons I built my goblin was to possibly race pp on the car side. Once you race the mountain, you are in a special club, more like a cult and it just controls you.

From what I can tell and asking other fellow pp people, the goblin would only fall under exhibition class. You would basically be running by yourself, which is fine, but also kind of boring. I guess boring is the wrong word. You’ll only be competing against other prototypes that don’t fit any other category, so there’s no clue who or what you are racing against. You’ll have to decide if you want to spend big bucks, just to say you raced it. For comparison, in 2014 it cost us about $20k to race 2 motorcycles with the motorcycles and equipment were already purchased. This number would be for testing and preparation, transportation and lodging, consumables, repairs, food and all else to make the week happen.

race week is brutal. You’ll need to be there by Sunday for sign in and drivers meeting. Monday is tech. Tuesday to Friday is practice. Pp is open to the public from 8am to dark. Which means you have to practice from sun up (5am) to 8am. You’ll need to be set up and ready before first practice starts and attend the drivers meeting/rollcall before hand. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to get from the base of pp to your section (changes each day). Start doing the math and you get up around 1-2am to start your day. 8 ish practice is over and you pack up and head down. Get to camp about 10am and you are ready for dinner. Then it’s time to fix anything that may have broke or need attention. Something always happens. You end up staying active all day and try to go to sleep early, because you have 4 more days of this routine……..

saturday, you are off and Sunday is go time. Hit the mountain about 3-4am, get setup, look over the car and wait for the drivers meeting. When you finally get to race, it is the longest 10+ minutes of your life. All you do is watch a tv screen and hope to see your guy trip the timers. Once he’s at the top your whole world of stress falls off you like nothing you have felt before. Then you find your trailer and sleep………for a month.

I hate the motorcycles were eliminated, so I don’t pay much attention anymore, but it still draws me in every year to watch for a little while remembering being there.

 

[Rttoys]

Seeing Pikes Peak was awesome, but I don't think I'd ever want to race it. Especially after visiting the museum and seeing this car
View attachment 43006

That museum opened in 2014 just after the race that year. We were one of the few teams invited to check it out the Saturday before the race. I was looking at that car from up above and said the ti guy next to me “that much have been a hell of a ride”. He said “it was”. The dude next to me was the co driver in that car. He said the driver won’t return, but he was racing that year, first time back and said he has a mountain to beat. The dude was bad ass.

if you ever get to go the the museum, there’s a banner hanging in there that I signed ( well everyone signed that day) that day.

 

[Matt3458]

Found on YouTube

2023 Pine Mountain Hillclimb 1:40.6 DF Goblin

 

[Dominicnicklyn]

Based on how Justin is doing in the Appalachian Hillclimb series, I think a Goblin would do great. A turbo set up should help with the altitude

The big issue is that you would have to limit the turbo, it would "overspool" itself due to the lack of air density.

It's possible, just difficult without lots of money and standalone ecu ect...

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Check the tech rules, not as simple as one may think to get a Goblin prepped for the PPIHC. But would be great if someone would jump through all of the hoops to get one into the race. Since it would be entered into exhibition class, it would be hit and miss on any given year to see what it would be competing against. And talk to @Rttoys Russell since he has hands-on experience at the PPIHC.

I'm seeing the Goblin frame would likely require some additional strengthening - gussets at aminimum - to probably make it through tech.
105.2 – Material: The roll cage must be constructed of steel tubing or 6061-T6 aluminum. The roll cage material shall be the same as the material used in the frame (steel or aluminum). It will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner to provide documentation as to the specifications of the material used if requested. The roll cage must be gusseted in all four corners. It is recommended that all gussets be made of seamless tubing thereby eliminating any sharp edges which might endanger the competitor in the event of a roll-over.

Firewall restrictions for a full rear wall.
125. Firewall – A full firewall to provide a watertight and flame resistant barrier between the engine and the driver is required in all entries.
125.1 – Rear engine cars will have an approved firewall between engine compartment and cockpit to the top of the driver's helmet.

Seats need to be aluminum or composite (SFI type) and braced in the rear.
107.2 – Only metal or approved composite seats are allowed.
107.3.2 – In vehicles where the seat is upright and has not been tested or rated, the back of the seat is required to have a seat back brace mounted to the cage...

Fire extinguishing system.
112.1 – Fire Systems are mandatory.

Along with the fire suit, arm restraints, 5-6 point harness, window net, and probably some other items I didn't see.
108. Driver’s Restraint System – All drivers in PPIHC sanctioned events shall utilize a 5, 6, or 7- point restraint harness meeting the following specifications. A 7-point restraint harness is recommended. Arm restraints are required on all open air vehicles.
114.1 – It is mandatory for the competitor to wear his or her helmet, fire suit, shoes, eye protection, gloves, seat belts and shoulder harnesses, and arm restraints/window netting (in vehicles required to have) while operating the race vehicle.

Fuel Cell requirement.
117.1 – A fuel cell is mandatory in all divisions and must be installed in the same location as the factory fuel tank or a location

Cooling system.
119.1 – Only water or other non-glycol based products will be allowed. No antifreeze or other glycol based coolants may be used. No methanol or other alcohol based liquids may be used for external cooling via spray system.

Battery mounting.
116.1 – Batteries must be installed in a safe manner. Battery must be in a leak-proof container.

Tow Hooks.
123.1 – All race vehicles shall have an accessible and labeled tow hook mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Who's going to go for it first?

 

[Dominicnicklyn]

Check the tech rules, not as simple as one may think to get a Goblin prepped for the PPIHC. But would be great if someone would jump through all of the hoops to get one into the race. Since it would be entered into exhibition class, it would be hit and miss on any given year to see what it would be competing against. And talk to @Rttoys Russell since he has hands-on experience at the PPIHC.

I'm seeing the Goblin frame would likely require some additional strengthening - gussets at aminimum - to probably make it through tech.
105.2 – Material: The roll cage must be constructed of steel tubing or 6061-T6 aluminum. The roll cage material shall be the same as the material used in the frame (steel or aluminum). It will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner to provide documentation as to the specifications of the material used if requested. The roll cage must be gusseted in all four corners. It is recommended that all gussets be made of seamless tubing thereby eliminating any sharp edges which might endanger the competitor in the event of a roll-over.

Firewall restrictions for a full rear wall.
125. Firewall – A full firewall to provide a watertight and flame resistant barrier between the engine and the driver is required in all entries.
125.1 – Rear engine cars will have an approved firewall between engine compartment and cockpit to the top of the driver's helmet.

Seats need to be aluminum or composite (SFI type) and braced in the rear.
107.2 – Only metal or approved composite seats are allowed.
107.3.2 – In vehicles where the seat is upright and has not been tested or rated, the back of the seat is required to have a seat back brace mounted to the cage...

Fire extinguishing system.
112.1 – Fire Systems are mandatory.

Along with the fire suit, arm restraints, 5-6 point harness, window net, and probably some other items I didn't see.
108. Driver’s Restraint System – All drivers in PPIHC sanctioned events shall utilize a 5, 6, or 7- point restraint harness meeting the following specifications. A 7-point restraint harness is recommended. Arm restraints are required on all open air vehicles.
114.1 – It is mandatory for the competitor to wear his or her helmet, fire suit, shoes, eye protection, gloves, seat belts and shoulder harnesses, and arm restraints/window netting (in vehicles required to have) while operating the race vehicle.

Fuel Cell requirement.
117.1 – A fuel cell is mandatory in all divisions and must be installed in the same location as the factory fuel tank or a location

Cooling system.
119.1 – Only water or other non-glycol based products will be allowed. No antifreeze or other glycol based coolants may be used. No methanol or other alcohol based liquids may be used for external cooling via spray system.

Battery mounting.
116.1 – Batteries must be installed in a safe manner. Battery must be in a leak-proof container.

Tow Hooks.
123.1 – All race vehicles shall have an accessible and labeled tow hook mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Who's going to go for it first?

Seems somewhat doable. Just a little worrisome with the firewall.

I've just been thinking about time trials and street rallys alot lately. All this talk makes me want to finally go through with my awd sonic build. (Possibly an LSJ-T matted to a sadev dog box sequential)

 

[Rttoys]

There’s another thing. You can’t just have a compliant car and sign up. You need a race history. You don’t need to be a race champion, just a good history of racing. PPIHC overlords have the final say if you can race or not.

 

[Rttoys]

I don’t even want to get into the politics of this race either. That’s a whole other subject outside of the rule book.

 

[Rauq]

It is recommended that all gussets be made of seamless tubing thereby eliminating any sharp edges which might endanger the competitor in the event of a roll-over.

You going to redo your gussets now?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

No, already heading down a path which is in compliance with the rules of most sanctioning bodies that I've looked at - appears to be aligned with PPIHC rules too, at least what I've read so far. But in reality it all comes down to what happens at the tech inspection. A Goblin would probably get scrutinized thoroughly, since it's not a production vehicle and it has not been seen before - if anyone were to participate. Since I don't ever plan to participate in the PPIHC, or go class SCCA racing, I'm good with what I have planned for my project.

 

[Rttoys]

Sign up for the emails from the PPIHC to get cool info. On this weeks email, I knew the answer to the trivia question. I met the guy in 2014. We use his shocks on our bikes and he also adjusted them for us on a practice day. That’s service. Answer is in the next post.

 

[Rttoys]

.

 

[Rttoys]

Ppihc application

Competitors - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Competitor Corner Welcome to the Competitor Corner. Below you will find GET READY To RACE TO THE CLOUDS REQUEST FOR INVITATION The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), presented by Gran Turismo, also known as The Race to the Clouds, is an invitational automobile hill climb to...

ppihc.org

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Russell send me your personal info so I can get a $1M policy started on you now - the one that's $3 per day. I'll make sure your wife is a co-beneficary. I'm praying for you!