John Ames is a many-time SCCA Solo II National champion who lives in
Colorado. He has been coaxed to run a Wells-Coyote (Essentially a
rear-engined sprint car) at the 2003 Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
The following is from Rick Walford, fellow Colorado autocrosser, active
chiropractor (hmmmm), and cartoonist for N.A. Pylon. The 'Climb" happens
this Saturday.--John Kelly
RE: Pikes Peak
The web site has short video clips you can go to and see cars run - like
semis, open wheel, stock cars, etc.
http://www.ppihc.com
Clarification - John Ames Qualified 7th yesterday for the 81st running of
the
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Timing and reports sometimes gets
confused up on the hill. He ran conservative, as he wanted to make the big
show and
not having enough time (fifth time in the seat and actually driving the car
and a thick fog the morning of qualifying he did a very respectful time).
Think of this hill climb as an autocross with 153 turns, boulders for cones
and
sweepers with 2000-foot drop-offs on the outside. The car is about the
size of
our A Modifieds only with stroked small blocks and big blocks with some as
much as 750 horsepower and 650 pounds of torque - at sea level. Some in
this
class are turbo SHO motors or turbo Porsche motors in a small chassis. The
altitude takes sometimes 30% or more power away as you go up. There is
6000 feet of
elevation increase in 12 miles from the start. Now they are paving and
portions are paved, most is not. Attempting to have a chassis, setting and
tire
that works on the combination is quite a chore.
Open Wheel Division - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (total 15
entrants)
Paul Dallenbach - Basalt , CO 5:03.74* - *Fastest Qualifier for all
Divisions - beating the unlimited)
Jimmy Keeney - Colorado Springs, CO 5:04.17
Steve Clark - Colorado Springs, CO 5:25.57
Todd Cook - Tempe, AZ 5:29.27
Donner Billingsly - Colorado Springs, CO 5:35.66
Dave Wood - Colorado Springs, CO 5:38.67
JOHN AMES - BLACK FORREST, CO 5:41.52
Gary Ediger - Peyton, CO 5:52.54
David Register - Woodland Park, CO 5:59.10
+ 6 other drivers (total 15 entrants)
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