Motorbikes permanently excluded from Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The organisers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have announced that motorbikes will be permanently excluded from the competition.

Bike racing was temporarily excluded from the event after racer Carlin Dunne was tragically killed at the 2019 event in a crash just before the finish line.

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The event’s organisers have the last two years conducting research and consulting with colleagues from other motorsports events before taking the decision.

“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.”

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No motorbike races for Pikes Peak 2020

First published 29 July 2019 by Ben Clarke

There will be no bike races at the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), a statement from the board of directors has confirmed. 

Organisers will continue to assess the long-term viability of motorbike racing at the course and will make a final decision about its future at the end of 2020.

The decision comes after the tragic death of Carlin Dunne at the 2019 event, after he lost control of his Ducati Streetfighter V4 near the finish line.

“Motorcycles have been a part of the PPIHC for the past 29 years, and their history on America’s Mountain dates back to the inaugural running in 1916,” said Tom Osborne, Chairman. 

“That said, the motorcycle program hasn’t been an annual event.  They have run 41 of the 97 years we’ve been racing on Pikes Peak.  It’s just time to take a hard look at every aspect of the race, including the motorcycle program, and determine whether or not the event may change.”

The statement concludes that “PPIHC staff and board members will continue to track all metrics related to the annual race and make a final determination in late 2020 about whether or not the inclusion of a motorcycle program will take place in future years.”